Filing is so important to nail appearance, and with the advent of e-files, the techniques for hand-filing can be easily forgotten. Excellent hand-filing skills can help a competition tech rise above the pack, while everyday techs can woo clients with a deft hand and light touch. Here Entity’s Tom Bachik explains the techniques he uses to win competitions as well as clients’ loyalty.

1. Use a 150-grit file to define the perimeter of all ten nails.

2. File straight along the lateral walls of each nail, tapering slightly from the cuticle area toward the extension edge. Gently pull down the lateral fold and define the lower profile of your extension edge.

 3. Use a 180-grit file to perfect the surface shape. Start along the center of the cuticle area with the file slightly angled toward the eponychium. Using rounded motions, file from the center of the nail down into the lower profile, which spans from the cuticle to the apex.

4. Change directions and file from the extension edge back toward the apex. Use rounded motions along the sides and file up from the lower profile to the center of the nail, which lies from the extension edge to the apex. This will ensure the nail is thin, even, and tapered from sidewall to sidewall. To avoid flat spots, rotate and swivel the finger from side to side as you file.

5. Finish by using long fluid strokes down the length of the nail starting at the cuticle area towards the free edge, making sure the product tapers in all directions from the apex.

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