1. ONLY FILE DRY NAILS! In case your nails are wet whatsoever they'll just crush/bend underneath the pressure from the emery board.

2. Make use of a soft emery board (not the metal ones). I love the lovable "washable" ones from rite aid though I have never bothered to clean them.

3. Only file one way! Never perform a sawing motion because it weakens the nail (I've found it leaves it truly jagged).

4. I begin the outsides to straighten them (so that they stick to the type of your cuticle).

5. Then round that edge for the center. This site has tips for ways to get specific shapes (i love oblong best). [world wide web.nailsmag.com]

5. Make use of the sharp fringe of a cuticle pusher to wash out beneath your nail (this can pull the extra nail out).

6. File any remaining extra stuff off. and edit any locations that are rough.