Electirc Nail Files : Are They Safe?

I have been a nail tech for 16 years and I've used a nail drill for about 14 of those 16 years. So I guess you can say that I am an advanced operator of this tool.

An electric file or e-file is just that...a tool. In my world this "tool" is imperative for me to use in order to deliver the best possible experience and end result for my customer.

For me to not use this tool is like a carpenter not using a nail gun and hand-pounding nails with a hammer...very time consuming and not very precise, in my opinion.

In the fast-paced world we currently live in, time is a very valuable commodity. Customers who desire artificial nail enhancements really don't have the time to sit for two hours every other week in order to maintain their enhancements.

This is why those "other" shops have grown so much in recent years. They provide a quick service at an affordable cost. However, the saying "you get what you pay for" is relevant in these next paragraghs.

Those "other" shops have given the e-files a bad reputation. Any tool that is improperly used can be harmful.

Going back to the carpenter and his nail gun... if the carpenter is moving too quickly and/or not paying attention and taking for granted his ability to use this tool, he can inevitably miss his target and...oops, nail goes into his finger and not the intended piece of wood. Get what I'm trying to say here?

An e-file can be a safe, efficient tool when the operator who is using it is properly trained and NEVER takes for granted their ability. For instance in my case, I've been using a drill for many, many years and can easily think I'm a pro and take for granted my ability to use such a tool. You know what happens when we take things (or people) for granted? Yep you guessed it, it's never good.

With my many years of experience, it's still very crucial for the success of my ability to constantly keep myself educated on new developments and techniques. We must continue to learn in order to grow.

OK , going back to the "you get what you pay for" statement. Those "other" shops pride themselves on giving you a quick, in-and-out experience and they spare no expense to them. It's alledged that a lot of the operators in those shops are not even licensed nail technicians...scary. They don't care about your well being, just the money you're going to hand them at the end of the service...scarier. When you express any concern toward them about the service they're providing you, in most cases, they don't care and blow you off like you're stupid for wanting a shorter length...of course, because they'll charge you MORE for the talons you really want, right?

They use products with ingredients that are illegal and that's why you never see original packaging of the products they use...it's a secret, "shhh...don't let this idiot know that this product I'm using can potentially harm them...might cause infection, respitory illness, or even an allergic reation...but hey, the product's cheap to manufacture, which means cheap prices for the idiot getting the service...who cares if I'm drilling out their natural nail...we're all gonna die eventually...let's just speed up the process for these folks and make us richer in the end!"...scariest!!!!!

For a funny imitation of an "Asian nail shop experience", click this link.

OK that might've been a harsh portrayal but you get the point. I can write a whole other blog on the deadliest lengths those "other" shops go to in order to make money off you and hurt you in the end. But that's for another time...

Lets keep focus...

Now is the Q & A of e-files you've been waiting for: (the following information was provided by Nails magazine for the nail professional and Vicki Peters , vice president of Vicki Peters Signature Series for Kupa Inc, the manufacturer of the one and only drill I use).

Q: Do electric files damage nails?

A: In the hands of an untrained technician, an electric file can be damaging to nails. With the proper training and responsible use, an electric file is safe to use on nails.

Q: Do electric files burn the natural nail?

A: Electric files do not burn the nail. A tech controls the machine and determines how much pressure is applied to the surface of the nail. The rule for heat is: Pressure causes friction, friction causes heat. If pressure is not applied to the surface of the nail, the nail will not get hot. If the drill bit is fresh, less pressure is needed. Constant movement and light pressure is the best technique for minimizing heat with all types of bits. Sometimes heat from pressure can be caused by the client’s tense finger pressing up against the bit as the technician is working. Taking the time to explain the theory of pressure and friction to clients will work to relax their fingers to avoid causing discomfort to their nails.

Q: What’s a ring of fire?

A: A ring of fire is created when the surface of the natural nail is filed too aggressively with a file or electric file. Red, painful patches develop on the nail plate. Electric file users sometimes cause rings of fire when improperly using a barrel bit at the cuticle area. When used at an angle in the cuticle area, the barrel bit’s edge cuts into the natural nail.

Q: Can you use an electric file on the natural nail?

A: Yes but only with synthetic, rubberized soft drill bits that are made specifically for use on the natural nail. They can safely prep the natural nail, remove excess cuticle from the nail plate, and buff the nails, and even remove ridges.

These are just a few of the most popular concerns the general public has on this topic. I hope this answered any of your concerns regarding the e-file.

Now back to the "you get what you pay for" statement. In most cases, when you buy cheap, cheap is what you get. I'm employed by a salon that is anything but cheap. A high-end salon and spa that provides the best of the best in services and products. Our prices are not cheap however our service ranks high on our standards of performance.

However time is money to most of us, so why not get an exceptional nail enhancement service by a professional you can trust to give you a quick service that does not skimp out on it's quality?

Michelle Moody is a licensed nail technician at Spa Bleu in West Dundee and South Barrington, Illinois.