QUICK GUIDE TO USING
ELECTRIC NAIL FILES
AND TOOLS
2
GETTING STARTED
INTRODUCTION
HOLDING THE HANDPIECE
For almost all applications hold the handpiece as you would a pencil
but keeping the shaft of the tool horizontal. Manipulate the finger nail
to present the correct angle to the tool.
(Occasionally you may change from this position, for instance when
cutting a smile line or when performing a pedicure.
BALANCE FINGER
When using your file ALWAYS rest your little finger of the hand holding the
handpiece against your other hand. This acts as a steadier for controlling
the action of the file and allows far greater control of the pressure applied
to the drill tool.
Electric Files, commonly called e-files, make the perfect salon-style manicure or pedicure easy to achieve and keep your feet and hands in perfect
condition.
With a wide range of profiling, shaping and polishing tools your e-file has many uses including nail shortening, quickly buffing nails, preparing natural nails
for extensions, removing gel nail enhancements, removing hard skin from feet and performing professional infills. In fact e-files can be used for most of the
procedures you would use a hand file for.
PLEASE NOTE: This guide shows specifically how and when to use your e-file instead of other tools such as hand files or buffers. As such this guide is
intended to be used in conjunction with the instructions for the other processes you may be following.
As with most new skills electric filing takes time to master and it is vital to know what you are doing to prevent damaging the nail plate. So, be patient, and
allow yourself time to learn and develop your technique. There are many ways in which to practice techniques from buying ‘practice hands’ from beauty
supply companies to sticking false tips onto dowel rods. Whichever way you choose make sure you practice all speeds and different tools so you are
completely confident with your technique before working on real nails.
3
TOOLS
Your file is supplied with a selection of tools. Many tools are interchangeable
and the use of them is, in part, down to personal preference.
Always check the tools you are using are not damaged or bent. If the
tools wobble or vibrate during use they may be bent. this can damage
the nail and, if extreme, can damage the machine.
Most tools are available in coarse, medium or fine grades - for almost all
applications only medium and fine grades of tools are used.
Acrylic nails are the hardest and can withstand all tool styles. UV gel nails
are too soft for use with carbide tools, these respond best to the diamond
tools.
KNOW YOUR E-FILE TOOLS
DIAMOND TOOLS
Suitable for use on:
Natural nails
UV gel nails
Acrylic nails
Resin wrapped nails (silk or fibreglass)
Made of diamond fragments adhered to a metal barrel, these are available
in fine, medium and course grade. The ones supplied with your e-file are
medium and are the most versatile of all your electric file tools.
DIAMOND FOOTBALLDIAMOND BARREL DIAMOND CONE
ANGLING THE NAILS AND TOOLS
Correct use of the e-file (when working on the nail) is best achieved
by keeping the tool horizontal.
Try to follow this rule as much as possible as it maintains the control
of the handpiece. However, during use, some movement will be required
to achieve a smooth finish.
6
Tip and free edge - use the top third of the tool
to create a smooth curve to the tip of the nail.
The illustrations show a guide to the angles for each
zone of the nail.
Cuticle - use the top of the barrel tool, take care
to keep the angle flattish so you do not file into the
natural nail.
Centre - use the centre third of the tool here, rolling
slightly with strokes to create a natural curve.
The angle determines which part of the tool is in
contact with the nail. To check you are connecting
with the correct part watch for which area of the tool
goes white with dust.
CENTRE
TIP AND FREE EDGE
CUTICLE
SANDING BANDS
AND MANDREL
Suitable for use on:
Acrylic nails
UV gel nails
Hard skin
The sanding bands are used for shortening nail extensions and can be
used for filing the top surface of hardened products such as acrylic or UV
gel. They are available in various grit grades, the most commonly used
grades are 180 and 240 grit.
The lower the grit number the coarser the grade. As with hand files you
need to progress from coarser to finer grades to achieve a good finish.
The sanding bands are used with the mandrel which is a metal barrel
tool. The sanding bands simply push on and pull off the mandrel. The
sanding bands are disposable and should not be used on more than
one person.
Sanding bands are not suitable for high speed use as they are susceptible
to heat build up.
STONE ABRADER
Suitable for use on: Natural nails, Hard skin
The stone abrader can be used to prepare the natural
nail prior to the application of nail enhancements. As with
all tools used on the natural nail care must be taken as
damage can occur if over used. The stone abrader can also
be used to remove hardened skin from around the toes and file down
thickened toe nails.
CARBIDE TOOLS
Suitable for use on:
Acrylic nails
UV gel nails - ONLY for removal
Carbide tools have small flutes cut into the surface, these
shave, rather than grind, a minute layer away. Traditional carbide tools
have flutes going in just one direction, these can be difficult to use. A more
versatile type of carbide has cross cut flutes for use with clockwise or anti-
clockwise rotations.
The deeper the flutes the more coarse the drill tool, the carbide tool
supplied with your e-file is a medium, cross-cut barrel.
Carbide tools are ideal for use on acrylic nails.
NEVER use carbide tools on the natural nail. Not only are they too harsh,
but, also, the shaving action can lead to peeling of layers.
Carbide tools are available in different shapes, the most commonly used
is the barrel - a straight sided cylindrical tool for use filing the surface of
nail enhancements. The top edge of the barrel can also be used to ‘cut’
a line behind lifted product. Take care with this to avoid cutting right
through the product into the nail as these tools are sharp, especially
when new.
Some alternative shaped tools are ‘backfill’ - a shorter version of the
barrel tool, ‘inverted backfill’ - a shortened barrel with the taper extending
away from the tip and ‘tapered barrel’.
KNOW YOUR E-FILE TOOLS
4
240 GRIT BAND180 GRIT BAND MANDRELCARBIDE BARREL
STONE ABRADER
BUFFING TOOLS
Suitable for use on:
Natural Nails
All types of extensions
There are many types of buffing tools. They
are all used in a similar way.
To achieve a high shine massage a small amount of buffing paste onto
the nail surface.
Hold the buffing tool parallel to the work surface and work the buffing
cream all over the surface of the nail in small circular movements, keep
the pressure light and remove the tool very frequently to avoid heat build
up.
If using a long hair buffer, such as a goats hair buffer, switch to a felt
or cotton style buffing cone to finish.
Always use buffers on a low to medium speed, this is very important as
the insulating properties of a buffer means the heat can build up very
quickly especially on a high speed.
5
KNOW YOUR E-FILE TOOLS
CLEANING YOUR E-FILE TOOLS
Metal tools
If you are using your metal nail tools on more than one person it is vital
to disinfect them between people.
Remove the dust and debris with a small wire brush or tweezers.
Soak the tools in acetone to remove any remaining acrylic or nail product.
NOTE: UV Gel will not dissolve in acetone so any gel residue needs to be
removed completely with a wire brush.
NOTE: Acetone DOES NOT disinfect the tools.
Scrub the surface with warm soapy water and a small brush such
as a toothbrush.
Finally disinfect the tool by submerging completely in a suitable solution
such as baby bottle sterilising solution (follow the manufacturers
instructions).
Remove from the solution and dry well with kitchen towel. Do not leave
wet as this may cause rust.
Sanding Bands
Sanding bands cannot be cleaned and should be discarded between
uses on different people.
FELT CONE BUFFERLONG HAIR BUFFER
EMERY STONE CONE
EMERY STONE CONE
Suitable for use on:
Hard skin
The emery stone cone is ideal for use on thick, hardened
skin on the foot. Move in circular motions to remove any
dead skin from around the soles and balls of feet.
6
CHOOSING THE CORRECT SPEED
Choosing the correct speed is something which takes practice and
it is important to get to know how to tell if you need to increase
or decrease the speed.
A general rule is to use a slower speed for natural, UV gel or resin
wrapped nails and a higher speed for acrylic nails.
If you feel you need to increase the pressure on the tool, this usually
means you need to increase the speed of the rpm.
If, on the other hand, you are removing too much product even with very
light pressure this means the rpm is too fast and you should decrease
the speed.
Also decrease the speed if you are finding it hard to control the tool, especially
if you are near the cuticle area.
Your exact preferred speed will depend on your technical expertise, the
hardness of the surface you are filing and the process, for example, filing
the back edge for an infill requires a slower speed than smoothing the
top surface. Ideally you should maintain a visible result with light pressure
on the surface.
REDUCING THE LENGTH
Use the 240 grit sanding band and mandrel to reduce
the length.
TIP: Do not rely on visible results instead feel the
surface. Often the line of the ridge can still be seen
when it has actually gone.
7
E-files can be used on the natural nails but it is essential to take great
care and ensure you are completely familiar with the procedures, speeds
and pressures required.
NEVER use carbide or swiss carbide tools with the natural nail.
NEVER use any coarse tools with the natural nail.
The natural nail is most susceptible to damage from heat build up so ensure
you remove the tool for at least as much time as it is in contact with the
surface.
REMOVING NAIL RIDGES
If you suffer from ridges you can use the e-file
to lightly remove them. Use a fine diamond
tool or stone abrader.
On a slow speed move the tool gently over the ridged
area, lift and repeat.
Work on a slow speed and do not remove any more
of the surface than is absolutely necessary.
NATURAL NAILS
1
1
2
STONE ABRADERDIAMOND BARREL
240 GRIT BAND
For this do not keep the tool parallel to the work
surface, instead hold and keep vertical, try not to
angle the tool or your nail edge will be uneven.
Do NOT attempt to shape the nails with the e-file,
always shape using a hand file...
As a guideline, looking at the nails straight on - the three centre finger
nails should all be the same length with the little finger nail and thumb nail
in proportion to these.
Do not make the mistake of comparing the free edges - these will rarely
all be the same. Instead concentrate on the total length of the nail, cuticle
to tip.
8
NATURAL NAILS
1
2
3
3
1
NAIL
BUFFING
PASTE
FELT CONE BUFFERLONG HAIR BUFFER BUFFING PASTE
CUTICLE
OIL
FELT CONE BUFFER CUTICLE OIL
DIAMOND FOOTBALL DIAMOND CONE
BUFFING
Use buffers on a low speed, as
the insulating properties of a
buffer allows heat to build up very
quickly on a high speed.
Massage a small amount of buffing cream into
each nail.
Work the buffing cream all over the surface of the nail
in small circular movements, keep the pressure light
and remove the tool very frequently to avoid heat
build up.
If using a ‘loose’ buffer such as the goats hair ones
switch to a felt or cotton style buffing cone to finish.
BUFFING WITH CUTICLE OIL
After buffing with buffing paste to achieve
a high shine you can buff again with cuticle
oil. However, apply the oil sparingly or you will
ruin the buffing tool. Never allow the cuticle oil
to run down the tip shank into the machine as
this can cause damage.
Simply apply a tiny amount of cuticle oil to the
surface of each nail and buff over in small circular
movements, keep the pressure light and remove the
tool very frequently to avoid heat build up.
CLEANING UNDER THE FREE EDGE
Using a diamond football or diamond cone you
can effectively clean under the natural nail.
This can be useful at removing some staining
under the nail, but be careful not to overdo
this and weaken the nail.
On a slow to medium speed file underneath the free
edge of the nail lightly.
9
PRE-BLENDING YOUR
EXTENSION TIP
Pre-blending your extension tips gives a more
professional result. It also reduces the amount
of blending once the tips have been applied
to the nails surface reducing the chances of
damaging the nail surface.
NAIL EXTENSIONS
1
1
3
4
2
5
DIAMOND BARREL240 GRIT BAND
STONE ABRADERDIAMOND BARREL
Pre blend the edge with a 240 grit sanding band
or diamond barrel tool. Keep the handpiece flat to
the surface of the extension tip so that the well area
gradually tapers to the end.
Repeat procedure for each extension tip.
PREPARING THE NAILS
To prepare the nail surface before applying an
enhancement use a diamond tool or a stone
abrader.
The precision of the electric file is perfect
for ensuring all dead skin cells are removed.
Skin/cuticle cells left on the nail plate contain oils and
moisture which is the most common cause of nail
extensions lifting.
Gently push back the cuticles with the hoof stick
before using your e-file.
Work on the three zones methodically, to avoid going
over one area repeatedly:
cuticle
On a slow to medium speed move the tool gently
over the nail surface right to left, lifting off the nail
between strokes. Do not tilt the file or nail too much
and avoid filing into the nail.
middle
tip and free edge
If necessary use a diamond cone to get into the
sidewall area of the nail surface.
After this stage remember to brush away all dust
before proceeding.
Do NOT touch the nail surface after this stage
as your fingers will transfer natural oils from the skin
onto the nail.
10
BLENDING THE SEAM
To blend the seams of extension tips use a diamond
barrel tool.
Keep the pressure very light. If you feel the need to apply
more pressure increase the speed of the e-file instead.
NAIL EXTENSIONS
6
1 1
2
2
DIAMOND BARREL 180 GRIT BAND
On a slow speed, move across the seam of the
extension in one direction, lift the tool and repeat.
Angle the nail slightly to taper into the natural nail
without actually filing the natural nail at all.
Remember to lift the tool off the nail very frequently
to avoid heat build up.
Take care NOT to angle the tool too much to
minimise the chances of filing the natural nail.
Using a diamond barrel or diamond football angle the
file towards the side of the nail and carefully blend
the corners of the extension near the side wall.
NOTE: Do NOT use the e-file to reduce the length
of the extensions at this stage, as it will weaken
the bond.
REDUCING THE LENGTH
After the product has been applied you can use your e-file
to reduce the length of the extensions, if necessary, so they
are even.
For all types of extensions use 180 grit sanding
band.
Position your thumb on the top of the enhancement
to provide support to the stress area and hold the
finger in steady.
Hold and keep the tool vertical, try not to angle the
tool or your nail edge will be uneven.
With firm, but not hard, pressure move the drill
across the end of the nail in a straight line.
Do NOT attempt to shape the nails with the electric file. Always use
a hand file to shape the nails.
As a guideline, looking at the nails straight on - the three centre finger
nails should all be the same length with the little finger nail and thumb nail
in proportion to these.
Compare the total length of the nail, cuticle to tip. Do NOT make the
mistake of comparing the free edges - these will rarely all be the same.
Finishing the top surface
For acrylic nails use either a 240
grit sanding band or a medium
cross-cut carbide barrel.
For UV gel nails or wrapped nails
use either a 240 grit sanding
band or a medium diamond
barrel.
When filing some people prefer to complete each nail before moving
onto the next, others prefer to complete each stage on all the nails,
thereby working all the nails together. Familiarise yourself with each step
thoroughly and follow a methodical route.
Hold the finger firmly, pinching the sidewalls down away from the nail
plate.
11
NAIL EXTENSIONS
1 2 3
6
4
5
3
6
1
2
CARBIDE BARREL240 GRIT BAND DIAMOND BARREL
ACRYLIC UV GEL ACRYLIC UV GEL WRAPPED
Mentally separate the nail into three zones:
1 - cuticle
2 - centre
3 - tip and free edge
File each zone with the correct part of the tool.
Cuticle
On a slow speed taper the product overlay towards
the cuticle area using the top section of the tool.
To avoid ‘rings of fire’ keep the handpiece parallel to
the work surface and angle the finger as you need.
Work slowly, moving from one side to the other then
LIFT OFF and repeat - do not move left to right
in contact with the nail.
Centre
File over the whole surface thinning the product if
it is too thick and smoothing any bumps. Keep the
nail and tool moving to avoid working in one spot
for too long.
Tip and free edge
Angle the nail slightly to form a smooth dome to the
tip of the free edge.
On both the centre and tip zones you can move the
file side to side in contact with the nail, taking care to
lift regularly to avoid heat build up.
Regularly view the nail from the side to check for any
bumps left at the edge of the product. It is important
to taper the product fully to avoid a ‘step’ as the
product grows out. At the same time avoid filing into
the natural nail.
12
Each nail must be checked from several angles to ensure a smooth
surface. If the surface is uneven at all, simply file over the area to remedy.
On all areas check the product is not too thick or clumsy, and the surface
is smooth without bumps or steps.
Check the product is not too thin at the stress line where the free edge
starts. If this occurs more product will need to be applied and the filing
re-done.
NAIL EXTENSIONS
1
1
DIAMOND FOOTBALL DIAMOND CONE
Side View
Look from both sides. There should be a smooth
dome, with the highest point centred on the nail,
tapering towards the cuticle and without any stepped
areas.
Straight down the nail
Looking end on at the nail check the ‘C’ curve is
even with the highest point in the centre.
Tip the nail up and down checking for bumps on the
top profile of the nail.
Flat, Top View
Looking straight onto the nail surface roll the nails
to show any imperfections which will show up in the
light.
Check for bumps, flat spots and surface
blemishes.
THE UNDERSIDE
When filing under the nail use a diamond
football or cone as part of the underside is the
natural nail.
Do NOT use a carbide tool.
On a slow to medium speed file underneath the free
edge of each nail lightly to remove any stray product
and neaten the shape.
Check the undersides are straight and even. Feel the free edge and
underside to check for sharp edges or ‘unfinished’ patches. Check the
underside of the nail is clean and free from product and glue residue.
Once you have checked each nail compare all the nails to ensure they
are all even.
FINISHING
Once you are happy with the shape of the nail always
rub each nail vigorously with a white block to smooth
before progressing to the buffing stage.
13
BUFFING
Buffing is the finishing stage of
applying nail extensions. Use
fine grade diamond barrels and/
or sanding bands over the nail
surface before moving onto
buffing files.
There are many types of buffing materials available, they all have the
same purpose, to shine the nail, so it is worth trying different types to
find one that suits you Always use buffers on a low speed, the insulating
properties of a buffer means the heat can build up very quickly especially
on a high speed.
If using a ‘long hair’ buffer use this for the first part of buffing before
moving to a felt or cotton buffer. Otherwise just use a felt or cotton buffer
for the whole process.
NAIL EXTENSIONS
ACRYLIC ACRYLIC UV GEL
WRAPPED
1
2
1
2
3
NAIL
BUFFING
PASTE
FELT CONE BUFFERLONG HAIR BUFFER BUFFING PASTE CARBIDE BARREL DIAMOND BARREL
Rub a small amount to buffing cream into each nail.
Work the buffing cream all over the surface of the nail
in small circular movements, keep the pressure light
and remove the tool very frequently to avoid heat
build up.
Change to a felt or cotton style buffing cone. Buff
over the whole nail. Also buff under and around the
free edge to create a smooth feel.
NOTE: If after buffing there are scratches in the
surface, repeat the surface filing with the the very fine
grade sanding band or diamond barrel and re-buff.
After applying nail extensions there can be areas
of lifting which show as opaque areas. This must
be removed to prevent water becoming trapped
underneath which can lead to watermould on the
nail plate.
Angle the handpiece and with the edge of the tool
cut a line just behind the lifted area. The lifted area
will usually flick off.
Continue until all loose product has been removed.
Do NOT file directly onto the lifted area as the
movement can force more product to detach from
the nail plate.
NOTE: Regularly wipe away dust, sometimes this
can cling to the edge of the product and appears
as lifting.
REMOVING LIFTED PRODUCT
For acrylic nails use the top ‘cutting’ edge of
either a medium diamond barrel or a medium
cross-cut carbide barrel.
For UV gel nails or resin wrapped nails use
the top ‘cutting’ edge of a medium diamond
barrel.
INFILLING
(BACKFILLING)
For acrylic nails use either a 240
grit sanding band or a medium
cross-cut carbide barrel.
For UV gel nails or resin wrapped
nails use either a 240 grit sanding band or a medium diamond barrel.
14
NAIL EXTENSIONS
5
6
4
7
1
2
3
CARBIDE BARREL240 GRIT BAND DIAMOND BARREL
As the natural nail grows it is necessary for you to in-
fill as a gap will appear between the cuticle and the
seam. The enhancement may also begin to lift. This
is usually required about two weeks after your first
application and every 2-3 weeks thereafter. Prep the
nails as usual for the type of product in question.
Using the 180 grit sanding band reduce the length
if necessary.
Refer to ‘REDUCING THE LENGTH’ section
Do NOT attempt to shape the nails with your e-file.
Examine the cuticle area for loose/lifted product,
air pockets or bubbles. These show as cloudy areas.
Refer to the section ‘REMOVING LIFTED/LOOSE
PRODUCT’ to remove these.
With the nail at a slight angle and the hand piece
parallel to the work surface, file towards the cuticle
area tapering the product down to the natural nail.
Use your balance finger to maintain firm control and
remember to lift the file off the nail very frequently.
Do NOT file into or on the natural nail at all.
Once back edge is tapered into the nail remove about
half the thickness of the remaining old product over
the nail to allow for the new product to be applied
over the top.
Regularly remove the dust and view the nail from the
side to check the taper and remove any bumps left
at the edge of the product.
Apply the product for whichever nail enhancement
you have used, acrylic, gel or nail wrap, following your
usual instruction for the application of the product.
Once the product is completely hard, file over the
whole surface to finish. Refer to ‘FINISHING THE
TOP SURFACE’ section.
Finally buff until you have the required shine. Refer to
BUFFING’ section.
15
CUTTING A SMILE LINE
The electric file is perfect for cutting a crisp
smile line when backfilling ‘pink and whites’.
For acrylic nails use the top ‘cutting’ edge
of a carbide barrel
For UV gel nails use the top ‘cutting’ edge
of a medium diamond barrel.
NAIL EXTENSIONS
1
2
3
ACRYLIC UV GEL
1
2
3
5
6
4
CARBIDE BARREL DIAMOND BARREL
Wash and dry the hands and prep the nails as usual
for the type of product in question.
Using the 180 grit sanding band reduce the length
if necessary.
Refer to ‘REDUCING THE LENGTH’ section
Thin the product over the whole surface of all the
nails. Aim to remove about a quarter of the product
at this stage.
Using a pencil draw a smile line on each nail at the
new position.
TIP: You can use a template such as an acrylic nail
form to achieve a good, even curve.
Check the smile lines on all the nails together look
even and well positioned.
Using the top of the carbide barrel cut the smile line
into the tip of the nail product. This is one of the few
occasions when you angle the drill tool into the nail to
cut a neat line. Hold the tool at about a 45º angle. Use
your balance finger to maintain control. Do not rush.
You may find it easier to initially cut the shape in
three stages, right edge in, left edge in and finally
the centre. Once this initial guide is there you can
refine the curve.
Once you are happy with the smile line, hold the drill
parallel to the surface and remove three quarters
of the product thickness on the tip.
If necessary refine the smile line using a small
diamond barrel at a slow speed to get a finer finish.
Repeat this on each nail. When all ten nails have had the tip product
thinned, remove any dust compare them together for evenness.
You are now ready to continue your backfill with pink and white gel
or acrylic as you wish.
16
REMOVING UV GEL NAILS
UV Gel nails cannot be soaked
off, the professional way to
remove them is to file away
leaving a very thin gel layer on
the nail. The precision of the
e-file makes this process quick,
easy and less harmful to the natural nails.
NAIL EXTENSIONS
AFTERCARE ADVICE, HINTS AND TIPS FOR
NAIL EXTENSIONS
To maintain your nail extensions, use your e-file periodically between
infills to file the back edge lightly to remove any fragments of lifting.
This helps prevent more serious lifted areas.
Always remove lifted areas as soon as possible and do not allow water
to become trapped under the nail. Always dry your nails thoroughly
after washing. Trapped water can lead to water mould, which requires
medical treatment.
• Do NOT use detergents, such as washing powders or washing-up
liquid, or bleach without wearing rubber gloves, these will damage
your extensions.
Remember the most common cause of all nail extensions nails lifting
is poor nail preparation. Try to meticulously remove all cuticle cells
from the nail plate during the nail preparation stage. Use a diamond
cone tool to get into the sidewall areas if necessary.
Also do NOT touch the nail plate after the preparation stage to
prevent contamination with skin oils. If you accidently touch the plate,
wipe over again with finishing wipe to remove any oils you may
have transferred.
Apply cuticle oil to the nails nightly, massaging into the cuticle. Apply
hand moisturiser at least once a day.
1
2
3
CARBIDE BARREL180 GRIT BAND DIAMOND BARREL
Cut the nails to the desired length.
Using a medium speed, carefully file the gel overlay,
leaving a very thin layer of product.
Take great care NOT to file into the natural nail
plate.
Shape with a hand file. Wash hands and nails well
remove all traces of gel dust which can irritate the
skin. Condition the skin and nails with cuticle oil
and moisturiser.
NOTE: Carbide tools are not generally used with gel
nails, however for removal they can be used.
17
COMPLETE PEDICURE
COMPLETE PEDICURE
Assemble all products before
starting so you don’t have to
retrieve tools with wet feet!
You will need; polish remover,
cotton pads or cotton wool,
bowl of hot water with a foot
soak product, exfoliating scrub,
nail brush, nail file, moisturiser,
cuticle remover product, cuticle
stick, e-file tools and your e-file.
Before starting remove nail polish
and if you need to shorten nail length either clip them or use your e-file
with the sanding band on medium speed. Finish by filing across with a
hand file.
1
2
4
5
3
6
NAIL
BUFFING
PASTE
FELT CONE BUFFER
LONG HAIR BUFFER
BUFFING PASTE
EMERY STONE CONESTONE ABRADER 240 GRIT BAND
Soak feet for 5-10 minutes in foot soak and relax.
Lift one foot from the soak and dry. Apply cuticle
remover and leave for 3-5 minutes while you check
the foot for hard skin.
Push the cuticles back and remove any excess
cuticle skin.
Massage your exfoliating scrub all over the foot for
a minute or two, gently on the top and more thoroughly
on the soles and around hard skin areas.
Replace the foot in the foot soak to rinse off
the exfoliating scrub and repeat steps 1 to 3 on the
other foot.
Dry both feet well.
NOTE: All pedicure tools work best when they are
dry and used on dry skin, so remove all traces of
creams or water before using the e-file.
Using your Stone Abrader or Emery Stone Cone
remove any hard skin. Use short strokes or small
circles on a slow to medium speed and remember
to lift the tool off the skin regularly to prevent a build
up of heat.
Do not remove the hard skin completely or the area
will be sore.
18
NAIL
BUFFING
PASTE
8
9
7
10
1
2
3
EMERY STONE CONE 180 GRIT BAND
Check the nails.
With the Stone Abrader remover any hard skin
around the big toe nail.
Use the Stone Abrader or 240 grit sanding band
to remove any ridges on the toe nails.
If you have removed ridges with the Stone Abrader
or 240 grit sanding band, use a white sanding block
over each nail to smooth the surface before buffing.
Massage a small amount of buffing paste into each
nail and buff to a shine.
See the ‘NATURAL NAILS - BUFFING’ section.
Finally moisturise the feet and legs.
NOTE: If you wish to apply nail polish to the toenails
remove any residual buffing paste and moisturiser
first with an acetone-free remover.
REMOVING CALLOUSES
If you have to remove callouses as part of
a pedicure use a specialist callous removing
cream or lotion. Follow the instructions taking
care not to leave the product on the skin any
longer than stated. Dry the area before using
your e-file.
Using a 180 grit sanding band on medium speed
remove the top layer of the callous.
Lift the tool off the callous very frequently to avoid
heat build up.
Graduate to a 240 grit Sanding Band or Emery Stone
Cone to finish removing the hardened area.
Do not remove the callous completely as this will
expose raw skin which will be sore.
Moisturise the area.
Moisturising the area regularly should help avoid the
callous building up again.
NOTE: Clean the tools thoroughly after use and
discard the sanding bands.
COMPLETE PEDICURE
19
‘Picking’ - if there is a small area of lifting do not pick. Simply file away
before it has a chance to spread.
Why are my nails always dull even after buffing?
This is usually caused by not graduating properly from coarser grits to
finer ones. Always use a white sanding block between filing the surface
and buffing.
The use of a buffing cream at the first stage of buffing will also help
achieve a high gloss shine.
Since using an e-file my nail enhancements become brittle after the
first few infills. Why?
Caused by microshattering this typically happens after a couple of infills. This
can be due to using drill tools which are too coarse or being too aggressive
when filing. This has the effect of vibrating the enhancements and over time
the product bonds become more and more brittle with each infill.
Why do I keep catching the skin at the sides of the nail?
This is known as ‘grabbing’ and occurs when the positioning is not quite
right. Try to keep the handpiece parallel to the work surface and manipulate
the finger rather than moving the drill tool. Also hold the finger by pinching
down the sidewalls of the nail to keep the skin out of the way.
I keep snagging the tool on the nail and losing control. What am
I doing wrong?
Usually this is from using too fast an rpm or applying too much pressure.
Try slowing the speed first. If that does not work, increase the speed but
use less pressure.
Occasionally it could be that the tool is very sharp. In which case apply
very little pressure.
Is it true that e-files damage the nail?
If used correctly e-files are very safe. The tools are smaller and more
precise than traditional files so they can be used more accurately and
can be safer than hand filing.
If used incorrectly the e-file can damage the nail, most commonly by
people filing into the natural nail, or by not lifting the tool off the nail
regularly and building up heat.
The drill tools get hot when in use, how do I stop this?
This is from the friction on the nail plate and it is vital to prevent the tool
getting so hot it causes damage.
Follow these rules to avoid the problem:
Get into the habit of lifting the tool off the nail every second or so.
Don’t go back and forth when in contact with the nail plate, instead
move in one direction then lift off the nail and repeat.
• Do NOT apply too much pressure. All your strokes should be short
and light.
Why do my nail enhancements lift at the back?
This is usually caused by incomplete nail preparation leaving skin cells or
oils on the nail plate before applying the extension and product. To avoid
this remove the shine from the natural nail surface thoroughly using a
diamond tool before applying extensions.
Other causes can be:
Touching the nail plate after preparation which transfers oils onto the
surface.
Exposing the hands and nails to detergents, such as washing up
without gloves, will damage almost all nail extensions and cause
lifting.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
20
“Rings of Fire” - what are they and how do I avoid them?
These are the red lines which only show up as the nail grows. Created by
filing into the natural nail as you taper the cuticle edge, they are thinned
areas of natural nail.
These are often caused when a sanding band is used on the cuticle area,
the narrower circumference of a diamond barrel tools makes it easier to
control. So if you regularly have “rings of fire” and use a sanding band,
try switching to a diamond tool for cuticle work.
To avoid these:
Take great care to prevent filing into the natural nail. Keeping your
handpiece parallel to the work surface and angling the nail helps
this.
Use very light pressure and only slightly angle the nail to create the
taper to the cuticle.
If necessary reduce the speed of the tool to allow greater control.
If ‘rings of fire’ appear regularly you must refine your filing technique,
however, these can be caused by the most experienced of nail technicians
on occasion and are not usually painful or permanently damaging to the
growth of the nail.
If you have painful “rings of fire’ that is serious misuse of the electric nail
file and can be a sign of severe damage the nail plate.
What are “Hot Spots”?
Similar to “rings of fire” but on a smaller scale these are simply red marks
where the file has gone into the natural nail because of filing in one area
for too long. Hot Spots are more likely to be created with hand filing as
the files are larger and less precise than an electric file. Correct use of
electric files will almost never result in hot spots.
They are usually not serious. However it is a sign of damage to the nail
plate and something which should be avoided.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
CUSTOMER CARE
If you have any questions please email us at: [email protected]
For further information, visit: www.riobeauty.com
www.riobeauty.com
© The Dezac Group Ltd 2021
PO Box 17, Cheltenham, England GL53 7ET
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