Shape those nails

What's the best way to file and shape my nails so that they stay strong?

answer

It's best to file your nails only when the tip, or the white part of the nail, has grown at least a quarter of an inch from the nail's stress point, or where the white nail edge meets the pink part of the nail plate. If you file your nails below this point, it can weaken them. At the same time, if you let the white part of your nail grow longer than the pinkish nail plate, your nail will almost certainly break. When filing nails, resist the urge to file from side to side, which can weaken the stress points of the nail. Be sure to file gently from corner to centre in one direction and one motion, using the groove on each side of your nail as a guide.

Choosing a File
Stay away from metal nail files since they are very harsh and can split nails. One wrong swipe and you've ruined your nail shape. Most manicurists recommend a soft, straight file that won't cause any damage if you swipe it the wrong way.

Shaping the Nail
There are many ways to determine your nails' shape. Many people want to have their nails shaped squarely, which may come from the belief that square-cut nails are stronger. This is a myth - one nail shape is as strong as another. If your cuticle is oval shaped at the base, the square look may work for you, but if you have a more pointy cuticle, you might want to consider a more oval-shaped nail. These days, the trend is towards a softer, more rounded shape.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about nails on the Beauty Talk message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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Shape those nails