How do you shape your nails?

[upanddowns]

I hate filing my nails, I don't like the way it feels or the sound and I don't get them to look right anyway. I've been looking for a local beauty salon that does a normal manicure, but everywhere seems to just offer gel varnish, however, after about five months of back to back gel nails my nails seem to have suffered and are flaking and bumpy. I just want someone to make them look decent with normal nail varnish. Failing that, are there clippers that cut the whole nail in the right shape? If I hack away with normal clippers I still need to shape with a nail file.

I use a Stylefile, it's S Shaped and I get a good curved shape.
I think it was on Dragons Den at one point.

Is that a nail file?

Do you use a glass nail file? If not , try one. Much better than the old sandpaper type.

https://www.boots.com/champneys-manicure-glass-nail-file-10252292?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs_HeroCompare---_-PMax:+UK_Smart_Shopping_Beauty&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlcyuBhBnEiwAOGZ2S7K6kGK2pW6qyY5jRe9vp9_NSzqo3tgAsxvFi7SynvtmGmZwMCI6-xoCmqEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This kind. It seems expensive but I've had mine for 5 years , you just wash it after use and it's good to go when dry.

Thanks for the recommendation. I really struggle with filing them, ideal would be clippers that are the same size as the nail and just clip them neatly.

Unfortunately the best thing for your nails is filing. If you find it hard/lack time to shape them I find that just filing them straight across (in one direction) then smoothing the corners over is the easiest. If you then add a coat of opi nail envy (or similar) you'll gradually have pretty strong and nice looking nails. I've not found a set of clippers that'll do as good a job as a glass file. Alternatively you could clip then smooth with a file.

The advice I've given is based on trial and error and being a bit of a nail product enthusiast , I had very weak nails and they're much improved now.

@upanddowns the stylefile is a nail file. Really easy to get a good shape as it follows your finger tip.

I keep mine short (about 2mm of white tip) by cutting them with the large curved clippers you can get in Boots or anywhere and then just do the corners and final tidy up with a crystal file, mine is the Leighton Denny one, I've had it for about 10 years and would replace it in an instant if it broke, it is so much better than the emery board ones. I have gels about once a year and do my own polish the rest of the time, usually give them a few weeks without polish at some point in the year - I did it for the first time since Christmas last week and they are super strong and healthy.

It’s definitely better to file your nails rather than cut but you could try using the clippers and going over with a file to finish off.

Contrary to popular belief, you can file back and forth - it doesn’t damage your nails. The thing that has the most effect is the grit. If you get a really fine grit one (higher number) it should smooth. You can get buffers that feel like sponges with fine grit - they might be worth looking at as they might not have such a sensory impact. Don’t buff the top of your nails though - just the tips.

As for caring for damaged nails, I often recommend The Salon Life on YouTube. She recommends warm oil soaks and using oil regularly too. She has loads of information on low cost ways to make look after them.

Yes, I always file back and forth, the crystal files are so much gentler than emery ones and yet incredibly effective.