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Maintaining strong and healthy nails poses a challenge even when you think you’re doing everything right. You’re constantly getting professional manicures and testing out every nail strengthening product under the sun but nothing works. Well, it turns out the way you’re filing your nails might actually be destroying them. You want to take note of this so you can make sure your manicurist is doing it the right way too!
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According to Madeline Poole, a pro nail artist and Sally Hansen's Global Color Ambassador, a major don’t is quickly filing your nails back and forth. Yes, probably exactly what you were doing all along… “I usually liken sawing your nails back and forth to cutting your hair with a dull pair of scissors,” she said. “Sometimes if the manicurist is too aggressive with the file, you can even see your nail move back and forth, like a loose tooth; this is exactly what you want to avoid.” Not only does this motion fray the tip of your nail but it also makes it harder to shape it. "All of this is a gateway for peeling and premature breakage, since the harsh trauma of filing causes weakness,” she adds. Yikes!
[Photo: Shutterstock]
Here is the right way to file your nails! Poole says to get a smooth finish without damaging your nails, you should file from the side of your nail to the center in one fluid motion. Then, lift the file from your nail and repeat, only swiping in one direction and never back. Do this on both sides and repeat until you get your desired shape. If you see nail filings still attached, tuck the tip of the file under your nail and flick up. Do this a few times and it should create a smooth edge. Now, you know how to properly file your nails so you can keep them healthy!
[Photo: Shutterstock]
For more tips, check out The One Thing You Should Eat At Night To Cure Under Eye Circles and The One Nail Product You Should Stop Using, According To A Nail Tech.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
