Few people are formally taught how to file their own nails. In fact, you probably picked up your technique by watching other people do it. But, there is a method to the fingernail-filing madness ...

File straight, then round the edges: Use a fine-grit nail file to shape the free edge into a soft square, then gently round off the corners to achieve that squoval curve.

How do you choose between an emery board vs nail file? Experts break down the differences between both nail tools and when to use each one.