Tips, Tricks, and Tutorials Tuesday - Crystal Nail File

If you've read about me on my "About & Stash" page, you know that I used to paint my nails all the time when I was in high school, which is longer ago than I care to admit!  During that time, my nails used to peel like mad.  I figured it was just because of all the painting and nail polish remover.  I thought those products just made my nails weak.

Well, one day, my dad took me with him to this home show.  They had a bunch of booths with everything from cabinetry to crafts and beauty products.  The first booth we passed was selling nail files.  I stopped to check it out.  The guy at the booth asked to see my nails.  At the time, they were naked, and my peelies were plainly visible.  The guy started telling me how the nail files they sold would stop the peeling.  He asked if he could demonstrate the file on one of my nails, which he did.  The file looked like a gray stone.  The file worked beautifully.  Although I didn't quite believe it would stop my nails from peeling, I did like the way it worked compared to the plain emery boards I was using.  So I bought the set.

I can honestly tell you that since I've been using this file, which I've had for more than 20 years now (there, I said it! LOL), my nails have not peeled since.  As you can see in the photo above, my file is in two pieces.  I dropped it many years ago, and it broke.

Here's what I do.  I simply file my nails with the wider end (which is rougher).  And yes, I do file back and forth.  With this file, there is no need to go in one direction.  Then I quickly go over them again with the thinner (smoother) end, which seals the edge of the nail.  That's it!

Unfortunately, I have no idea what the name of the company was.  The file just came in a blue velvet bag that simply says "Professional Naturally Beautiful Nails."  It came with a little holder and sleeve for the file, which I got rid of after I broke the file.  It also came with 3 buffers.  If you ever come across a file that looks anything like this, buy it!  I have not bought files in more than 20 years.  To care for this, I occasionally wash it with mild soap and water, and air dry.  It has never worn down, and stopped my peelies for good!