How to Safely File Your Own Nails

If you get regular manicures or you typically use nail clippers instead of a file, you may never have learned how to safely file your nails. Filing keeps nails strong and healthy while also giving them your desired shape. It’s possible to file incorrectly and actually make your nails weaker and more jagged. Let’s cover how to file nails safely so they don’t peel, crack, or break.


If you get regular manicures or you typically use nail clippers instead of a file, you may never have learned how to safely file your nails. Filing keeps nails strong and healthy while also giving them your desired shape.

It’s possible to file incorrectly and actually make your nails weaker and more jagged. Let’s cover how to file nails safely so they don’t peelcrack, or break.

Having the right tools for filing your nails is helpful to keep your nails healthy and strong. Here are the tools you’ll need before you get started:

  • Fingernail clippers. These are helpful for trimming long nails before filing.
  • A nail file. This can be a classic emery board, though glass files are often recommended because they’re gentle on the nails and easier to clean. Nail files should be cleaned to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  • A nail oil and cuticle oil. These can help repair frayed nails and prevent future breakage.

Your nails have a natural shape that’s largely genetic, and it’s typically either round or square. The shape of your cuticle and nail bed usually determines the natural shape of your nail.

It can be most flattering and easy to maintain if you work with your natural shape. When trying a new nail style, it’s best to leave the shaping to a professional nail technician.

It’s not recommended that you remove the cuticle on toenails or fingernails.

Below are several popular nail shapes:

  • Almond. Almond nails resemble, you guessed it, almonds, with tapered sides that meet at a rounded peak.
  • Round. Round nails resemble the tip of the fingernail and are a common natural shape. Typically, the sides are filed straight then lead into a semicircle tip.
  • Square. Square nails are flat across the top with straight, sharp corners. These work best on shorter nails or nails that are naturally square or rectangular in shape.
  • Coffin. Coffin nails are filed to get narrower as they move away from the nail bed, then come to a blunt square point at the tip. The shape resembles a coffin, but it’s also sometimes called “ballerina” because it looks like the square toe of a ballet shoe.
  • Squoval. Squoval (squared oval) nails are similar to square nails, except the edges are slightly rounded to create a softer, more oval shape.
  • Stiletto. Stiletto nails are similar to almond, though they come to a sharper point at the tip. The shape is filed into a sharp point and is usually worn long, though a shorter version of the stiletto is sometimes called a “mountain peak.”
If you want to get the most professionally nail care service in Naples, Noire Nail Bar is your best option. Noire Nail Bar will boost your confidence with our manicure & pedicure services. It is the number 1 Nail Salon in Naples.
  • Visit our website: nailbarnaples.com for more information please.
  • Call to schedule: 239-234-6679
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  • Our salon address:
Lely Resort - Freedom Square
12725 Tamiami Trl.E, Suite 126 , Naples, FL. 34113

239-234-6679