Acrylic nails are a fantastic way to achieve strong, long, and perfectly shaped nails. But, to keep them looking their best, regular filing is essential. Whether you’re new to acrylics or an experienced DIY nail artist, this guide will walk you through the steps to file your acrylic nails like a pro.

What You’ll Need:

• High-Quality Nail File: A 100/180 grit file is ideal for acrylic nails.
• Nail Buffer: To smooth out the surface after filing.
• Cuticle Oil: To nourish your cuticles after filing.
• Nail Brush: To remove dust from filing.

Step 1: Choose the Right Nail File

Selecting the correct nail file is crucial for getting the best results. A 100/180 grit file is perfect for acrylic nails. The coarser side (100 grit) is ideal for shaping and reducing length, while the finer side (180 grit) smooths the edges.

Step 2: Start by Reducing Length

Start by reducing the length of your acrylic nails if needed. Hold the nail file at a 90-degree angle to the nail and file in one direction, not back and forth. Filing in one direction prevents splitting and damage. File until you reach your desired nail length.

Step 3: Shape Your Nails

After reducing the length, you can start shaping your nails. Common shapes include square, oval, almond, and coffin. Hold the file at an angle and file in one direction to create your desired shape. Be consistent to ensure all nails have the same shape and symmetry.

Step 4: Smooth the Edges

Once you’ve achieved the desired shape, use the finer side of the file to smooth out the edges. This step is important to avoid any roughness that can cause snags or discomfort.

Step 5: Buff the Surface

To give your nails a polished, professional look, use a nail buffer to smooth the surface of the acrylics. Buffing helps remove any scratches or rough spots left from filing, leaving your nails smooth and ready for polish.

Step 6: Clean Up

After filing and buffing, use a nail brush to remove any dust. This step is essential before applying any polish or top coat to ensure a clean, smooth surface.

Step 7: Apply Cuticle Oil

Finish by applying cuticle oil to your nails and the surrounding skin. This step will hydrate your cuticles and keep them looking healthy.

Additional Tips:

• Don’t Rush: Take your time to file and shape your nails carefully.
• Avoid Over-Filing: Over-filing can thin the acrylic and weaken the nails.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly filing and shaping your acrylic nails will keep them looking fresh and prevent any lifting or breaking.

If you do decide to use a regular nail file for the whole filing process, you’re going to want to use a coarse or medium grit file in order to properly file the nails. It needs to be tough enough to break down the acrylic, especially if you are trying to shorten the nail. The process for filing the nail is the same as using an e-file, so it isn’t more complicated. It will be more difficult, but it’s not impossible, and you should be able to do it with ease once you’ve practiced a few times. A regular nail file is also great for doing touch-ups to acrylic nails after they’ve been filed with an e-file.

By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly filed acrylic nails at home. Whether you prefer a classic shape or something more trendy, this guide will help you maintain beautiful nails with a professional finish.

BangyaProfessional offers high-quality nail files and buffers designed to help you achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your acrylic nails looking flawless.

Nail buffer