by The sundays team
You found our article on 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use an Electric File on Bare Nails!
In the world of clean beauty, less is more—especially when it comes to nail care. While many salons use electric files for efficiency, using them directly on bare nails can cause long-term damage that no polish can cover.
Interested in more nail care tips? Check out, Should You Trim or File Your Nails? Understanding the Difference for Healthier Nails.
This article includes:
- is it safe to use electric file on natural nails?
- how to protect nails from e-file damage
- electric file nail thinning
- electric drill nail damage
- natural nail care tips
Let’s get to it!
Let’s explore why skipping the e-file is one of the kindest choices you can make for your natural nails.
1. Your Natural Nails Are More Delicate Than You Think
Made of thin layers of keratin
Naturally protective, flexible, and slightly porous
Filing too harshly—especially with an electric file—can strip away those layers
Once thinned, nails become prone to:
Peeling
Splitting
Sensitivity or pain
2. E-Files Are for Artificial Enhancements, Not Your Bare Nail
E-files are powerful tools, originally designed for:
Removing acrylics or builder gel
Smoothing out thick artificial product layers
Using them on natural nails can cause:
Micro-tears and weakening
Uneven texture
Lasting damage that takes months to heal
Even a light touch can be too aggressive for the nail plate.
3. A Quick File Now Can Mean Months of Repair Later
Nails don’t “bounce back” overnight
Long-term damage from electric filing includes:
Paper-thin nails
Discoloration
Increased brittleness
For women going through hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), the recovery may be even slower
4. There’s a Better Way to Care for Your Nails
Gentle, thoughtful grooming goes a long way:
Use a fine-grit nail file
Buff lightly with a 4-way buffer
Hydrate daily with cuticle oil
Take polish breaks to let nails breathe
Keep your nails short if they’re feeling weak
Clean Beauty Is About Making Conscious Choices
Natural nails don’t need to be sanded to look polished
Embrace slower, safer rituals that honor your body
Your hands do so much—treat them with care
Clean beauty isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about respecting your body’s natural balance
Want an Easy, At-Home Routine? Try the sundays studio Manicure Kit
Looking for a salon-quality experience without the risk of damage?
Sundays’s Manicure Kit is designed to bring gentle, mindful nail care into your daily ritual—perfect for clean beauty lovers and anyone avoiding harsh tools.
What’s inside:
- Hydrating Base Coat – prepares your nails for polish application, while keeping them healthy and moisturized.
- Protective Top Coat – completes your manicure for long-lasting and shiny nails.
- Hydrating Cuticle Serum – used before nail polish application, adds extra hydration to your cuticles.
- Quick Dry Oil – used after nail polish application. Cuts drying time in half, while keeping your nails shiny and strong.
- Nail Polish Remover – apply on a cotton ball or cotton pad. Select between sundays’ Soy Polish Remover and regular remover.
- Cotton – for polish removal.
- Wooden Stick – helps remove polish and push cuticles.
- File – shapes nails and can remove the top gel polish layer.
- Buffer – smooths your nail plate and nail edges.
- Cuticle Eraser – natural tool used for nail maintenance, pushing back of cuticles, and smoothing out the free edges of nails.
- Nail Clipper – shapes and shortens nails.
It’s everything you need to protect your nails—no drill required.
Check out Mk.01 – sundays Manicure Kit.
Final Thoughts
You deserve beauty that feels as good as it looks. By avoiding electric files on bare nails, you’re making a choice rooted in kindness—for your body, your health, and your peace of mind. Take the time. Go slow. Let your self-care rituals be gentle, intentional, and nourishing from the inside out.
Enjoyed this article? Next, check out Summer Nail Care Tips for Healthy and Hydrated Nails.
more from sundays:
- How to Remove Gel Nail Polish at Home Like a Pro
- Understanding Non-toxic Gel Nails: Are They Truly Safe?
- The Importance of Nontoxic Nail Care: A Comprehensive Guide
Here are some frequently asked questions about why you shouldn't use an electric file on bare nails!
No—electric files can thin and damage the nail plate, leading to long-term issues.
Use a fine-grit hand file in one direction. Avoid aggressive buffing or back-and-forth motion.
Hydration is key. Apply cuticle oil daily, use a strengthening base coat, and take breaks from polish.
Absolutely. Just let your technician know you prefer a no-drill manicure. Your comfort comes first.
Look for salons that focus on clean beauty or natural nail care. Don’t hesitate to ask the technician directly, and if you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to speak up or choose another provider.
