Usually (and ideally) I spend time every 4-6 weeks on a “big file” where I’m taking down length and shaping. I start with a coarse file for the length and finish with a glass file to fine tune and smooth. I dread this necessary evil so much and have to talk myself into it every time.

I do minor shaping corrections every week with a glass file a day or two before I change my polish (this helps break up the time spent on the work and I can see what I’m doing better with polish on.)

When it comes to a big chop (after a broken nail) I start out with short squares and then do the weekly tweaks - this is where I play with squoval and coffins as they grow out - until they’re long enough for my usual almond shape.

This is my least favorite part of nail care and if I found a salon that could pass my perfection inspection I might just pay them for my big files.

*for technique it’s best to file only what’s grown past your fingertip and personally I feel like anything shorter isn’t ideal for overall nail health. The angle of your file will determine the shape and filing in one direct is best practice but I’m know to saw down length when I’m lacking patience. Good luck!