Cuticle file: types, brands and tips for use

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.

Recently, uncut manicure has become increasingly popular. Among the various tools necessary to ensure this process, special files are very important. With their help, they remove the cuticle and correct the shape of the nail end.

Description and functionality

Without this tool, it is almost impossible to make a high-quality unedged manicure. In fact, the structure of this item is no different from a standard nail file, but has a number of specific qualities: ribbed structure, flexibility, and a coating that is safe for nails.

Files from different manufacturers differ from each other: laser, diamond, crystal.

Their main advantages are gentle cuticle removal, safety for the plate, and ease of use.

The tool softens the cuticle, preventing its rapid regeneration and, consequently, regrowth.

The advantage of European manicure

The process of removing the cuticle and side ridges without forceps and circumcision is usually called European. Among its advantages are the absence of the possibility of injury, high-tech, giving the skin softness and smoothness without disturbing the structure. You should know that the maximum effect cannot be achieved with the first procedure - the skin needs to “get used” to this method of exposure.

However, with regular European manicure, the dermis will recover more slowly, roughness and protrusions will disappear.

Manicure with Christina Fitzgerald files: how to do it

Unedged manicure, during which the cuticle is treated with files - with step-by-step photographs When I wrote the first post about how I refuse edged manicure in favor of one where the cuticle is treated only with files, you asked for a photo of the process as proof -). “Okay,” I thought. And we photographed the next manicure step by step, which was done for me by Natalya, a brand trainer.

At the beginning, everything happens as usual: the nails are filed to the desired length and shape. The Christina Fitzgerald nail file is used for natural nails, which will then be used for cuticles.

Step 1: Shape your nails

These are the hands before the manicure.

During this break between manicures, I didn’t do anything for the cuticles + I carried heavy things around the city, so this immediately affected the condition of my hands, and I was practically running for the procedure.

A closer photo to compare with the result later:

Hands up

Next stage. The cuticle must be pushed back with a metal pusher.

Step 2 - push back the cuticle

Please note: the master wears gloves. The files are disposable and are glued to a special base each time before a new client.

Step 3 - filing the side rollers

Now, having turned the file with a semicircular side, the master begins to process the side rollers, where several burrs have appeared again. After several months of experimenting with cuticle files, I came to the conclusion that this is the best way to remove them - with scissors and nippers you can cut off the excess or not remove what you need, and the file cuts everything down to the base without pain.

The cuticle itself is also treated with the lightest touches. But very, very carefully. Since my cuticle is thin, it is easy to damage, even with a file.

The cuticle can be treated with a nail file only on dry skin. No preliminary soaking - the process will lose its meaning. Firstly, sawing on wet skin is harmful (and will not work). Secondly, it is the dry part that is cut off, and the living part will be useful to you.

In the comments to the previous post, the girls wrote that a wave could go across the nail from such treatment. This happened to me once (although I didn’t have to splice anything for many months - everything somehow quickly returned to normal). Since then, the master has been sawing my cuticle very carefully, barely touching it. In fact, the cuticle began to remain a little more. I'm fine with that - it still looks neat.

After cuticle treatment

Dust flies in the process -)

Then the master takes another file - a leveling sponge file. It removes pigment from the nail plate itself, sanding the cuticle (as if it “closes”, literally rolls inward). Everything is neat too. This file has the same abrasiveness as a natural nail file, but due to its texture and material, it feels softer.

After the leveling sponge file

Then the care begins. Thanks to this story with Christina Fitzgerald, I first fell in love with hand care - because I saw that it really works. For example, I only get a special Heel & Elbow Cream applied to my elbows during manicures. And my elbows became softer!

Apply Christina Fitzgerald Push

We use the Push exfoliator from Christina Fitzgerald (I praised it for home care).

We rub each finger...

...and remove with a towel without water.

Now apply Cuticle Treatment Oil. Not only on each finger, but also on the skin of the hands - they will also benefit.

We rub each finger.

And my very, very favorite part of the program. Apply a very rich Radical Cuticle Cream. As you can see, no regrets at all.

The cream is rubbed - not only on the entire finger, but in fact on the entire palm.

There is no need to wash off anything - just remove it with a towel. There is no need for water at all in manicure - in principle, water is the enemy of manicure -).

You can’t do without proper care of your arms up to the elbow.

Used one after another: enzyme scrub, serum, mask. I never took this seriously, but I’m already so used to this part of the process that I’m somehow not ready to give up -).

While I’m sitting in a mask up to my elbow, Natalya is polishing my nails. This is perhaps the only point that I think about giving up next time, despite the fact that my nails look really beautiful afterwards - there is discomfort during polishing.

And voila! Ready.

Result

And closer:

Now my task is to do a mini cuticle treatment at home with Push, Cuticle Treatment Oil and Radical Cuticle Cream at least once every two days. There is a feeling that Push makes my nails grow much faster, by the way - I don’t even know if this is good or bad, I don’t need long ones -) But suddenly it’s relevant to someone.

In general, the procedure takes an hour - and this is without coverage. Edged is much faster - you can do it in 20 minutes. But this one is more thorough (and I’ve been going without cuts for two months now).

Photo: Olga Galkina

How to use?

There are a number of rules that must be followed when using such a nail file:

it can only be used on dry nails, so steaming and other baths before a manicure are excluded;
the instrument itself must also be used dry;
the file is applied to the cuticle with its entire surface, and only then you need to start sawing;
unlike a nail file, movements can be in different directions, since this tool is safe for nails;
After finishing the cuticle treatment with a nail file, a special moisturizing oil is applied to it.

Kinds

Laser file. This tool weighs extremely little, so you can carry it with you everywhere. The surface of the file is incredibly thin, which ensures gentle removal. An obvious advantage of the laser type is long-term durability. Price range from 70 to 700 rubles.
Crystal nail file. Suitable for treating cuticles and nails, safe and easy to use. The average price is 300 rubles.
Ceramic file. It is very convenient to sterilize, as it is made of glass.
Diamond coated. This tool is preferred by professional craftsmen. It is expensive, but very effective. It is considered the best option for a cuticle file.
"Smart" file. Ideal for sensitive and thin skin. The tool owes its name to its ability to remove exclusively dead skin.

How to choose?

This issue is not easy to resolve, especially since there is a wide range of special files on the market today. The most important difference between nail files is professional and independent use, and within these types they are divided by manufacturer and materials.

Mertz is a metal file coated with diamond. The weight of this tool is insignificant, the size is small, so it is very comfortable to use. Ideally removes not only the cuticle, but also the rollers from the sides. Used for manicure of unhealthy plates.
Shere&Nage is a “smart” nail file with an exclusive innovative surface that ensures effective removal of dead skin particles without affecting healthy skin. The risk of breaking the plate is minimal.
Messer & Nagel - laser view. Its size is quite large, while the surface provides ideal cuticle removal. The tool is quite flexible, which makes the manicure process easier and more comfortable.

Solinberg is a professional diamond-coated tool. This file is flexible and plastic, cutting off dead skin occurs very efficiently. Suitable for sensitive skin types.
Michelia professional - for professional craftsmen. It has a unique surface, namely a perforated structure. Sawing is completely safe and very high quality. The only disadvantage of this tool is the high price.
Molecule Professional - diamond surface. Suitable for both professional and home use. Easily removes dead skin, copes with the most difficult options. Helps reduce the rate of regeneration; accordingly, the cuticle and sides grow much more slowly. Does not allow any nail injuries.

Types of cuticle files

Various means and devices are used to remove cuticles. Not long ago, a wonderful tool for caring for this area appeared on sale, which greatly simplifies the procedure for unedged manicure. The cuticle file carefully removes all dead particles and, if handled carefully, does not injure living tissue at all. This tool is designed for both salons and home use. There are two main types of such files.

Laser metal file with diamond coating is designed to treat the cuticle area and periungual fold. It easily replaces standard unedged and even hardware manicure. It is durable, perfectly maintains the declared abrasiveness, but you need to be careful when working with it. If the pressure is too strong, there is a chance of damaging living tissue. But when you learn how to use it correctly, you will notice that a nail file with diamond coating is much less likely to lead to the formation of burrs and removes cuticles efficiently. By purchasing such a thing, you will use it for many years without resorting to the services of a sharpener. The most famous manufacturers of such files are Mertz, Solinberg and Shere Nagel.
The ceramic model has a shorter service life and needs to be handled more carefully due to the fragility of the material, but overall it is excellent for removing cuticles. Such files are mainly produced by.

Types of cuticle files

Laser metal file with diamond coating is designed to treat the cuticle area and periungual fold. It easily replaces standard unedged and even hardware manicure. It is durable, perfectly maintains the declared abrasiveness, but you need to be careful when working with it. If the pressure is too strong, there is a chance of damaging living tissue. But when you learn how to use it correctly, you will notice that a nail file with diamond coating is much less likely to lead to the formation of burrs and removes cuticles efficiently. By purchasing such a thing, you will use it for many years without resorting to the services of a sharpener. The most famous manufacturers of such files are Mertz, Solinberg and Shere Nagel.
The ceramic model has a shorter service life and needs to be handled more carefully due to the fragility of the material, but overall it is excellent for removing cuticles. Such files are mainly produced by.

Step-by-step instructions and subtleties of application

A cuticle file will become your assistant, as it is so easy to use that even a girl who has never done a manicure herself can easily master the technique. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the brief step-by-step instructions and the intricacies of its use.

The procedure is performed exclusively with dry hands. There is no need to pre-steam them in a bath or apply remover. This is a very important condition for successful cuticle removal.
Don't forget that the skin in the cuticle area is very delicate. Try not to make sudden movements, do not press the file too hard so as not to injure living tissue.
First treat the area of the periungual ridges. To do this, place the file strictly parallel to the rollers and remove dry skin without pressing, performing movements similar to working with a regular nail file.
Use the opposite end of a nail file or a manicure pusher to slightly lift and push back the cuticle. Apply the file first perpendicular to the cuticle, removing dry edges, and then horizontally for a more thorough treatment of the area.
At the end of the procedure, wipe the skin around the nails with an antiseptic and apply cuticle oil.

As you can see, the procedure for removing cuticles with a file is extremely simple. With it you can literally perform a high-quality manicure in 10 minutes.

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 nail and cuticle oil

Pros and cons of a special nail file

Such files, like any other tool, have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's see what qualities you can encounter while using them.

The files quickly gained considerable popularity, which indicates their ease of use and good results.
Once you get used to your new assistant, the manicure procedure will go very quickly.
Special spraying and fine abrasiveness make it easy to process the cuticle, removing everything unnecessary, without the use of a remover or auxiliary tools.

Despite the effectiveness of nail files, women who have used them note some disadvantages.

With rough and thick cuticles, the nail file becomes a real lifesaver. If the cuticle is thin, then it is undesirable to use it, as it may cause pain and damage to the skin.
To quickly and efficiently perform a manicure, you must first gain experience in handling the tool, and this requires time and practical skills. Not everyone has the patience.

The most popular brands of nail files

If you want the result to please you, then purchase nail files from well-known manufacturers. Three brands are especially popular.

Mertz. The company offers its customers high-quality diamond-coated metal files. They are reliable, easy to use and do not injure the skin. Mertz files are distinguished by their durability and quality of processing.

Shere Nagel. Another fairly well-known company that produces finely coated metal files. Despite their low abrasiveness, they do their job perfectly. The only drawback of Shere Nagel is its rather high price.

Solinberg also offers metal files. The tool is elastic, flexible and durable, has diamond coating and perforation for ease of processing. Solinberg is an excellent option for those who take care of the condition of their nails.

If you are used to seeing your manicure flawless, then you definitely need to get such a nail file . We have already told you about its advantages and disadvantages and provided step-by-step instructions. In conclusion, we invite you to watch a video in which you will find an overview of the Shere Nagel nail file, and also see the process of processing cuticles with its help.

How to remove cuticles at home

For a long time, the cuticle was removed exclusively by trimming. In order not to injure the skin, it was necessary to soften it first. For this purpose, various water baths, salt solutions or specific oils containing fruit acids were used.

After softening the periungual skin, a tool was used to remove the cuticle, for example, an orange wooden stick, using which, first of all, they carefully move the skin, and then cut it with manicure scissors or a blade right at the base.

Naturally, it was not possible to completely remove the cuticle right away; of course, the smallest uncleaned areas remained, most of all on the sides of the nail plate. This is still the way to get rid of cuticles.

To soften the periungual skin, you can use a specific product. Otherwise, it is advised to simply leave your fingers in warm water with sea salt for a while, and only then move the softened cuticle away from the edge of the nail. Next, you need to trim the skin using nail scissors and finish the procedure using a file.

Doing this for the first time, most likely, it will not turn out very well, but with regular practice, each time you will get better and better, and the manicure will take less and less time.

Still, a regular edged manicure causes a lot of criticism. Obvious disadvantages of this method: any careless action with tweezers can easily injure the cuticle, which can lead to infection. A carelessly performed procedure leads to the appearance of burrs.

These problems can be avoided if you use a special cuticle file.

Features of using a cuticle file

A cuticle file is one of the main tools for performing unedged manicure. It works in the same way as a classic nail file, but this product differs somewhat in its design qualities. First of all, the structure of the file almost always has a ribbed surface that resembles a honeycomb.

To make cuticle files, special materials are used that do not damage the tissue, making the cuticle filing process completely safe. One of the features of the tool is also a high degree of flexibility, this makes the process of treating the problem area much easier.

Do not forget that the cuticle file is used on dry skin, so there is no need to steam your hands in water in advance, and the tool itself must also remain dry.

Electric cuticle files

They are widely used by professionals, but are increasingly included in amateur manicure sets. These are attachments for hardware manicure. Hardware cutters carefully and quickly cut off dead skin and cuticles.

To achieve a high-quality manicure, you must tidy up the area around your nails. That is why the fair sex should always have the appropriate tools in their cosmetic bag to bring beauty to their hands.

Pros and cons of using cuticle files

The principle of unedged manicure is clear from its name. With this care option, the cuticle is not removed, it is carefully cleaned off the nail.

This cuticle care has a number of advantages:

does not damage the periungual skin and the nail plates themselves;
there is no risk of infection;
manicure is done quickly and easily;
Suitable for caring for thinned cuticles.

However, despite all its advantages, unedged manicure also has disadvantages:

it leaves a little periungual skin, it is very difficult to completely remove the pterygium, a small cuticle ridge still remains;
not suitable for removing rough cuticles;
the pterygium grows rather quickly;
hangnails and calluses are also present with this type of manicure.

In order for an unedged manicure to bring only joy and positive results, you need to adhere to certain rules for caring for your cuticles.

What types of cuticle files are there?

Currently, the range of cuticle files is quite diverse: laser, ceramic, “smart”, diamond-coated, angular, “medium”, triangular and other tools for removing cuticles. Each cuticle file works differently.

Let's look at each in detail:

The laser file for nails and cuticles has a distinctive feature - light weight. It is convenient for those who like to always keep a manicure set at hand.

Many masters also use a laser cuticle file. It has the best reviews. Having a thin working surface, the angled nail and cuticle file removes skin very carefully.

Another advantage is its service life. Compared to others, it can last the longest. You can buy such a file in a professional store.

Crystal files are often used both to remove cuticles and to shape nails. These tools keep the skin around the nails healthy and do not damage the nail plates.
The “smart” file is recommended for women with fairly thin and delicate skin. The tool is covered with micro-spraying; it does not wear off even after a long time. To eliminate exclusively dead skin, use a smart cuticle file - you should buy it without hesitation.
The ceramic cuticle file is made from glass and therefore can be easily sterilized. The skin for which this tool is used is removed quickly and without problems.
diamond cuticle file is one of the best for removing excess skin around the surface of the nails. Professional manicurists use exclusively a diamond cuticle file for their work. Every specialist in his field should buy and use it.
Particular attention should be paid to electric cuticle files, which are most often used in the form of attachments for manicure apparatus. Such devices are currently popular not only in salons, but are also often purchased for home use.

Everyone can find a cuticle file for themselves, the price of which seems acceptable to them.

In addition to the material used to make the file, manicure tools differ in the degree of abrasiveness. First of all, the result of a manicure—the final appearance of the nails—depends on the hardness, and not on the shape of the file. It is necessary to understand: the smaller the amount of grit, the rougher the file for removing cuticles. You can buy it only in a specialized store.

What Grit Does Your Nails Need? Most saw blades have two numbers separated by a fraction. This means that the tool has two working surfaces, one of which is more abrasive. When working, you need to use a professional cuticle file. Buying it is simply necessary, but take into account your natural or artificial nail plates, as well as the condition of your natural nails.

900/1200 grit – cuticle files with this abrasiveness are created for use by professionals in beauty salons. When using them, they achieve shine and radiance of natural nail plates. If you want to add shine to your nails yourself at home, use the soft side of the buff, the result will be the same.
600/100 grit – files that are used to care for toenails. They can easily help shape strong nail plates and even help get rid of corns.
240/320 grit are ideal values for using files at home yourself. Perfect for natural fingernails. Sanding files are used to eliminate small irregularities in the nail plates.
100/180 grit – these double-sided files are used to maintain the appearance of artificial nails.

Why do you need cuticle files?

For a long time, trimmed manicure was one of the most popular methods of getting rid of cuticles. And even today many women prefer it. Despite the multi-step process, which includes softening the cuticle, then pushing it back with special tools and cutting it with scissors. This method made it possible to get rid of the cuticle quite well, but not for long: it quickly grew back. In addition, without the proper skill and dexterity, trimming the cuticle led to the appearance of burrs that can get caught on almost everything that the hands touch. In addition, the method can even be called dangerous: during the procedure it is easy to get hurt and even get an infection. And the sight, for example, of bright red nails with the cuticle torn out “with meat” is not a sight for the faint of heart.

Today, masters and manicurists are trying to use less traumatic methods of dealing with cuticles. One of them is the use of files for unedged manicure. They allow you to non-traumatically get rid of overgrown skin around the nail, without spending a lot of time on the procedure. Such devices are quite inexpensive.

Rules for cuticle care from nail technicians

Rule 1. When doing a trim manicure, you must choose the tools very carefully - scissors and nippers. It is recommended to purchase them from reliable manufacturers or carefully study the material and degree of sharpening of the product.

Rule 2. All tools, including orange sticks, must be disinfected before and after use. Don't skimp on chopsticks, change them constantly - they are inexpensive, but hygiene is much more important.

Rule 3. Always disinfect the nail after removing the cuticle. If you suddenly injure your skin, you need to disinfect the wound and wait until the damaged layer of skin heals.

Rule 4. Purchase cuticle softeners (removers) only in specialized stores. It is best to take softeners based on fruit acids. Before using them, be sure to read the instructions and do not forget to wash them off the skin after removing the cuticle.

Rule 5. Don't forget about professional oils and coatings that slow down cuticle growth. They are usually found on counters next to polishes and manicure tools. Remove excess cuticle as it grows.

Follow these principles and you will easily deal with cuticles in a way that suits you. Don’t let it grow, because the longer you don’t remove it, the more painful this process will be later. And don’t worry - with age, cuticle growth slows down, after 20 years it will hardly give you any trouble.