Keeping your nails beautiful is not very difficult if you do it the right way. Many people do not know exactly how a nail is constructed and what the best way is to maintain them. If you do not take proper care of your nails, you can suffer from brittle or torn nails, which does not look very nice. For example, cutting your nails is not that good at all. It is better to file your nails if you want a nice result in the long term. Below we explain why nail filing is better, what the right way is to file your nails and which nail files are the best.

Nail filing is the best thing for your nails

A nail consists of three layers: the horny layer on the outside, the keratin layer that absorbs nutrients in the middle and the layer that attaches the nail to your skin on the bottom. To keep your nails beautiful for a long time, you want these layers, which are called nail plates, to stay together properly. If you were to cut your nails, gaps can appear between the nail plates and they can start to split. Nail filing is better for your nails because the nail plates of your nails remain connected. Therefore, choose to file your nails to keep them in optimal condition.

What is the correct way to file your nails?

• You can file your nails yourself, provided you have a good nail file. If you are going to buy nail files, you will often see that a file has a coarse and a fine side. You use a nail file with a fine structure for filing. If you were to use a coarse file, you would get hooks on your nails that could tear. A rough structure also develops on your nail edge, which can allow moisture and dirt to get between the nail plates;
• When you start filing your nails, always file in 1 direction. You want your nail plate to remain closed. Therefore, do not 'saw' back and forth with the nail file, because this can create hooks and gaps where moisture and dirt can get in, which can lead to split nails;
• Make sure you don't file too much from the side of your nails, where your nail meets the skin. If you take too much from the side of the nail, your nail will become fragile and more likely to tear.

What shapes can you file your nails into?

With the help of a good nail file, you can file your nails in different shapes: oval, square, pointed and round. The shape in which you can file your nails depends on the growth and shape of your nails. It is possible that the way your nails grow does not lend itself to a certain shape. Above all, see for yourself what you think looks best on your hands. The most natural variant is oval. But do you have long, narrow fingers, for example? Then a square shape will definitely suit you. Square nails are more vulnerable than oval and round nail shapes, especially if they are a bit longer.

Maintaining your filed nails

You must continue to maintain your filed nails to ensure that you do not get cracks or damage and that dirt and moisture cannot get between the nail plates. So do not be tempted to cut, bite or tear. When you remove your gel polish, file your nails into the desired shape as described above and treat your cuticles with cuticle oil . For example, wait a while before applying gel polish so that your nails can breathe. For example, remove your gel polish in the evening and apply it again the next day.