The perfect manicure or pedicure involves using a nail drill, wouldn’t you agree? As a nail pro, you know that those nails need to be shaved and filed if they are to look appealing.
Of course, that cannot be possible without the bit. Using the right bit correctly is all that matters here because it will save you time and make your job much easier.
You want to note that nail drill bits come in different sizes, shapes, and materials but what you want to keep in mind while shopping for the bit is that;
- It must accommodate standard file sizes
- Not vibrate too much
- Carry adequate power
- Come with technical support and a warranty
The Steps of Using Nail Drill Bits:
As we have just said, there are different drill bits but we will give you a general guide on how to use them for your nails.
Step 1
Ideally, your nail drill should come with a wide variety of bits to pick from because different nail applications require different bits
You first want to determine the type, shape, and size of the drill bit you need. This will be based on whether you intend to work on natural nails or artificial ones.
Ask yourself whether you will be shaving off gel polish layers or removing cuticles with the file. Once you have answers to such questions, you will have an easier time picking the right bit.
Step 2
The next step should be fitting the bit on the drill. That should not be hard seeing as you only need to locate the opening that is supposed to accommodate the bit and fit it in there.
Step 3
After that, you want to carefully and slowly push the cuticles back whether for a manicure or pedicure. Note that it is crucial to eliminate dead skin before beginning your work.
Step 4
If you are working on natural nails, you want to keep your drill bit at a speed of 2500-6000 RPM. Any speed faster than that and you risk cracking the surface of the nail.
You also want to keep your bit flat to the nail as you work.
Step 5
You are now ready to begin filing or shaping your nails. As such, you want to hold your drill in a horizontal position as that is the best way to gain control.
Move the bit from one side of the nail bed to the other in slow circular motions as you remove dead skin and file the nails down.
Step 6
Once you are satisfied that all the dead skin is gone, and the nails are the right shape, you then want to buffer the nails. This helps to keep the nails shiny and polished.
Step 7
At this point, you are pretty much done with the filing process but as you advance in the task and become more comfortable with the nail drill, you will be able to handle more complex tasks using your nail bits such as finishing and backfill.
This is usually possible when you master what each nail drill bit does.
Finishing Nails
You will need to do the finishing for nails if you want to gain the trust of your clients and uphold your reputation as a nail tech.
Diamond and medium barrel drill bits work perfectly for finishing nails. Once you cut and shorten the nails, you can gently use side-to-side movements at medium speed to give a finishing touch.
For backfill, all you need to do is use a specialized bit or straight barrel. The only difference here is that backfills require faster speeds because they are thicker than natural nails.
As for preparing a full set, you will have to use a coarse silicone or diamond bit as you push back the cuticles while pressing the bit flat against the nail. Use slow speeds and apply minimal pressure.
Remember a huge part of learning how to use electric file nail bits involves learning the different speed settings. Do not worry if you have not mastered the art because as you continue practicing, you get to perfect your skills.
Tips for Using Nail Drill Bits
Now that you are well versed with the process of using a nail drill bit, it would only be fair to learn some tips that will further simplify the experience.
1. Always use low speeds when working on cuticles. This is because the cuticles are extremely sensitive and thin. As you can imagine, a slight rip or tear can cause you immense pain.
Moreover, that opens you up for infections and you do not want that.
2. Apply medium speed when doing backfills. Filing the concave area or backfill of the nail requires you to use a little bit more speed than you would use on cuticles.
Nonetheless, be careful not to go overboard as you can easily damage that portion of the nail too.
3. You can use faster speeds on the nail surface. Speeds of up to 15000 RPM can work while shaping nails, just remember that you do not want to go any faster than that.
4. As you use the nail drill and nail bits try to find the perfect formula. That will help you not to be too harsh or too gentle on nails. You need to find the perfect balance when it comes to pressure to help you deliver good results as you acclimate yourself to how nail drills ad bits work.
5. Always stop briefly while filing the nail bed to avoid overheating the nail drill bits and hurting your clients.
Final Thoughts
With a broad range of equipment and tools, it becomes easier to perfect your skills as far as manicures and pedicures.
You just have to commit yourself to learn how the nail drill and bits work and what speeds to apply on different applications. Learning how to use nail drill bits is not a hard task, but it is not easy either. It will take willingness and dedication on your part so carry that with you as you begin the journey. You also want to keep in mind that wrong and missed steps can cause you injury.