Nail files: disposable, electric, laser, glass, ceramic. Types, abrasiveness, which is better

Files for processing the nail plate - required female cosmetic bag tool... Today there are many types of this product, distinguished not only by the shape, material of manufacture, focus and functionality, but even by stylish design.

One of the first options for cutting nails was tried by the ancient Egyptians. For this they used stones, knives and animal skins. At the beginning of the last century, metal tools became the best files for manicure, and brushes based on camel hair were used for polishing.

Purpose and varieties

It is possible to classify devices according to the material of production, form, functions performed, degree of abrasiveness, purpose.

There are the following types of files:

1. Disposable. These are products with replaceable abrasives. The base is made of metal. If it is necessary to replace the abrasive, it can be easily removed. This type of file is considered safe and is often used in professional salons. After each use, the base is sterilized in a dry heat cabinet, treated with antiseptic solutions, and the abrasive is removed. Thanks to such measures, the product remains safe for humans, and the risk of infection with infectious pathologies is reduced. The disposable file is convenient to use and has a low cost.
2. With sealing effect... On the working surface of the device, there are small hemispheres that remove the excess part of the nail, and the cut is left shiny and smooth. Such "sealing" prevents the plate delamination, violation of its structure.

   

3. Electrical. This is a small milling cutter that does all the “dirty” work in a short period of time: it gives shape to the nail plate, prepares it for extension, removes rough skin, fixes the cuticle. The file is a device with replaceable attachments, powered by an electrical network. It runs at a minimum of 10,000 rpm.
4. Laser. With their help, euromanicure is carried out. The product has a fine grain of the abrasive part, as well as grooves and notches, which allows you to eliminate irregularities on the nail, smooth them out. The device is also recommended for cleaning the skin, removing cuticles.

The choice of the tool depends on the thickness of the stratum corneum, the condition of the nail plates, the frequency of manicure manipulations.

What files are there

A nail file (which is better, it will be clear later) is made of metal, glass, plastic, sometimes wood or paper.

Glass

Tempered glass file has a long service life, produces a soft effect on the nail. It can be broken if used carelessly, so a protective case is required. The product lends itself to multiple disinfection: boiling, quartzing.

At the base there is a grinding layer and grooves, which are responsible for grinding the nail. The tool can be colored, with a pattern applied. It is allowed to use a glass file for working with acrylic and gel nail coatings or natural stratum corneum. Before use, it is pre-moistened with water.

The product should be used by those people who have increased nail fragility. Due to the fine grain of the abrasive part, the plate is not damaged, even if it was coated with gel polish or acrylic. With regular use of a glass file, its service life is 1 year. After that it is enough to replace the sanding layer and use it again.

Ceramic

If there is a problem with nail delamination, a ceramic file is used to eliminate it. It is made of silicon or ceramic. The canvas gently grinds the formed scales, preventing the likelihood of new ones. During the processing of the nail, microparticles are separated from the file, which fill the cracks.

The device is characterized by a high degree of fragility, so it will be put into a soft case. There are light and dark ceramic files. The first type is more rigid, therefore it is intended for primary polishing of nails. Darker garments are softer and are used for finishing. The ceramic file is recommended for safe manicure on natural nails.

Diamond

Diamond coated files are always found in professional nail salons. They make it possible to work with a free nail edge in different directions. Due to the texture of the product and dusting, it is possible to seal the edge of the plate, which prevents its delamination. The diamond file is suitable for dry manicure, which does not require steaming hands.

The use of diamond files is recommended for working with natural or extended nails.

With their help, specialists remove the cuticle. Already after 2 weeks of regular use, the cessation of delamination of the nails is noted. To clean the product from contamination, it is enough to rinse it under running water and disinfect it. It is not easy to purchase a product as it has a high cost.

Metal

A nail file (which is better, needs to be determined based on the condition of the nails) - it can be metal. It is durable and can be used for a long time. But the product is characterized by coarse dusting, which leads to significant damage to the nail during processing.

Regular use of a metal device leads to delamination of the stratum corneum. Its use is not recommended for people with a weak and brittle nail plate, but it is suitable for artificial options.

Paper

For individual or professional use, files made from a thick layer of paper or cardboard are suitable, on which a sanding layer is sprayed, and it is applied on both sides. If the device is used in a nail salon, then it is disposable. At home, it is used longer - the file is enough for 3-4 sessions.

Such a product is damaged during disinfection, so repeated use in the cabin is prohibited. An exception are tools made on the basis of paper impregnated with an oil solution.

They can withstand antiseptic treatment. To clean them, a special solution is used that does not damage the base. The grinding layer consists of granite, quartz, Teflon chips.

Plastic

Nail files (which are best can be determined by trial and error) are often made of plastic. They are characterized by ease of use and low price. They provide a gentle treatment, therefore they are recommended for polishing nails that are often broken, thin and brittle.

For the production of files, plastic of different thicknesses is taken. The first option provides nail correction, while the second is required for final polishing. The presented instruments do not have difficulties with disinfection, therefore they can be used repeatedly. They are highly durable.

Crystal file

The crystal file is used to roughly grind and polish the nail. It helps to quickly soften the hardened areas of the skin. The original product does not harm your nails. It is made by applying incisions on a glass base. After polishing the nail edge, it will not get stuck in additional polishing.

A device for natural manicure is intended. To apply it on artificial turf, you need to moisten the product with water. The product allows you to equalize the border between the natural and extended part of the nail.

Wooden

Wood-based files are not suitable for sanding artificial manicure. Such devices are straight and curved. They have a small thickness, while they have high strength. Most often, wooden files are intended for home manicure, since frequent disinfection or roasting can render the tree unusable.

With a file, you can grind not only the stratum corneum, but also the surrounding skin. Its effect is soft, so the tissues are not damaged. It does not slip in your hands while working, and absorbs moisture.

Textile-based files

Textile-based files are based on a rigid frame made of wood or plastic, on which the fiber is fixed. Such devices are flexible, plastic and safe, but they are expensive.

Varieties in shape

You can divide the files by functionality. The shape of the product plays a decisive role here.

Direct

Rectangular options are required for manicure and pedicure operations. Files made of different materials have this shape. It is practical, allows you to level the surface of the nail, form its edge.

Curved

A nail file (which is better, does not always depend on their shape) is curved. It is recommended mainly for home manicure procedures. Thanks to the non-standard frame, it fits well in the hand and does not slip out. It is used to form a rounded edge of the nail, align it, eliminate excess acrylic or gel polish near the cuticle.

Curly

Young girls like curly devices due to their unusual performance. They are recommended for nail polishing in children and adolescents.

Buffs

Buff is a bar with an abrasive surface. The tool allows the final grinding of the nail plate, elimination of small grooves, polishing. More often, buffs are used after removing gel polish. In this case, a hard surface is used.

Natural unpainted nails can be treated with the soft side several times.

Buff is used before direct varnish application. In combination with a special oil, the tool helps to strengthen the nail. You can use it at home and in the salon. In the production of the device, suede, fabric, polyethylene foam are in demand.

Buffs are characterized by side marking, which makes it convenient to use:

1. Side 1. Designed to shape the nail plate, shorten it.
2. Side 2. It smooths out all irregularities, eliminates burrs.
3. Side 3. Performs nail polishing.
4. Side 4. Performs a polishing function.

When performing a manicure, all surfaces of the instrument are used.

How to choose a tool according to the degree of abrasiveness

A nail file (which is better is determined by the type of sanding layer) is chosen not only by the shape or material of manufacture. The level of its rigidity, the quality of the spraying should be taken into account. The unit of measurement of the parameter is considered to be grit. The lower the value, the higher the surface hardness of the tool.

Each product has its own purpose:

Abrasiveness is provided by such materials:

• pomegranate particles (provide a long service life due to the fact that they are not very sharp);
• silicon carbide (they allow you to quickly correct the shape of the plate, are characterized by sharp edges and a black and blue tint);
• aluminum oxide (the file is hard and tough);
• silicon carbide with an additional zinc layer (thanks to this structure, the device does not get dirty, as it repels dust from itself).

If a person does not know the thickness of his nails, it is better to choose a file with an average abrasiveness level.

Top nail file manufacturers

The market for hand care tools is vast, so choosing the right product is not easy.

But there are manufacturers who have positive reviews and produce quality products:

1. Sholl. An American company that produces electrical appliances for comprehensive nail care. The files have different degrees of abrasiveness, and their speed can be easily changed. They are used in salon conditions, and are also intended for private use. Abrasive wheels gently cleanse even sensitive skin areas, grind and polish nails in minutes. There is a possibility of quick replacement of nozzles. The electric file has a stylish design and high quality. But batteries and a cover will have to be purchased separately.
2. Sinbo. A Turkish company that manufactures body care products, including power saws. Each device is equipped with several attachments that are interchangeable if necessary. Products are used to correct the nail shape, align the plates.
3. Zinger. A German brand with a reputation as one of the most reliable manufacturers of manicure files. Only high quality steel is used for the production of devices. Gold and silver are often present in the sanding layer. The firm owns several brands that also produce manicure supplies.
4. Mertz. German manufacturer that produces sets for creating a pedicure and manicure. They are in the middle price category, so almost everyone can buy them. The advantage of the tools is a long service life, high quality of spraying.
5. Bohemia Glass. Czech company specializing in the manufacture of cosmetic instruments. The assortment contains mainly oval-shaped glass files. The abrasive spray is high quality and is found on both work surfaces.
6. TNL Professional. The tools of the South Korean company are resistant to wear and have a modern stylish design. You can use them at home or in a salon.
7. QVS. An Australian manufacturer whose products are characterized by the use of high quality Norwegian steel, hand sharpened. All tools are guaranteed to have a long service life, strong and sharp.

The best option for a nail file is chosen individually, not only by purpose and ease of use, but also by price, shape and which manicure is preferred. Hand care is an important element of modern adult hygiene, regardless of age, gender and preference.

Author: Svetlana (svetlyachok2012)

Video about nail files

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