The Single Most Damaging Filing Habit (And How to Fix It for Stronger Nails)

We’ve all seen it: the quick, aggressive, back-and-forth 'sawing' motion with a nail file. While it seems fast, this habit is the single most damaging practice you can inflict on your natural nails, severely compromising their strength and leading to chips.

The Physics of Splitting: Your nail is composed of tightly packed layers of keratin. When you file back and forth, you create friction and stress, causing these layers to fray and split microscopically at the free edge. This leaves the nail tip weak, ragged, and highly prone to peeling or cracking once polished.

The Professional Filing Technique: At Satomi Nails, our manicure prep is focused on Keratin Layer Protection:

• One Direction Only: We file gently in one direction—from the side to the centre. This motion seals the keratin layers smoothly, creating a clean, strong, and sealed edge.

• Correct Grit: We use high-quality, fine-grit files that are specific to the nail type, preventing excessive abrasion.

Mastering the correct filing technique tips is fundamental to achieving a beautiful shape and strengthening nails Auckland. A strong polish starts with a sealed edge.