The nail file is an important utensil for nail care. It is used to trim 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 turns out much finer. 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 for the care of fingernails. The nails can be rounded off well with the help of the tool. Furthermore, dirt residues under the nails can be removed. In addition, the nail file is better suited to bring the nails into shape than nail scissors.
Shapes, types and types
Nail files come in a wide variety of types, sizes and materials. Among the most common are the inexpensive paper nail files. They are suitable for filing the natural nail plate as well as for the nail extension technique, which is why they enjoy great popularity among nail designers. The paper nail file owes its name to the outer abrasive layer. This is composed of special paper and different filings. The filing chips can influence the stability and strength of the file. In the production of paper nail files, aluminum oxide coating, zinc stearate, Scandinavian wood filings, Mylar, self-sharpening zirconium coating and silicon carbide are used. There are many more file models. Among them is the glass file, which is relatively expensive, but lasts all the longer. For the achievement of its stability, manufacturers harden the glass of the file at least four times. For the appropriate grain size, it is also necessary to etch the glass or make a sanding with corundum. Cleaning and disinfecting the glass file can be easily accomplished. Other types of files include files made of sandstone etched with stearic acid, sapphire files, Teflon files, silicon files, ceramic files, diamond files and metal files. However, the latter are considered rather unpopular among nail designers. The reason for this is disadvantages in the care of the natural nail plate. It can be roughened and splintered. An unusual variant is the electric file. It is usually equipped with a motor, which is located inside a housing. The device brings it to 10,000 to 40,000 revolutions per minute.
Structure and operation
Depending on the type and shape of a nail file, its structure turns out differently. Among the most popular models is the metal nail file, which is usually found in a manicure set. At its front end, it takes a pointed course. In other types, in turn, 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, on the other hand, there is a strongly roughened surface on the other side. The latter is used to shorten the nails. The finer side is used to give the nail the desired shape and round off sharp edges. With nail files, it is also important to pay attention to their grain size. This is the number of abrasive particles on the surface of the instrument. The thickness is specified in grit. The smaller the amount is specified, the coarser the nail file turns out. Numerous types of files are equipped with a handle made of mother of pearl or plastic. Which type of file is best suited for use, can not be answered in general terms. Thus, the appropriate file depends individually on the nails of the user. If the user has very sensitive fingernails, it is advisable to use a fine file such as the sandblade file. This is considered easy to use and inexpensive. When using a sand sheet file, there is hardly any heating. In addition, the special file feels good in the hand. However, it has the disadvantage of wearing 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 their price. They have a microfine surface, which allows them to work well even the most delicate nails.When using a nail file, care should be taken to only file from the edge of the nail towards the center of the nail as a matter of principle, otherwise fine cracks will form in the nail.
Medical and health benefits
The nail file does not have a direct medical benefit. It is primarily used for personal hygiene and beautification of the fingernails. However, this makes it an important part of hygiene, without which people make themselves much 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. For example, metal files are rather robust to the nails and can cause chipping or injury to them. For this reason, it is better to use them carefully or use them only for toenails. These are less sensitive than fingernails. With the help of a nail file, it is possible to trim the nails in a gentle way. They can also be used to quickly repair torn or broken nails. Ultimately, well-maintained fingernails contribute to the general well-being of the person, which in turn has a positive effect on his health.
