1. What is the g-point?
The g-point, also known as the nail’s stress apex, is the highest point of the nail’s curve. It is usually located between the middle of the nail body and the free edge.
A well-formed g-point helps the nail:
- Maintain a natural curve without appearing flat.
- Absorb pressure more effectively and resist breaking under impact.
- Look balanced and attractive from both the side and top views.
2. Basic principles for filing to maintain the g-point
- Do not over-file the center of the nail because this will remove the g-point, making the nail weak and prone to breaking.
- Do not leave the sidewalls too thick because it will make the nail look bulky, heavy, and unbalanced.
You need to:
- File more on the two sidewalls to create a slimmer look.
- File lightly and gently across the nail body to maintain the apex height.
- File and refine the nail tip carefully to keep it thin but strong.
3. Steps for filing to maintain a perfect g-point
🔹 Step 1: File the sidewalls
Hold the file at a slight angle, about 45 degrees to the sidewall.
File from underneath the sidewall outward in a straight or slightly angled line toward the tip.
Avoid forcefully sawing the file up and down at the sidewall because this can weaken the nail.
💡 Goal: Create slim sidewalls that still feel firm and strong.
🔹 Step 2: File the body (nail surface)
Hold the file parallel to the nail surface.
File lightly and evenly from one sidewall to the other.
Focus on smoothing the surface without filing too much into the g-point.
💡 Goal: Create a flat, smooth surface while keeping a natural apex in the center.
🔹 Step 3: Refine the nail tip
Depending on the shape you are creating:
- For almond shapes: round the tip into a soft oval.
- For coffin shapes: taper the sidewalls slightly and keep the tip straight.
File the tip gently to maintain balance without making it too sharp or too blunt.
💡 Goal: Make the tip slim and proportional to the nail body.
4. Correct hand techniques when filing
| Task | Correct technique | Common mistakes |
| Holding the file | Hold firmly but gently, file in one direction | Sawing back and forth harshly, causing cracks |
| Filing the sidewalls | File upward at a 45-degree angle | Filing straight at a 90-degree angle, causing bumps |
| Filing the body | Smooth, even strokes across the surface | Filing too hard in certain areas, shifting the apex |
| Refining the tip | Adjust gently and evenly on both sides | Uneven filing making the tip crooked |
5. Key reminders to maintain a perfect g-point
- Always check the nail under a good light source. Look at the side profile to ensure a natural curve without flat spots or excessive bulges.
- Use a fine buffer to finish the surface carefully, without buffing away the g-point.
- Stop filing at the right time. Once the sidewalls are slim, the body is smooth, and the apex is gently defined, stop to avoid over-thinning the nail.
