E-file Nail Heads - What they all do!Updated 10 days ago

1. Quartz Grinding Head:

• Uses:
  • Cuticle work: Excellent for pushing back, cleaning, and gently exfoliating around the cuticle area and sidewalls. They are often used for "dry manicures."
  • Natural nail prep: Can be used to gently remove shine from the natural nail plate before applying gel polish or enhancements, without causing excessive thinning.
  • Polishing: Finer quartz bits can be used for light buffing and smoothing the nail surface.
    
    They tend to be less aggressive and create less heat than other materials, making them safer for use on natural nails and sensitive skin.

2. Diamond Grinding Head:

• Uses:
  • Cuticle work (fine grits): Fine diamond bits are a staple for precise cuticle work, removing dead skin, refining the nail plate around the cuticle, and cleaning the sidewalls.
  • Nail preparation: Can be used to prep the natural nail for enhancements, ensuring good adhesion.
  • Shaping and debulking enhancements (coarser grits): Larger, coarser diamond bits can be used for shaping and removing bulk from acrylic or hard gel enhancements, though carbide bits are often preferred for very heavy removal.
    
    They are long-lasting and can be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized.

3. Round Table Grinding Head (Ball/Sphere Bit):

• Uses:
  • Cuticle cleaning and lifting: Excellent for gently lifting and cleaning and removing dead skin from the nail plate and sidewalls. The rounded shape helps prevent cutting the skin.
  • Smoothing: Can be used to smooth the surface of the nail or enhancements.
  • Detail work: Smaller ball bits are great for precision work in tight areas.
    
    The rounded shape prioritizes safety around delicate skin.

4. Cylindrical Grinding Head (Barrel Bit) (x 2):

• Uses:
  • Surface work: Ideal for smoothing and refining the surface of artificial nails.
  • Debulking: Coarser cylindrical bits are excellent for quickly removing bulk from enhancements.
  • Shaping the side walls: Can be used to create crisp, straight sidewalls.
  • Shortening enhancements: Effective for shortening the length of artificial nails.
  • Backfill cutting: Used to create a crisp "smile line" for French enhancements during a backfill.
    
    Typically made of carbide or ceramic. Due to their flat sides, extreme care is needed around the cuticle and natural nail to avoid rings of fire or damage. 

5. Wool Sanding Head (Polishing Bit):

• Uses:
  • High-shine buffing: The primary use is to polish the nail surface (natural or enhanced) to a high shine, often after using finer grit abrasive bits.
  • Applying cuticle oil/treatment: Can be used to gently massage and buff in cuticle oils or other treatments for a pristine finish.
  • Light cleaning: Can gently clean the nail surface.
    
    They are non-abrasive in themselves; their polishing action comes from the friction and often with the aid of a polishing paste or oil. They create a smooth, glossy finish without removing significant material.