Can you file your nails if they still have polish on them? Many people find their nails growing quickly between manicure sessions, making it tempting to file them independently. To help you, we've gathered advice from nail technicians on this topic.
In this post, we'll discuss filing various types of polished nails and recommend some effective nail files to use at home. Keep reading to learn the best ways to maintain your manicure between salon visits.
Filing Painted Nails - Is It Okay?
Imagine you have a painted wood door. You need to sand a bit of wood off of the edge to get it to shut. If your paint solidly sticks to your door, it won't chip as you sand.
The same is true of your natural nails. If you use good nail polish and have strong adhesion, when you file your nail, it's not going to chip. If your manicure application is inadequate or it's getting old, you might lose a bit of nail polish at the top when you file.
Filing Nail Decals
If you love cute nail decals and stickers applied to the surface of your polished nails, that's awesome. But when you file and remove the top edge of your nail, that part of the decal will go with it.
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It makes sense, and you might need to file your nails anyway. Just know your image will shrink as you file your nails. Want to try nail stickers? This set contains more than 1,000 self-adhesive DIY nail stickers.
For more creative ideas, check out our article on "111 Coffee-Inspired Nail Art Ideas" to spice up your nail decor.
Can You File Your Nails With Gel Polish On Them?
You can; however, we don't recommend it. Most nail stylists who do gel manicures will "cap" the tips of your nails to cover up the natural shrinkage that occurs with gel nails. That cap acts as a protectant for the thicker-than-usual manicure.
If you file it, it may increase your chances of chipping. It may also void the work of your nail technician, and any warranty for free fixes would be null and void.
Can You File Painted Acrylic Nails?
You can, but the paint on the ends may chip when you file a painted nail. When filing acrylic nails, polished or not, the main thing to remember is to use the correct grit.
You need a coarse nail file, like 100 and then 180 grit. Lighter-weight emery boards or glass nail files won't work for your acrylic nails.
This double-sided file has 100 grit on one side and 180 on the other.
Is It Bad To File Your Nails Every Day?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the best thing you can do for your nails is clip them regularly and gently round the edges. Whether to file them daily or cut them as needed is a personal preference, and neither choice should harm the nail itself.
Some research suggests that filing or cutting into sharp-angled shapes can create stress on the nail edges and damage them over time.
Thus, if you're filing daily, it is essential to either allow the sides to grow straight, topped by a simple curve or give the edges only the slightest curve.
What's the Best Nail File For Nails With Nail Polish On?
Much of this depends on if you have your natural nails, gels, or acrylics.
Best Nail Files For Natural Nails
For natural nails with polish, the best type of file is either a glass file or something gentle like a traditional emery board. They are kinder on the edges. You might even rub two of them together with emery boards to cut down on the hard line of grit at the edges.
This professional crystal nail file is perfect for filing your natural nails. This is an excellent investment for your nail care in its handy carrying case. The glass surface means it won't grow bacteria or fungus, which is better for your nails. It's also washable.
After using your crystal nail file, use a buffer like this one. The glass surface will bring your nails up to a gorgeous shine. It takes about ten seconds per nail and will last for three weeks.
If you prefer a metal nail file, this German-made file from 3 Swords exhibits the highest levels of quality and design. It's durable and double-sided, with one side coarse and the other fine. It has a slip-on cover for carrying in a purse or a pocket without exposing the file.
Nail Files For Gel Or Acrylic Nails
As mentioned above, gel and acrylic nails are much harder than natural nails, so you need course nail files. Let's look at a few available for commercial nails.
This stainless steel nail file is two-sided and has grit along the edges. Its thick metal means it will not bend when applied to harder nails. It arrives in a leather sheath to keep it protected when not in use.
If you want to improve your filing skills, this drill kit is what you need. The drill and various bits and sanding bands will file, carve, grind, and polish your gel or acrylic nails. It's low noise and low heat, and it will surely make you the star of the nail game.
For more on what you might need to maintain or create acrylic nails, check out our article "What Do You Need For Acrylic Nails?" to ensure you're fully equipped.
Concluding Nail Care Tips
You can safely file your nails even with polish on. While there's a small risk of chipping, a strong polish bond should prevent any damage. Enjoy maintaining your nails between manicures, confident in your ability to keep them looking great.
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