2. “Filing Back and Forth Strengthens Nails”
Many individuals think that filing nails in a back-and- forth sawing action increases their strength or speeds their growth. In fact, this is among the most destructive falsehoods in nail care. Multiple direction filing can cause the nail layers to split and weaken, resulting in peeling and fracture. Starting from the outside edge and working towards the middle, the right approach is to file just in one direction. This approach stops splitting and helps the integrity of the nail to remain. Furthermore, for your natural nails, you should use the appropriate grit file; too coarse a file could destroy them without need. Expert nail technicians stress the need of applying correct equipment and techniques while filing nails. Usually advised for natural nails is a fine-grit file; medium to coarse grits should be saved for artificial nails or thick toenails. The angle you hold the file also counts very much; keeping a 45-degree angle helps stop too thinning of the nail plate. Regular filing should be mild and aimed more on shape than on forceful shortening. Furthermore noteworthy is the fact that filing should never be done on wet nails as softened by water causes greater damage to them. Maintaining strong, healthy nails can be much improved by knowing these appropriate filing methods.