Especially important on natural nails, using the right file grit can prevent little snags and tears at the corners of the nail which weaken the nail and eventually lead to breakage. The lower the number of the grit (how coarse the file is, or how big the filing particles are), the more coarse the file will be.
 

Basic rundown as follows:

• Extra Course: 80 Grit
  
• Very Coarse: 100 Grit
  
• Coarse: 120 Grit

These are only for use on acrylic nails, never wraps or natural nails, to shorten and shape.

• Medium Coarse: 180 Grit
  
• Medium: 220 Grit
  
• Medium Fine: 320 Grit

These are used for light acrylic work, wraps and shortening and shaping natural nails.

• Fine: 400 Grit
  
• Medium Smoothing: 600 Grit
  
• Smoothing: 4,000 Grit
  
• Shining: 12,000 Grit

Used for smoothing, buffing and finishing nails.
Taking an old file to the edges of a new file will soften those edges, helping to reduce cuts and irritation to cuticles, especially when buffing and/or shaping acrylics.

Light polishes make nails look longer, but don't draw as much attention to nails.

Darker polishes and neons look best on nails that are very well manicured.

A light layer of acrylic over natural nails will make them stronger and polish last longer.

Use nail polish removers with acetone only on natural nails. Acetone will eat acrylic.

Masking tape is a great way to block off the free edge of the nail when doing a French manicure.

It takes about 45 minutes for polish to set.

It takes about 2 hours for polish to completely dry and resist smudging, bubbling and imprints from things it may brush up against/be pushed into (like, your sheets). The most common cause of bubbled nail polish...? Placing hands in water before polish is completely dry.

Polish streaky...? Dark polishes especially, can look streaky once applied.

Use a three stroke approach with each coat to minimize streaking. One stroke up the center of the nail, then along each side. Making sure each coat is dry before the next will also help prevent the dreaded stripes.
 
If polish is old and thick, add a polish thinner to it.

Don't add nail polish remover. It will continue to dilute the polish until it's too thin to offer any coverage.

The best way to help natural nails grow is to massage the cuticles every night before bed (and anytime you might think of it during the day) with a cuticle cream or oil (regular lotion works fine as well).

Massaging the cuticles stimulates and improves circulation in the area, allowing nails to grow stronger. Good diet is another key. Calcium and gelatin are both great for strengthening nails. Protecting the nails with a strengthener, keeping them out of harsh chemicals and not using them as can openers or screwdrivers will also help.

 Terrific tips are a surefire way to make a fabulous first impression, so a little TLC goes a long way. Adding a few simple steps to your daily routine as well as a little extra effort for special occasions can take your tips from drab to fab!

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