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Electric Nail File

TRAINING MANUAL
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Contents
About Us.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
COURSE AIMS & OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................. 3
Course Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
EFILE ANATOMY ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
The types and use of electric filing equipment and attachments ..................................................................................... 9
Maintenance of an electric nail file ................................................................................................................................. 11
Nail Dust........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Preparing for the client .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Do’s & Don’ts of E-files .................................................................................................................................................... 14
CONTRA–ACTIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
Products, Tool, Equipment and Disposables ...................................................................................................... 16
Removing Lifted Acrylic ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Repairing a Crack ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Prepping for a Full Set...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Revision questions..................................................................................................................................................... 21
List of Courses Available .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Academy Details .............................................................................................................................................................. 24
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About Us
American Beauty Academy & Salon was Established in 2002 by Alexis Courtney.
Her mission was to Inspire Every Single Person she met to make their Wants, Goals
and Ambitions Reality.

'With Every piece of Knowledge, you Gain you are one step closer to living the
Life you have dreamed of'.

Our Courses are mostly taught on a one to one basis, but we also cater for Salon in
house training where we bring the training to you. Group Training is also provided.
Our 1-1 Training Programs are tailored to Meet everyone’s Needs. Starting every
single lesson with Discovering more about you, what you want out of the training,
and determining exactly what you want to learn, when you want to learn and how
you want to learn.

The Real World expects you to be a Master in your Knowledge & Skills and that is
Exactly what we will give you here at American Beauty. Our Courses are Combined
with Free Mentoring & Salon Work Experience to Give you the Edge that's
needed to succeed in the Industry! Confidence is Key in Taking the skills and
knowledge you have learnt and turning them into a successful Career, We do this
by teaching your Life skills, how to build rapport and how to set Real Goals and
track them as well as set your Daily Affirmations which will allow you to soar. All
our Courses are Accredited & Recognized with VTCT (ITEC) & ABT which
means you can work for yourself or any Salon or Spa Internationally.

• All our courses are taught on a 1-1 basis with free ongoing mentoring and
support.
• We offer training to Salons all over Ireland.
• We can provide group options with a discount.
• We provide opportunity to train even if unemployed (Grants and payment
plans offered).
• You don't need Experience or leaving certificate.

COURSE AIMS & OBJECTIVES

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AIMS
To teach the student the basics of:

• Business Planning
• Smart Goals & Action Planning
• Introduction to this Course
• Health and safety
• Client Care & Consultations
• Anatomy and physiology in relation to this course.
• Consultation
• Contraindications
• Contra-actions
• Aftercare
• Products, tools & equipment for the treatments
• Practical techniques to perform a professional treatment during the practical
sessions.

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this course are that by the end it the student will be able to perform
a professional treatment in a safe and hygienic manner in a commercially
acceptable time, along with experience of carrying out a consultation with the
knowledge of the background, benefits, consultation, contra-indications,
contraactions, aftercare, equipment and products needed.

We advise you to read this training manual thoroughly along with other research
before you take part in your practical session.

Course Requirements
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1. All learners are required to have a passion in the course you choose to study.
2. You must be able to communicate verbally in English and understand the fundamentals of
math as well as be able to write in English.
3. If studying Eye treatments, we will require you to have 20/20 vision, if studying a type of
massage or skin treatments you will be required to have short nails.
4. Notify us if you have any medical illnesses or Diseases/Conditions.
5. You will be required to attend all lessons.
6. You will Study the knowledge necessary in this manual.
7. You will Practice outside of Class a minimum required of hours advised by your Mentor and
Trainer.
8. You will work on your goals each week.
9. You will work on building your Portfolio of Images or Customer feedback.
10. Attendance in our school salon is required to build and perfect skills that you cannot do on
your own to succeed. Please arrange these hours with your trainer or Alexis. This can be
done by text, email and or in person.
11. Some Course will require you to do case studies till your work is at a standard, if you are
not sure of what is standard please ask your Trainer and we will send examples of work or
explain what is expected.
12. Enjoy your Learning Journey.

Medical Disclaimer: It is advised that you take medical advice if you or any of your clients have a
health problem. Any qualification from American Beauty Academy will not qualify you to advise on
any medical condition or to diagnose a condition.
Liability: American Beauty Academy Cork will accept NO liability for any person for any type of
loss or damage whatsoever resulting from the use of materials within any course held by American
Beauty Academy Cork.
Copyright: All copyright and other intellectual property rights in these materials are owned by or
licensed by American Beauty Academy Cork. Copyright, adapting or other use of all or part of
these materials without written permission of American Beauty Academy Cork is strictly prohibited.
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Introduction
Electric Nail File Techniques (aka e-file techniques)
This Course is about the safe and appropriate use of electric files
during the processes of preparing and finishing overlay materials.
We will also cover safe and professional preparation and
maintenance of the electric file hand piece and attachments.
Some of the Practical tasks will include, blending of artificial tips,
reducing length, Refining surfaces, Thinning out of the free edge
of overlay, Buffing and Reducing Overlay bulk. We will also cover
how to remove excess cuticle and prepare the natural nail for nail
enhancement.

A drill is defined as "a hand tool, power tool, or machine with a

rotating cutting tip or reciprocating hammer or chisel, used for
making holes." Unless you are planning to drill a hole in your
client's nail, please do not use the term "drill" when referring to a
professional electric nail file. [Yes, it is a commonly used term,
but it isn't a correct term (like cuticle vs eponychium).]

Electric files emerged in the early 1980s, patterned after tools

used in other industries, including the medical and dental fields.
By the mid1990's electric files had gotten a bad reputation.
Some nail techs seemed deathly afraid of them, saying they were
too noisy, they took up too much space, they intimidated clients,
and they damaged clients’ nails. Despite their wide use, they
didn’t seem to be consistent or widely available information or education on their proper use
in the nail salon. It’s not hard to understand why electric files were often misused. Without
formal education, the risk of using improper tools or using the right tool the wrong way
remained high.

In addition, if a client has had a bad experience with an electric file in the past, explain what
you’ll be doing differently. Communication is important during any salon service, and
electric files are no exception.

In 1995, Creative Nail Design’s Jan Arnold said she’d do away with electric files entirely if she
could. Her biggest criticism was that the files’ vibration and high-speed grinding loosened the
acrylic mix before it had a chance to fully cure. That, in turn, led to microscopic cracks that caused
breaks and chips in the acrylic nail. Today, "Creative Nail Design has realized electric files are
being widely used in the industry,” says Doug Schoon, vice president of science and technology
for Creative Nail Design. “We decided that if they are used correctly they are safe.” The fact
that a well-known industry figure who once disapproved of their use is now advocating safe
electric file usage says a lot about how far these tools have come.

As a Nail Technician You can choose which ever systems you want to use. The
more you learn the more you can earn!
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The types and use of electric filing equipment and attachments

Types of electric files:

Micro motor:
• motor and bit in hand piece.
• controls on box unit (control unit box)

Hand-held micro motor:

• everything on hand piece.

Cable driven:
• craft and hobby tools.
• this is a handheld micromotor that has a long cable with the handpiece at the end
• the cable is not very flexible and it is not a professional tool even though it is sold in some
beauty supply stores
• the file is a good one

Belt driven:
• used in dental industry.
• It is cumbersome and not found in the nail industry.
• You would most likely have to purchase it from a dentist supplier
• it has belts on the arm that connect to the elbows of the arm and hand piece
• if you have long hair you must pull it back so it does not get caught in the belts when in use
• the belts need to be replaced periodically
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EFILE ANATOMY

Handpiece

• Most important part

• Lock chuck tightens the mouth around the bit
• When you twist it open it allows the bit to release and come out.
• Each one is different, and you need to ensure you read the manufacturers instruction to make sure the lock
chuck is closed properly before using.
• Give the bits a gently tug to ensure its secure and does not come out.
• Each bit has a different length so thus its importance
• Motor is in the handpiece
• Ensure you clean the lock chuck opening of dust with a dust brush before taking out
• DO NOT BLOW as you can get cross contamination of Bacteria and virus!
• Hand piece is a spinning motor
Control Unit

• Controls speed
• Controls power
• Controls direction
• Levers or knobs are great because it varies speed to tune it gradually as needed.
• Buttons would not be as presise for adjusting pressure.
Forward vs Reverse

• When we are going forward the efile goes clockwise

• When we are going in reverse the efile goes anti clockwise
• Usually Right handed techs would use the efile in right to left position
• Usually Left handed techs would use the efile in left to right position
• You should always feel a pull
RPM’s

• The ability of the machine to spin

• Rotations per minute is a measurement of speed but not power
• In the context of an e-file it merely represents the rotations per minute
Torque

• This is a rotation power in a spin

• Just add linear forces a push or a pull Torque can be thought of as a twist
• It is the twisting rotation that causes the force in the first place and determines how easy that rotation is
• An electric nail file without torque will slow down and struggle when applied to a surface, You will then
notice an audible decrease in pitch on the machine.

Benefits of using an efile

• An Efile is the same as a Nail file in terms of the surface of a nail file is hypothetically wrapped around a bit
(diamond bit). The different shapes are to help us get into different areas depending on what we are doing so
it can be more precise.
• It save wear and tear on your wrist
• It can save time on your surface.
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The types and use of electric filing equipment and attachments

Drills have variable speeds up to 35,000 RPM (revolutions per minute). When choosing a drill it is
important to check the amount of vibration from the file and its weight. The torque on an electric drill refers
to the amount of resistance in the file whist the file bit is in motion. The torque is measured by pound per
square inch.
Drill Bits:
The five common drill bits used when conducting a nail enhancement service are;
Carbide

• Carbide bits have cutting flutes which cut pieces of the material as
opposed to grinding it (grinders aka diamond bits / sanding bands).
• The cutting gives off a little less heat than the grinding of a diamond bit.
• They slice away at the pieces of acrylic/gel etc. and are made from very
hard metal designed to cut grooves into the nail.
• 20 x greater than steel. Long lasting.
• They are used to file, shape, thin, back-fill and clean artificial nail
enhancements.
• Artificial nail electric bits: o Carbide Barrel Bit o Carbide Barrel Safety
Bit (smooth round top) o Carbide Piercing Nail Bit. o Carbide Under
Nail Bit. o Carbide Cone Barrel Bit.
o Carbide Flame Bit o Carbide Ball Bit
• These bits cannot be used on natural nails.
• The carbide bits can be cleaned.
• They come in gold, silver and tungsten and ceramic

Swiss Carbide bit

• Swiss carbide bits have flutes as well, but they are made from a finer
and better quality metal. This helps prolong the cutting edge of the tool
and extends its use.
Diamond bit

• Diamond bits are made up of industrial diamond particles which are imbedded into stainless steel bit
pieces.
• They grind the surface of the nail as opposed to the cutting done by carbides.
• It vibrates the material off.
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Mandrel & Sanding bit

• Sanding bits grind away at the nail product.

• They can only be used once. Sanding bands cannot be disinfected
• The Mandrel bit is typically made of metal or rubber.
• You can slip the mandrel top into the sanding band and you good to go.
• The sending bands are commonly used for surface work, removing gels,
and pedicures. They come in various grits: coarse, medium and fine.

Buffing bit

• Buffing bit is used with a buffing cream to add shine to the nail.

Applying Occupational Health and Safety procedures.

• Infections can be spread between the client and operator and from client to client, if the
instruments used have not been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between clients.
• Contact your local health department for specific requirements.
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Maintenance of an electric nail file

• The drill should be cleaned with a brush and cloth after each use to prevent the collection of
dust and debris in its moving parts.
• The attachments must be removed after use and cleaned with soap and water using a
scrub brush to make sure all debris is removed.
• Soak the bits in a registered broad spectrum (hospital level) disinfectant for the
recommended time.
• They can also be soaked in acetone for 10 minutes.
• Dry thoroughly and store in a dry place to avoid oxidization.

Using disinfectants
• Nail technician should only use disinfectants specified by the HSE or Irish Law for the
approved purpose and for the time specified by the manufacturer.
• Do not use disinfectants on human skin, hair or nails. Only use disinfectants on furniture
and used contaminated tools and implements.
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Nail Dust
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Preparing for the client

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Do’s & Don’ts of E-files

DO DONT

• Treat your hand peace like a baby • Drop your handpiece

• Keep dust out of the opening • pack dust into the opening
• Get your hand piece maintained • go years without maintenance
every 12 to 18 months • use force when filing
• Invest in the highest quality you • buy a battery pack unit just 'cause
can afford it's cute and small
• Consider torque as well as RPM's • rely on RPM's
•
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CONTRA–ACTIONS
Contra-actions are reactions that occur on a client caused by a treatment taking place. You must
explain to your client what/if any reactions to expect during/after a treatment. With all contra-actions tell
your client that if they do not improve within 24 hours to get in touch with their GP for advice.

Examples of possible contra-actions:

Softening of the nail plate – use of electric file on natural nail.

Softening of the nail plate which usually happens from filing too much on the natural nail can happen in one
session or over several sessions. It is important before starting your consultation that you discuss
possibilities of previous damage to your clients nails. This could have occurred from previous salons but it
is best to just ask a few questions: (1) if they have had anything applied to their natural nails in the last six
months and (2) if so did they notice any damage or sensitivity to the natural nails. This will not eliminate
future damage but it will put the record on file for future reference if the client was to come back and say
their nails have been damaged by yourself or your salon. in order to In order to prevent softening of the nail
plate it is best to never go over the same area more than once for more than 1 second and also never on a
previously etched or efiled nail. Remember that’s what your IPA, Acetone Nail plate Dehydrator and primer
or for.

Thinning and flaking of the natural nail – electric file used on natural nail.
Thinning and Flaking of the natural nail usually happens when a client's nail has been over filed this can be
from filing on the same area for too long or pressing down on the nail plate.

Lifting of product – micro-shattering, apply product thicker, correct electric filing techniques. When
you use a electric nail file on top of the nail enhancement at two height of a speed it can cause micro
shattering of the nail enhancement which can inevitably leave to lifting or destruction of the product. It is
important that you apply your product a little bit thicker then normal if when using an e-file the product
begins to lift it is also important that you use the correct electric filing technique as shown in RE file videos
when shaping and an enhancement.

Minor nail plate separation – heavy handed electric filing techniques.

Generally speaking minor nail plate separation usually happens when you over file on the nail plate and
thin out the nail plate so thinly that over a few days the nail plate lift from the nail bed.
it is recommended that you do not press down so much when using an electric file and this will avoid any
damage to the natural nail or nail enhancement.

Cracking of extension – heavy handed drilling techniques – reduce pressure.

When you are shaping and enhancement it is important not to apply too much pressure as this will cause
cracking of the nail extension

Heat – reduce pressure, lift hand piece after each stroke, stop treatment, reduce revolutions per
minute (RPM).
Heat is usually caused by too much pressure or using the electric file at too high of a speed.

Red rings on nail plate – reduce pressure, correct angle, bit wrapping around finger, reduce
revolutions per minute (RPM) and pressure.
Also known as rings of fire these are basically burn marks in the nail plate caused by too much pressure
and angling the bit into the nail plate. When working on natural nail it is important too keep the E file at the
correct angle for each bit this will be shown in the videos and also in the pictures

Uneven filing – bit bent in shank, realign bit, replace bit.

Generally you will notice uneven filing on the surface of the nail enhancement if your Shank which is the
long part of the E file bit is bent it is really important that you always check your bits and ensure that they
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never drop on the ground as this can cause a bit to become non concentric which will lead to irreversible
damage to the client's natural nail and or nail enhancement.

Products, Tool, Equipment and Disposables

Products for all Services

Hygiene Spray/Gel Used to kill 99% of Pathogens on the surface of client’s skin, and non-porous
surfaces.
Tools Disinfectant Used to kill 99% of Pathogens on the surface of client’s skin, and non-porous
surfaces.
Nail Polish Remover Removes Nail polish from the natural nails. Contains Acetone or Similar.
Nail Cleanser Sometimes Isopropyl Alcohol / IPA 70% and used to dehydrate the nail plate
for better adhesion of the overlay.
Acetone (sometime gel polish remover or Remover)
Hand Cream To Moisture and massage the skin at the end of the Treatment.
Cuticle Oil To make the Cuticles look Hydrated after using drying Products
Tip Blender To Help melt the plastic tip which helps blend the tip into the natural nail better.
Tips – Natural, Clear or White Used with glue to extend the length of the natural nail. Can be removed by
dissolving with acetone. Glue can become loose if submerging in water allow.
Sculpting Forms Applied at the end of the natural nail from underneath to create a platform to
build the overlay out onto which results on a nail extension.
Adhesive / aka Nail glue Used to glue the tip onto the natural nail.

Tools for all services

Tip Cutters To cut plastic tips only

Nail Clippers/ Cutters To trim down natural nails to just after the fingertip.
Metal Cuticle Pusher To remove dead skin on nail plate (Dead Cuticle)
Cuticle Nippers (in 4-7 mm jaw) To Nip away excess cuticle
Scissors To cut Thin Nails, Tips or forms
Dust Brush To remove dust
Nail Files Used to reduce Length of Natural Nails or Nail enhancements.
Used to create a better shape on the top of a Nail Enhancement.
There are many types of Nail files. Different Grits (smooth to rough)
Some Disposable, Some washable and reusable.
Some for Natural Nails. Some for Nail Enhancements only.
Nail buffer (for high shine) Creates a High shine or smooth surface.
There are many types of Buffers.
Different Grits (smooth to High shine)
Some Disposable, Some washable and reusable.
Sanding block / Foam File Removes Nail Plate and surface shine on Natural nail or Nail enhancement.

Disposables for all services

Nail Files Used to reduce Length of Natural Nails or Nail enhancements.

Used to create a better shape on the top of a Nail Enhancement.
There are many types of Nail files. Different Grits (smooth to rough)
Some Disposable, Some washable and reusable.
Some for Natural Nails. Some for Nail Enhancements only.
Nail buffer (for high shine) Creates a High shine or smooth surface.
There are many types of Buffers.
Different Grits (smooth to High shine)
Some Disposable, Some washable and reusable.
Sanding block / Foam File Removes Nail Plate and surface shine on Natural nail or Nail enhancement.
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Couch roll Used to protect your Towels, Table and work area.
Lint free Nail Wipes Used with Acetone, Nail polish remover or Nail Cleaner.
Cotton Pads Used to remove Nail polish or gel polish when combined with other items.
Tin foil Used to remove gel polish or Nail Enhancement Products when combined with
other items.

Equipment for all services

Led or UV lamp Will Polymerise (dry) UV/LED Products only

Must use the correct Wattage (36-54 watt) and LED or UV depending on
Product recommendations.
Nail Desk / Nail Station Creates an ergonomic workstation for best work Practices.
Chair on wheels with proper For the Nail technicians’ comfort.
back support
Chair not on wheels for client For the Clients comfort.
Ventilation system To Allow fresh air in and Stale air out.
Dust extractor To remove and Dust or Airborne particles. Check specific ventilations for your
workplace.
E-file and e-file bits Used to prepare the Natural Nail (cuticles and Nail Plate)
Please read E file manufacture instructions
30,000 or higher efile recommended for Nail Enhancements.
(flame Bit, Mandrel Sanding band and Carbide safety bit)
Towels To protect your table
Lamp for Seeing To see properly when carrying out Nail Enhancements (LED with dimmable
light switch is advisable)

PPE
Safety glasses Used to protect eyes from clippings or dust flying into the eyes. Make sure
they are fully fitted Goggles.
Gloves Nitrile To Protect Skin from overexposure to dust and chemicals which can and will
lead to dermatitis.
To Protect from cross infection if you or your client are sick or have any
infections or contagious diseases.
Mask To prevent from inhalation of air born particles.
Apron / Tunic To protect from cloths becoming soiled or damaged and to create a
professional image.

Liquid & Powder Nail

Enhancements

Acrylic Nail Powders (Polymer) Powder used in the making of Acrylic Beads when mixed with Monomer.
Comes in a variety of colours and shades for those who do not plan to use any
colour on the surface.
Acrylic Nail Liquid (Monomer) Liquid used in the making of Acrylic Beads when missed with Polymer. Can
come in different setting speeds. Some smell. Best used if has a purple colour
as this acts as a UV Blocker which prevents yellowing from the sun. This
product is usually flammable and needs to be kept in a safe place. Please
follow Manufacturer’s instructions (Aka. Ethyl Methacrylate (EMA)
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Primer It removes grease and changes the pH of the nail which enhances the
adherence of the product.
1. Acid Based – Methacrylic Acid (MAA-based) primers create a
hydrogen bond with the nail and a stronger covalent bond of acrylic on top of
it.
2. Acid free: Does not contain any acid at all. Both sides of their
molecules create covalent bonds between the nail plate and enhancements.
(For Gel usually)
3. Non-Acid: Contains a milder acid but does no remove as much oil as
the acid primers and create weaker hydrogen bonds. (Can be use on clients
who are not prone to lifting or have drier nails.)
Dappen Dish for Monomer Used to hold the Monomer in whilst sculpting. Throw away after use. Never put
back in the bottle and never throw down the drain or into plastic without
coating in talc.
Pinched Ferrule Acrylic Brush Used to apply Acrylic beads to the Nail.
(#8-10)

Gel Nail Enhancements

Round Edge and Used to apply Gel to the Nail.

Straight edge Gel Brush
(#5-8)
Hard Gel Gels can come in different viscosities
Gels can be used in thin layers and or thick layers once following the principles of Nail
enhancements.
Gels can come in different colours and opacities.
There are gels that leave a sticky residue and others that do not (rarer).
Soft Gel (Aka. Soak off Same as Above
Gel)

Primer It removes grease and changes the pH of the nail which enhances the adherence of
the product.
1. Acid Based – Methacrylic Acid (MAA-based) primers create a hydrogen bond
with the nail and a stronger covalent bond of acrylic on top of it.
2. Acid free: Does not contain any acid at all. Both sides of their molecules create
covalent bonds between the nail plate and enhancements.
(For Gel usually)
3. Non-Acid: Contains a milder acid but does no remove as much oil as the acid
primers and create weaker hydrogen bonds. (Can be use on clients who are not prone
to lifting or have drier nails.)
Bonder Gel Bonder gel works more like a primer however it contains gel which must be cured prior
to application of further gels and is used only with other gel-based products.
Usually thick but applied thinly and creates covalent bonds to the natural nail.

UV or LED Gel Polish

Gel Polish Colours Applied to the Natural Nail and sometimes on top of the Nail enhancement to add
colour and shine.
Basecoat Applied before the colour for proper adhesion.
Topcoat Applied after the colour for shine and longevity.
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Removing Lifted Acrylic

Lifted product is one of the most common complaints associated with artificial nails. Here’s how to
get rid of the pesky problem.

Type of bit to use: Tapered

1. Thin down the regrowth of acrylic that’s closest to the cuticle.

2. Keeping the bit flat, use complete horizontal side-to-side motions. After the product has been
refined, use a one-stroke method along the acrylic where the sealed and loose acrylic join and
remove any remaining product.
3. If a small white shadow appears around the sealed, refined product, do not worry, says
Comfort. It won’t show underneath the acrylic. Continue with the fill as usual.

Repairing a Crack
Cracks appear too often on acrylic nails, but with the help of an electric file they can easily be
removed, says Comfort.

Type of bit to use: Mini French-filled diamond

1. Begin work on the crack before prepping the nail. The nail is still shiny and smooth and you
can still see the definition of the crack.

2. Drill out the crack using a low speed ranging from 3,500-6,000 RPM, depending on the
machine. If you go too slowly, it can cause the machine to vibrate and send air pockets into the
nail.

Hold the bit parallel to the nail. Apply even pressure starting from the outer perimeter of the nail,
going in toward the crack. Only remove enough material to make your repair and move on.

Prepping for a Full Set

Getting the nails ready for a full set is one of the most important steps in artificial nail application.
Doing a proper prep ensures the nails will adhere longer and prevents the possibility of any
product lifting.

Type of bit to use: Either a fine sanding band, medium to fine diamond, or a coarse silicone

1. Push back the cuticles so the bit doesn’t grab onto the skin.

2. Using a speed of 2,000 RPM, hold the bit flat against the nail. Using minimal pressure, go over
the entire surface from left to right and back again, making sure you have not left any part of the
nail untouched. Always lift the bit off the nail after a few strokes so that heat doesn’t build up.

3. Do not angle the bit on the nail. Come up on the cuticle to remove any dead excess skin.

4. Adjust the client’s hand to fit your needs. Do not attempt to maneuver the electric file around the
client’s nails.

Working on the Natural Nail

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“As long as it’s done properly and with the right tools, an electric file on the natural nail can be just
as safe as a regular nail file,” says Comfort.
Backfills
Doing a backfill with an electric file can help you achieve faster and more accurate results.
Backfills should only be done along a client’s natural free edge, says Comfort.

Type of bit to use: French-filled diamond, carbide straight barrel, or specialized backfill

1. Use the inside portion of a nail form and a pencil to draw a smile line, suggests Comfort.
This is especially good for beginners. Use the drawn line as a guide for where to drill on the nail.

2. Using a speed between 5,000-9,000 RPM, position the hand at a 10° angle and cut a new
smile line. White acrylic dulls in color as it ages. The new white tip powder is whiter in color and
will make a strip of lighter white if you do not remove the entire white tip when doing your backfill.
Remove a minimum of 80%-90% pink and 60%-70% white.

3. Instead of a diamond barrel bit, you can also use a carbide straight barrel bit. If you do use
this type of bit, start at the right side of the nail and go toward the left side, holding the bit parallel
to the nail. Hold the electric file securely without too much pressure on the nail. Do not cut too
deep. You can always go back over the area if your cut isn’t deep enough.

Finishing a nail
An electric file is the perfect tool to use on a nail when you’re trying to achieve a smooth, finished
look.
Type of bit to use: Either medium barrel, diamond, or carbide; extra-fine diamond

1. Beginners can use a pencil to draw on the nail and help them determine where to take
down the sidewalls.

2. By now, the nail should already be shortened. Support the nail by holding it tightly. This
helps eliminate extra vibrations and is more comfortable for the client, says Comfort. Apply
pressure across the nail to the desired length. Use horizontal motions when shaping the nail,
going from sidewall to sidewall. The bit should float across the nail, says Comfort. Stick to a speed
between 5,000-12,000 RPM.

3. When working near the cuticle area, the bit should be parallel to the nail. Move the client’s
hand for added ease. When working on the cuticle area, reduce speed to under 7,000 RPM.

4. Smooth the nail with an extra-fine diamond bit and a drill-friendly oil. Avoid using cuticle oil
as it can clog and damage the electric file.
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Revision questions
1. How much approximate battery usage does an
electric filing machine have before you must plug it
in?
2. What is combined in a hand-held micromotor?
3. What is the industry standard shank size?
4. What is speed defined by?
5. What is torque?
6. Higher torque requires ____________________
speeds (because the machine is more powerful)
7. Lower torque requires ___________________ speed
and possibly more pressure
8. What is tolerance?
9. What is the RPM range for most techs?
10. How much should the handpiece weigh?
11. What is the size of most machines?
12. When is the only time the machine should be put
into reverse?
13. What type of casing ensures longevity of your
handpiece?
14. What are concentric bits?
15. What happens if the concentricity is not perfect?
16. What is grit?
17. What is the bit size for electric files used for crafts?
18. What are diamond bits made out of?
19. What motion can diamond bits be used in?
20. What are carbide bits made of?
21. What are carbide bits measured by?
How are carbide bits categorized?
What are the three types of carbide bits?
How must traditional carbides be used?
How must one-way carbides be used?
How must cross-cut carbides be used?
What can the flat top of the barrel bit be used for?
What bit should not be used near the cuticle?
What are rings of fire?
What is the shorter, cone-shaped bit with a flat top?
What bit is used to shape the top surface of the nail, to
cut maintenence on small nails, at the cuticle and
sidewalls, and to prep the cuticle area for a fill?
What bit is used underneath the nail, for shaping, and
for beveling the cuticle?
What bit is long, tapered, and pointed?
What bit can be used at the cuticle, underneath the nail,
on top of the nail, and to prep the cuticle?
What bit is used for finishing the underside surface of
long curved nails?
What pointed bit is used for tight spaces and for making
designer holes?
What bit is used at the cuticle, underneath the nails, and
for specialty design?
 22

What bits are used specifically for backfills?

What two sizes do maintenence bits come in?
What is used flat on top of the natural nail to shorten
and shape?
What colors do rubber synthetic natural nail bits come
in?
How many uses do high shine bits have?
What do pedicure bits usually look like?
How are shanks used?
What bit is similar to a taos barrel shape but slightly
smaller?
What is the metal or rubber bit that's inserted into the
handpiece?
What are the one-use-only paper bits that slip into a
mandrel?
Where should the sanding and Arbor bands never be
used?
What type of but should never be used?
What angle should the bit always be used at?
How are rings of fire caused?
What allows you to use less pressure?
What does it mean if the bit grabs and wraps around the
finger?
What does it mean if the electric file bogs down?
How do you repair a crack?
What are the four different sizes of backfill bits?
What do you use to enhance your finish work by
reducing heat and holding dust?
What happens with high-shine buffing?
What bits cause the least dust?
What causes heat?
What bits require more pressure and heat up slightly
faster?
How do you reduce heat when filing?
What direction do bits turn?
What causes grabbing?
What are the solutions to rings of fire?
What are the tiny cracks developed after nail
enhancements age?
What should you avoid when using an electric file?
What should you do if you drop a bit?
 23

Some answers need to be researched. If not correct we

will cover in class.
List of Courses Available
All our Courses are non-brand specific which means you can train using any brand you like, and the benefit
is you can use which ever system you choose after being qualified. Airbrush Makeup Facial
Massage & Skincare
Eyelash Tinting Manicure Swedish body massage

Eyebrow Tinting Pedicure Back massage

Eyebrow Waxing Gel Polish (like Shellac / Hot stone massage

Gelish / manicure
company) Deep tissue massage
Eyebrow Lamination Nail Extensions – Gel
Indian Head Massage
Henna Eyebrows Nail Extensions – Acrylic
Reflexology
American Dream Brows Nail Extensions – Poly Gel
(High Defining Treatment)
Skin tag and red Vein
Eyelash & Brow Tinting and Electric Nail File Removal
Shaping (for Manicure & Nail
Microdermabrasion
enhancements
Eyelash Perming / Lifting Nail Art Micro-needling

Classic Eyelash Extensions Remove hair using waxing

1-1 Method techniques (hard / hot Mesotherapy
waxing)
Volume Eyelash Remove hair using waxing
Extensions techniques (Soft/ warm
(Premade and handmade waxing) BB Glow
fans)
Brow Mapping Facial Waxing
Education and Training
Bridal makeup Female Intimate Waxing Assessing Achievement

Makeup Artistry Facial Threading BUSINESS COAHING

Up-styling Spray Tanning

 24

Academy Details

American Beauty Academy

Unit 10, The Westside Centre
Model Farm road
Co. Cork, Ireland
Telephone from Ireland: 085 7617143
Telephone from outside Ireland: 00 353 85 7617143
Website: www.americanbeauty.ie
Email: [email protected]