Nail file

In the Nail file it is an important utensil for nail care. It is used to shorten and polish the fingernails.

What is a nail file?

The nail file is one of the indispensable components of a manicure set. In contrast to a craftsman's file, it is much finer. It usually reaches a maximum length of 10 centimeters. Nail files are used to care for the fingernails.

The nails can be rounded off well with the help of the tool. In addition, dirt residues under the nails can be removed. In addition, the nail file is better suited to shaping the nails than nail scissors.

Shapes, types & types

Nail files come in a wide variety of types, sizes and materials. The inexpensive paper nail files are among the most common examples. They are suitable for filing the natural nail plate as well as for the nail extension technique, which is why they are very popular with nail designers. The paper nail file owes its name to the outer abrasive layer. This is composed of special paper and various filings. The stability and strength of the file can be influenced by the filings. In the manufacture of paper nail files, aluminum oxide coating, zinc stearate, filings from Scandinavian wood, Mylar, self-sharpening zirconium coating and silicon carbide are used.

There are many more file models. This includes the glass file, which is relatively expensive but lasts all the longer. To ensure stability, manufacturers harden the glass of the file at least four times. For the right grain size it is also necessary to etch the glass or to sand it with corundum. The cleaning and disinfecting of the glass file can be done easily.

Other types of files are sandstone files, which are etched with stone acid, sapphire files, Teflon files, silicon files, ceramic files, diamond files and metal files. The latter, however, are rather unpopular with nail designers. The reason for this are the disadvantages of maintaining the natural nail plate. This can be roughened and split up. The electric file is an unusual variant. It is usually equipped with a motor that is located inside a housing. The device brings it to 10,000 to 40,000 revolutions per minute.

Structure & functionality

Depending on the type and shape of a nail file, their structure is different. One of the most popular models is the metal nail file, which is usually found in a manicure set. At its front end it takes a sharp course. For other types, a wooden spatula is coated with sandpaper.

A typical feature of the nail file is the division into two nail sides. While one side is only gently roughened, the other side has a heavily roughened surface. The latter is used to shorten the nails. The finer side is used to give the nail the desired shape and to round off sharp edges.

With the nail files, it is also important to pay attention to their grain size. This is the number of grinding wheels on the surface of the instrument. The thickness is given in grit. The smaller the amount, the coarser the nail file will be. Numerous types of files are equipped with a mother-of-pearl or plastic handle.

There is no general answer to which type of file is best suited for use. The right file depends individually on the user's nails. If the user has very sensitive fingernails, the use of a fine file such as the sand leaf file is recommended. This is considered to be easy to use and inexpensive. When using a sand leaf file, there is hardly any heating. In addition, the special file lies comfortably in the hand. However, it has the disadvantage that it wears out relatively quickly.

Sapphire and diamond files, which are made of stainless steel, are suitable for working on very hard nails. Glass files and ceramic files are counted among the luxury versions of nail files, which is also reflected in the price. They have a micro-fine surface and can therefore work on even the most sensitive nails.

When using a nail file, care should be taken to file only from the edge of the nail towards the center of the nail, as otherwise fine cracks will appear in the nail.

Medical & health benefits

The nail file has no direct medical benefit. It is primarily used for body care and beautification of the fingernails. However, this makes it an important part of hygiene, without which people make themselves significantly more susceptible to inflation. Dirt, germs and bacteria can quickly overwhelm the immune system without proper personal hygiene.

However, there are some health issues to consider when using nail files. Metal files are more robust to the nails and can cause chipping or injuries to them. For this reason, they should be used cautiously or only used for toenails. These are less sensitive than fingernails.

With the help of a nail file it is possible to shorten the nails in a gentle way. They can also be used to quickly repair torn or broken nails. Ultimately, well-groomed fingernails contribute to the general well-being of people, which in turn has a positive effect on their health.