Staying well-groomed is a part of good habits and having a good nail file can make or break your entire manicure look. No matter how well you’ve mastered your manicure skills, if you’re not using the correct tools, you’re not going to get the best results. But are these manicure tools a one-time investment? The answer is no. Let’s understand.
Manicure tools also go through wear and tear, especially with the frequency of use. After some time of use, your nail clippers will lose their sharpness and your buffers will lose their roughness. Similarly, your nail files also get worn out and you need to replace them more often than you think. But how often? Read on to know.
How Often Should You Replace Your Nail Files?
Nail files are a must-have essential in any manicure vanity. Whether you are a professional nail technician or a DIY manicurist, having the right kind of nail filing tools can give you the desired results. It is a versatile tool used for multiple purposes – smoothening the rough edges of nails, shaping both natural and artificial nails, removing tough nail gels, building proper apex and acrylic nail extensions, etc.
You might invest in a good nail file but don’t think of it as a one-time buy. No matter what material you opt for or how expensive your tool is, you need to keep replacing it with a new one often. This depends on multiple factors and we’re going to discuss them here along with guiding you on how often you should change your nail files.
Why Should You Replace Your Nail Files Regularly?
The primary question before ‘when’ is ‘why’. There are some serious reasons why you need to replace your nail files regularly other than them just getting old and worn out. One of the most crucial reasons is bacterial infections. Since nail files come in close contact with the hard-to-reach areas of your nails and even the skin surrounding them, there are high chances of bacterial and fungal buildup on them. You need to change your tools frequently to prevent the spread of these germs even if you have a habit of keeping them clean, sanitized, and well-maintained.
Besides, an obvious reason is to maintain the effectiveness of your files. With prolonged use, your nail files tend to lose their coarseness, the grit on them isn’t as abrasive anymore. This leads to loss of effectiveness and you cannot shape your nails in crisp and smooth shapes anymore. While the edges of your nails look rough and uneven, the tool also looks old and worn out. That’s when you know it’s time to replace it with a new one. Here are some other signs.
When Should You Replace Your Nail Files?
Wondering how to know when it’s time to throw away your old nail file and replace it with a new one? Well, look closely and your tool will give you some signs like:
1) The nail file looks visibly worn out. The abrasive surface becomes dull and smooth. The edges of the tool start fraying. Some files also tend to bend or become rubbery.
2) The file has lost its grit and it takes longer to achieve the nail shapes. The shapes are also not as precise and smooth as before and the tool doesn’t work efficiently.
3) The nail file looks old, discolored, dirty, and stained. Besides being worn out, nail files also become discolored with frequent sanitization.
4) The file emits an unpleasant smell when being used. A strong odor from the nail file clearly indicates bacterial or fungal buildup. It is also possible if the tool comes in contact with blood from fingers.
As a rule of thumb, nail files should be replaced every 3 months or when you see some of the above signs. However, the frequency of changing your nail files depends on a number of other factors too. The general guideline recommends changing your nail file every 3-6 months, depending on:
1) the type of nail file,
2) the quality,
3) the frequency of use,
4) the kind of product you’re working with,
5) the pressure you put in your process,
6) the amount of filing required, and
7) your personal hygiene habits
Key Takeaways
Understanding how often you need to change your nail files is essential for maintaining healthy nails and achieving the perfect manicure. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a salon manicurist, the frequency of changing your nail file largely depends on how often you use it and the type of file you’re working with. A worn-out file not only makes shaping more difficult but can also lead to uneven nails and potential damage.
So, keep an eye on the condition of your nail tools, and remember – investing in fresh, quality nail files means investing in your nail health. After all, well-maintained tools are the foundation of flawless nails!
