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Question

What kind of nail file should I use at home?

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

Mia Rubie

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Use a softer nail file, around 180 grit. That's going to help your nails be nice and smooth, and you're not going to get scraggly edges around your nails.

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Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
Question

What is the best way to clean my nails?

Community Answer

Use warm water with soap to remove oils or dirt. Use a nail brush to get under nails to remove dirt. Dry with a soft, fluffy towel. Add moisturizer or lotion.

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Question

I used to bite my nails, but stopped. However, they still are short and jagged. How do I make them proper again?

Community Answer

Wait for the nails to grow out first; use moisturizing and nutritious products to make them healthier. After that, clip the jagged parts, and file your nails to create a smooth line and desired shape.

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Question

How can I push down my cutcicles without a cutcicle pusher?

Community Answer

Use the nail of your other hand, provided it is rounded. If you have delicate skin, use a moist cloth between your nail and your cuticle. Apply lotion afterwards to keep your cuticles moist.

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Question

Can I file my nails when I am wearing nail polish?

Community Answer

It is best if you can file your nails when they're bare, otherwise the polish can flake and crack, leading it to look awful.

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Question

What products can be used to remove nail polish if I don't have nail polish remover?

Community Answer

Coat your colored polish with clear polish and rub it off before it dries.

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Question

I'm going to get my nails done at a salon. Will that make my nails grow faster and/or stronger?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Getting your nails done at a salon doesn't have any extra benefits other than having color on you nails, which you can apply yourself at home.

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Question

Can I use cocunut oil for nail growth? When to apply it? And how many times?

Community Answer

Yes. You can apply it as much as you want to, but it would be best to use it overnight so it will have plenty of time to absorb without being washed or wiped off as it would during the day.

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Question

I have different types of nails in my right hand, how do I make them look equal?

Community Answer

You should trim your nails equally, or grow them and file all the nails in the same way.

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Question

How do I care for nails that I've accidentally cut too short?

Community Answer

Use cuticle oil (or olive oil) to keep them moisturized. Make sure you keep your hands clean to prevent infections. File the nails so there are no edges that could get caught in fabric.

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Question

What kind of nail file is good to file men's nails?

Community Answer

Any nail file will work. You can probably find a plain one in most stores if you don't want a "girly" one. There is really no reason to buy anything different though.

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Question

What is the best shape to make your nails look longer?

Community Answer

There isn't really a shape to make your nails look longer, but if you file them in an oval shape, they might look a bit longer.

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Question

How can I make nail edges straight after giving square shape as it bends downward?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

File the sides of your nail to make them straight, but the downward curve is normal, it'll always happen.

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Question

I don't have a nail filer, is there any way I can file my nails without one?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Sadly, you need a file to file your nails. I've seen people using very fine sandpaper, but I wouldn't recommend it.

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Question

Will this damage my nails?

Community Answer

No, filing shouldn't damage your nails unless you're doing it excessively.

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Question

Why should I file my fingernails?

Community Answer

Filing your nails can help you achieve the desired shape of your nail. It can also help you even out sharp points or uneven trimming on your nails.

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Question

What is the correct way of nail filling?

Community Answer

Never file in a zigzag, it weakens your nails. Rather, file them the same direction.

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Question

Can I put something else on my nails, like Vaseline?

Community Answer

If you go on YouTube and look up nail scrub it should pop up. I think you can, though.

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Question

Is there a way to make my own file using sandpaper?

Community Answer

Yes, of course, you can, just make sure you're gentle while using it. Also, make sure that it's not too coarse as it may cause your nail to break.

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Question

Where do I buy cuticle oil?

Community Answer

Any drug store or beauty supply store will carry it.

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Question

How do I get oval-shaped nails?

Community Answer

Clip your nails as a triangle shape, then clip them horizontally and then file them all the same way to make an oval shape .

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Question

What can I do to buff out white patches on manicured nails?

Community Answer

You can't buff them out, so don't try. Excessive buffing can cause weakness in the nails and more white patches. That said, weak nails or coloration problems are a sign that something is wrong with your diet. In this case, white patches mean that you are lacking calcium, so you should try to up your milk/yogurt/cheese intake to prevent white patches from forming again. I'm afraid that the only way to get rid of the ones you currently have is to wait for your nails to grow.

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Question

How do I file my nails if I don't have the tools?

Community Answer

You can gently file your nail with fine grade sandpaper. Just be very careful to avoid scraping your skin.

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Question

Is there anything I can use as a buffer if I don't already have one when filing my nails?

Community Answer

Use a small piece of felt or other soft smooth cloth (by itself or wrapped around an empty pill bottle.)

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Question

How do I make a nail file at home?

Community Answer

As a last resort you could use very fine grained sandpaper. However, this should not be a long term solution as this can damage your nails and is likely more expensive than just getting some nail files from your local pharmacist.

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Question

What can I do if I need to keep my nails short for sport? How do I still make them nice?

Community Answer

If you prefer your nails long, file them down to the longest length you can have with your sports. I recommend caring for them by applying jojoba oil, then applying aloe vera gel (the first ingredient must be aloe). Let it soak in and then finish with a small amount of petroleum jelly or lanolin. Go to bed with this on your nails and in the morning they should be a lot more moisturized.

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Question

What if I don't have a buffer?

Community Answer

You don't need a buffer, but it will help if you want to apply polish. If you want one, they are very affordable.

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Question

I have quite chubby fingers, so which nail shape should I go for to make them look slimmer?

Isabelle McNease

Community Answer

Square nails will help look chubby fingers look skinnier. Plus, nails don't have to be too long to do square nails.

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Question

How do I stop biting my nails?

Ervi

Community Answer

Having less nail provides less to bite and is less tempting. Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails. Available over-the-counter, this safe but awful-tasting formula, discourages many people from biting their nails. Get regular manicures.

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