To use an e-file for nails safely, you need to master four things: the speed that suits the task at hand, the direction of rotation, the handpiece angle and pressure. The main rule is simple – the bit is always moving, with almost no pressure applied, and the speed is increased gradually. Everything else comes down to practice.
What an e-file is for: machine and combination manicures
An e-file, or electric nail file, consists of a control unit, a handpiece with a rotating bit and, most often, a foot pedal. It is used for several different jobs:
- Machine manicure – the cuticles, side walls and nail surface are all tidied with the e-file alone, without scissors.
- Combination manicure – the cuticle is lifted and worked with the e-file, while loose edges are trimmed with nippers.
- Product removal and rebalancing – removing gel polish, gel or acrylic, and shaping nail extensions.
- Pedicure – nails, cuticles and hardened skin on the feet.
We covered which machine to choose in a separate guide to choosing an e-file for nails, while here we focus on how to work with it.
Speed (RPM): what cuticles, natural nails and gel need
The maximum speed of an e-file is not a working speed. For most jobs medium speeds are enough, while excessive speed raises the temperature and increases the risk of damaging the nail. Guidelines:
| Task | Speed, RPM | Bit |
|---|---|---|
| Cuticles and side walls | 8,000–12,000 | Fine diamond or ceramic |
| Natural nail surface | Low, as for cuticles | Fine abrasive, no pressure |
| Gel polish or gel removal | 15,000–25,000 | Carbide or ceramic |
| Polishing | Up to 6,000 | Silicone polishing bit |
Start at the lower end and increase only when you feel the bit working evenly. Which bits are used for what, and what the coloured bands mean, you will find in our article on e-file bits.
Rotation direction and the foot pedal: what FWD and REV mean
Most e-files have a reverse function. FWD (forward) means the bit turns clockwise, REV (reverse) means it turns anticlockwise. Right-handed technicians usually work in FWD mode, left-handed ones in REV.
Even a single technician has to switch direction: around the cuticles and side walls the bit must turn away from the skin, not towards it, so the direction often differs on the left and right sides of the nail. Only switch direction once the motor has stopped – this protects both the motor and the bit.
The foot pedal lets you start and stop the bit without taking your hands off the client. For beginners it is convenient to set the speed with the dial and use the pedal only for starting and stopping.
How to hold the handpiece and what angle to work at
- Hold it like a pencil, not in your fist. This makes movements more precise and tires your hand less.
- Use a rest. Rest your little finger or the edge of your palm on the client's hand or the table – then the bit won't slip.
- Angle. To remove product, the bit is held parallel to the nail surface. Around the cuticles the angle is shallow: the bit only touches the cuticle rather than digging into it.
- Stretch the skin. With your free hand, gently pull the skin away from the nail so the cuticle doesn't get caught under the bit.
- Keep moving. A bit held in one spot heats the nail and leaves a dip.
How to use an e-file for nails: step-by-step workflow
- Prepare. Wash and disinfect your hands, set out clean, processed bits and switch on the dust extractor.
- Remove the product, if there is any. Work at medium speed, layer by layer, from the centre towards the edges. Don't go down to the natural nail – it is better to leave a thin layer of base than to file into the nail.
- Cuticles. At low speed, lift and buff away the dead cuticle, working from the centre towards the sides.
- Side walls. Tidy the sides with a thin bit; the direction of rotation should be away from the skin.
- Nail surface. If needed, lightly even out the surface with a fine abrasive.
- Remove the dust with a brush and apply cuticle oil if no product will be applied afterwards.
If you don't yet feel confident, gel polish can also be removed by soaking – see how to remove gel polish safely.
Safety: overheating, nicks, eye and respiratory protection
- Heat. If the client feels burning, stop. The most common causes are excessive speed, pressure, working in one spot or a clogged bit.
- Nicks and grooves. These are left by the edge of the bit when the handpiece is tilted. Work flat and don't press.
- Eyes. Particles of product can get into the eyes, so wear safety glasses.
- Airways. Use a mask and a dust extractor.
- Bit fitting. The bit must be inserted all the way and must not wobble. If the handpiece vibrates, overheats or hums, stop working – these are signs of a fault. We repair e-files, UV/LED lamps and dust extractors, and diagnostics are free.
- Hair and cables. Tie back long hair and keep the cable away from the rotating bit.
Bits are cleaned and disinfected after every client. Lithuanian hygiene standard HN 117 classes services where the skin is broken and the tool may come into contact with blood as category A – these require sterile instruments. How to do this consistently is described in our guide to sterilising manicure tools.
Dust and hygiene: why you need an extractor
An e-file turns product and skin into fine dust that rises into the air, settles on surfaces and gets into the eyes and airways. A dust extractor draws it in right where it is produced. HN 117 directly requires dust extraction to be provided at an artificial nail extension workstation. How to choose the right machine is covered in our article dust extractor for manicure, and you will find models in the dust extractors section.
Mistakes beginners make
- Switching on high speed straight away to get the job done faster.
- Pressing with the bit instead of letting it do the work.
- Using one bit for everything – from product removal to cuticles.
- Forgetting which direction is switched on, so the bit pulls towards the skin.
- Not cleaning the bit: once clogged, it no longer cuts but rubs and heats.
- Using a bit that has been dropped or has a bent shank. Such a bit vibrates, is hard to control and wears out the handpiece bearings faster – it needs to be replaced.
- Learning directly on a client. Practise first on tips at low speed.
Frequently asked questions
How should a beginner use an e-file for nails?
Start with low speed and one universal bit, hold the handpiece like a pencil, use a rest and don't press. Practise on tips first, and only then on natural nails.
What speeds suit cuticles and gel removal?
For cuticles – around 8,000–12,000 RPM, for gel or gel polish removal – 15,000–25,000 RPM. Always start lower and increase as needed.
Can an e-file be used at home?
Yes, if you work carefully: at low speed, with suitable bits and without pressing. Simpler e-files for nails are also fine for home use, just don't forget eye protection and dust extraction.
How do I remove gel polish with an e-file without damaging the nail?
Use a carbide or ceramic bit at medium speed, hold it parallel to the nail and remove the product in layers. Leave a thin layer of base – a new coating can be applied over it, or it can be carefully filed down with a fine file.