Pro Tips: You Better Shape Up! Shaping and Filing Tips & Tricks
All great lines and curves start with a good file. You want to make sure it has a decent amount grit on it to start out. I personally like the OPI Edge 240 or the Edge Silver 180/400 files.
You want to file the sides first to start the shaping. I prefer to file the sides down and narrow them out a bit. Depending on the shape you're going for, you will go more or less narrow. For best results, I suggest that you file in one direction, thus lessening the fraying of the nail. Once you get the sides down, start on refining the tip to get your final shape.
Looking for more information on how to shape nails? Our OPI Professionals site has Service Education courses on Nail Anatomy including how to shape nails properly.I've also recently started a love affair with almond shaped nails. To make sure your shapes are symmetrical, you’ll have to move the clients hands and turn them around towards you. Make sure you move them a bit to inspect from different angles because everyone's nail beds are shaped differently, so you need to file accordingly.
Check out pro tips on various types of files, buffers, and grits to help you create the optimal nail shape.Use these tips from Raven to offer that extra level of service and shaping to the clients in your salon! Looking for more tips and trends, or want to be featured? Tag us on Instagram and let us know what you are #OPIObsessed about.
Raven has been licensed to do nails for 6 years and has worked with OPI for the past three years. Raven does the nails for numerous campaigns, as well as writing for our pro blog, and promoting the brand at PR events. She has worked on celebrities and the Hollywood elite including Vanessa Hudgens, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, Kerry Washington, Jaime King, Paris Hilton, and more.