A cuticle file is a real find for modern beauties. Eliminating the possibility of causing injury and infection, it will delicately and painlessly remove not only the cuticle, but also dead skin around the nail, similar to peeling. Now, in order to get a manicure, you don’t have to visit a salon. A cuticle file will make it easy to do it on a trip, on a hike, anytime, anywhere - your hands will always be in perfect condition. With laser processing and diamond coating, long, short - how not to make a mistake when choosing, what to look for, and what is the price of such products?
Why sawing
File manicure is a type of unedged European manicure. Processing of the cuticle and side ridges is carried out with files of varying degrees of abrasiveness without first softening the cuticle and using cutting tools.
There is also another name - Australian manicure. It's all about the founder of the nailing method, Christina Fitzgerald, who has been working as a nail artist in Australia for many years.
Christina is the founder of her own brand of manicure and pedicure products, Christina Fitzgerald. Along with the advent of new products from this company, a new nail treatment technique also appeared.
Her many years of experience as a master allowed her to draw two conclusions:
- there are no fashionable nail shapes and trendy colors – there is a manicure that you like;
- You can't cut the cuticle . Constant cuts force it to grow faster, and the risk of infection also increases.
And if some may argue with the first statement, the benefits of an unedged manicure are truly appreciated by many women. And those who didn’t appreciate it simply haven’t tried it yet.
Unedged European manicure - execution technology
The essence of a file manicure is to remove a layer of dead and keratinized cells by filing. Below we will analyze step-by-step instructions for performing a file manicure, but for now we will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the method.
Advantages:
- there is no need to use softening baths, which saves time for the technician and the client;
- the cuticle is not cut, which means there is no risk of injuring the skin or causing infection;
- Regular file manicure slows down the growth of the cuticle and makes it softer. The result lasts up to 3 weeks depending on individual characteristics;
- Australian technology has no contraindications. The only reason for refusing to use the method is the client’s reluctance or her preference for another type of manicure.
Flaws:
- File manicure needs to be learned - incorrect movements with a file while processing the cuticle or side ridges can damage the nail plate. If the technique is violated, cuts are formed on the nails, and the nail ceases to be smooth and even and “goes” like a wave;
- low prevalence. File manicure appeared about 5 years ago, but a small number of masters still use this technique.
Cuticle Care Rules - A Guide to Products and Procedures
History of the trend
Despite the fact that file manicure has become popular relatively recently, this method is already more than 10 years old. Unedged European manicure, or Australian manicure in other words, got its name thanks to the famous nail artist Christina Fitzgerald. She became the first master to master this technique and even created her own brand for the production of nail files.
File manicure gained popularity during the global lockdown. Girls who lost the opportunity to visit beauty salons were forced to learn how to do their own manicures. Needless to say, sales of nail files increased significantly during this period.
Tips for the procedure
Before you start processing the cuticle, read the simple rules of the procedure that will help you avoid mistakes.
- don't steam your skin . Further filing of the softened skin will reduce the effectiveness of the procedure and lead to injury to the living layer of the dermis;
- don't press the file too hard . During the procedure there should be no discomfort, much less pain. Movements should be light and polishing. In hard-to-reach places, for example, closer to the lateral sinuses, replace long strokes with short ones.
Choosing a file
"Smart file"
This cuticle file only affects the dead layer and does not injure healthy skin. Presented by the Schere Nagel brand. Suitable for treating cuticles and side ridges, it is not used for filing nails. Made of metal with diamond coating on the working surface.
Its only drawback is its high cost . Not everyone is ready to pay over 3,000 rubles for such an instrument.
The file for manicure from Michelia is a little more budget-friendly. Having the same characteristics, a tool from this brand will cost 1,500 rubles.
Laser
Laser files are made of metal and have laser notches on the working surface. Removes dry skin from the side ridges and cuticles, but must be used carefully so as not to damage healthy dermis.
Laser files are cheaper than “smart” ones - they cost from 100 to 1000 rubles, depending on the brand. The laser cuticle file is presented by the Mertz brand under number 1800. It has sharp corners for processing hard-to-reach areas, as well as working side ribs.
Ceramic
Ceramic files are made of ceramic chips. They are quite traumatic and require careful handling. The ceramic file can be purchased from the QVS brand. The tool from this manufacturer is suitable for processing nails, cuticles and side ridges, as well as for correcting flaws in the application of gel polish.
All of the files listed above are suitable only for individual use, as they cannot be sterilized or disinfected. And if everything is clear with home manicure, then with salons everything is more complicated.
Masters have three options:
- buy an individual file for each client;
- use a disposable tool or file with replaceable files;
- get a nail file from the Christina Fitzgerald brand.
There are no special disposable or replaceable files for file manicure yet, but ordinary ones are also suitable for these purposes. The abrasiveness of the tool in this case should be 120-180 grit. The specific degree of hardness is selected based on the characteristics of the skin - density, sensitivity. Ideally, have disposable or replaceable abrasives of different hardness.
Disposable files and replacement files for bases are sold in packages of 20, 30, 50, 180 pcs. Replacement files and sets of disposable tools of different abrasiveness are presented by the Zinger brand.
Christina Fitzgerald
Let us separately highlight the file from the founder of file manicure technology, Christina Fitzgerald. The Softening Pen File is a high-strength glass abrasive for polishing leather. Suitable for rollers and cuticles. Unlike the reusable files listed above, they can withstand sterilization and disinfection with any solution, so they can be used in a beauty salon or manicure salon.
Manicure files - we understand their types, shapes and types
How to use a nail file correctly
It is quite easy to use this unique development. The object combines two objects at once - a sharp edge that pushes back the cuticle, and a working surface for removing keratinized areas. A ceramic file is used on a dry basis; there is no need to pre-steam your fingers.
Use a sharp edge to push back the overgrown cuticle and lift it slightly to the top. Using a spray that consists of diamond chips, begin to clean off dry skin, moving from one side roller through the cuticle to the other.
Once the procedure is complete, you can use a polishing block to add additional gloss to the plate. If the set contains a live pencil with oil, then you should also use it to refresh the cleansed skin. The oil is perfectly absorbed, the hands take on a well-groomed appearance.
Step-by-step instruction
Stages of performing a file manicure:
- Place the file on the side roller so that the working surface is in close contact with the skin, but does not touch the nail;
- Using short movements, begin to erase the dead skin, while changing the pressure depending on the degree of roughness;
- After processing the side rollers, move on to the cuticle. Using an orange stick, carefully separate the skin from the nail so as not to injure it during filing;
- Apply the file again, without touching the nail plate, and carefully grind off the cuticle;
- Brush off the resulting dust with a brush.
If you plan to cover it further, degrease the surface of the nail well. If there is no decorative coating, lubricate the cuticle, nail and side rollers with oil.
Repeat the procedure as needed. Over time, the effect will last longer and using the file will become a rare ritual.
All about choosing and using nail and cuticle oil
Manufacturers
The most popular manufacturers of cuticle removal files include Mertz, Shere Nagel, Zero, Solinberg, Bohemia, Solingen, German Zinger, Landebert 1896, Korean Messer. Let's look at the most popular:
- Mertz brand tools help remove excess skin in an even line. After this procedure, the area around the nails looks very neat. The way the file works is similar to peeling. Skin that wears off simply turns into dust. Epidermis care products from the Mertz brand are used for both manicure and pedicure. Caring for your nails with this tool does not cause any inconvenience, but on the contrary, turns it into a pleasant procedure.
- Solinberg company has released a ceramic nail file that does an excellent job on thin nails that constantly peel. Thanks to the tool, the shape of the nail surface is leveled and the voids in the nail plate are filled . This manicure looks attractive and natural.
File manicure courses
For masters who have not yet mastered the technique, but want to expand their capabilities and practice their skills, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the nail file manicure courses.
Mastering the technique will bring masters:
- increasing the level of professionalism;
- the expansion of the customer base;
- saving time.
In addition, the cost of a file manicure procedure is lower than, say, an edged manicure. To work, you only need disposable files or replaceable files for the block.
Luxio
The brand of manicure products provides nail polish training in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The program has two types of courses:
- for craftsmen working in cutting equipment;
- for craftsmen working using the hardware method.
Cost – 10,000 rubles.
Duration of training is 1 day. Upon completion of the course a certificate is issued .
Nail Experts
A two-day course dedicated to file manicure with theoretical and practical parts for Moscow residents. The school provides models as well as tools for practicing techniques.
The cost of training is 17,000 rubles.
At the end of the second day, each participant who has successfully completed the course receives an international certificate.
Nail Sunny
A one-day nail polish course from a chain of manicure salons in Moscow. All students are provided with material and tools, as well as models for practicing techniques.
Cost – 7,500 rubles.
Paris Nail
Training in file manicure from Patrisa Nail is a two-day course that is aimed at getting to know the technique and understanding the basics of the procedure. To complete the training, you will need to purchase a basic set of tools from the school’s recommendation sheet, which includes a saw set, nail scissors and a thin brush.
Cost – 12,000 rubles.
Since the training program includes the basics of nail structure and other basic concepts, both practicing masters and newcomers to the nail industry can undergo training.
ProPilki
Pro Pilki is a school of practicing master Asya Malyugina. A nail file manicure lesson takes place for one day in Moscow. During the training, the teacher will help you improve your skill and practice it in practice - on three models with different types of cuticle.
Groups are small - no more than 4 people.
Cost – 17,000 rubles.
Since the course is intensive, we recommend that already practicing masters who know the anatomy of the nail and have basic knowledge in the field take it.
Manicurist training - how to choose a school
Reviews
I went to a salon for a manicure. First, I had the old coating removed using a machine, and that was the last time the craftsman touched the router. After removing the coating, disposable stickers were used on the block - files. The girl polished my skin, and at the end she pushed back the cuticle with a metal stick. Perhaps the metal tool is the only thing that confused me - an orange stick would be better here. Overall, the procedure left a pleasant impression - there were no burrs, cuts or wounds left, the hands looked well-groomed. I recommend everyone to at least try it and only then draw a conclusion about the procedure. Ekaterina K.
I liked how the file affects the cuticle. I have thin and sensitive skin, and I often feel discomfort during the procedure, but with the sawing method everything turned out differently. As the master who carried out the procedures explained to me, the main thing is to choose a file of the required hardness. After such a manicure, the hands look no worse than after a hardware manicure. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of the cuts created by the cutter at high speeds. Elena V.
A file manicure is an opportunity to care for the cuticle without damaging it.
Of course, this technique will not be able to displace other, more familiar types, but it will find its fans. Have you tried the sawing method? Tell us about your impressions in the comments! Comment
Is a file manicure suitable for you?
The shape of the nails, their length and skin type do not affect the possibility of a file manicure. Any girl can try it on herself. There are only a few nuances that masters should convey to their clients when talking about the benefits of manicure with a disposable file:
- It will be difficult to work with skin that has hangnails,
- If the cuticle is regularly cut, it becomes rough, and the result may not be very noticeable after one procedure,
- Thin cuticles can be sensitive to friction with a nail file, so after a manicure the skin may feel swollen and as if it’s on fire.
But this can all be resolved. For example, to deal with hangnails or rough cuticles, you can use a combined technique, working with a file and scissors.
