ASK ANA: Nail File – Should I File In One Direction?

NAIL FILE

So many people have heard that you should file your nails only in one direction will prevent peeling and breaking.

In this article, you’ll learn:

The latest science demonstrating the best technique.
The best file to use on your fingernails.

ASK ANA:

Hi Ana! Does filing nails in only one direction really help the nail? ~Amanda

ANSWER

This tip has been floating around for several years, including on this website.

I’m so happy that my mentor, Doug Schoon, has recently done his scientific tests and finally addressed this topic.

“I’ve tested the results by using high magnified photography to record the results using various filing techniques.

After examining nail plates using various abrasive grits and nail filing techniques, I did not observe any differences in the condition of the nail plate, when comparing filing in only one direction with filing in a back and forth (see-saw) fashion.

This study was conducted on normal, healthy nail plates. So perhaps there would be a difference if the nail plates are damaged.

But it appears to be a myth.

I’ve seen nothing to support the claim that filing in one direction provides any benefits for the natural nail plate.” ~ Doug Schoon, author of Nail Structure and Product Chemistry

Personally, I’ve used the see-saw method almost all of my life. It’s faster.

I stopped about 4 years ago. Since I couldn’t find any information about filing the edges of natural nails in his book, I felt it was probably a good idea to file one direction.

I love it when science proves us wrong.

I’m also thrilled that it’s a perfectly acceptable method and does not damage the nail plate.

If you find that the see-saw method hurts your fingers because of the torque, then I recommend that you slow down and use single strokes. Three to the left, 3 to the right, and so on.

Size Matters

The grit of your nail file does matter.

Grits below 180 should not be used on natural nails since they can cause too much damage. It won’t matter what filing motion is used.

I personally prefer a crystal nail file because of the smooth edge finish it provides. Crystal files have about a 400-600 grit, depending on the brand.

In Conclusion