Welcome to the second blog post of our four-post guide to CALLA e-file bits for nail care and gel nails. In this article, we’ll focus on a few CALLA Professional e-file bits that can be used for cuticle care during nail preparation. Although this guide features CALLA Professional bits, Sweetie Nail Supply carries e-file bits from a variety of brands. Browse our current selection of e-file bits at www.sweetienailsupply.com, where we continually add new professional tools and products.
CALLA is a South Korean professional beauty and nail-care brand known for its specialized nail implements and its patented Scissor Care technique. CALLA products are designed for professional use. Because e-file bits can cause injury or damage to the natural nail and surrounding skin when used incorrectly, this guide is intended for nail technicians with experience using an e-file. Proper education and hands-on training are strongly recommended for anyone learning e-filing.
When using e-file bits for working around the cuticle area, different e-file bits serve different purposes. Some are designed to help expose the nail plate, others remove cuticles, and finishing bits refine the area afterward. CALLA bits can be used as part of a professional cuticle care routine during nail preparation.
The first step is to lift up the eponychium while removing cuticles at the base of the nails. The objective is to expose the nail plate in this area to thoroughly remove cuticles from the nail plate so that when applying nail product, it adheres to the natural nails and not unwanted particles on the nail plate. Dead skin, nail dust, oils, and other debris can interfere with product adhesion and degrade the longevity of nail enhancement wear. Depending on the state of your client’s cuticles, a cuticle pusher will often be necessary to fully open the proximal nail fold pocket before e-file processing. It is important to note that the motion to open this pocket is a “lifting” motion to reveal more of the nail plate, rather than “pushing back,” which can more likely hurt the client. This detail reveals a clear picture of the keratinized cuticle remaining on the nail plate and eponychium for thorough clean up with less likeliness of over-processing the skin.
The CALLA Drop Bit is a fine-grit (red abrasive) bit with a wider belly and tapered point. This bit type is often referred to as “the flame bit”. For clients with healthy, well-maintained cuticles that don’t require extra attention, this Drop bit can be used to lift up the proximal nail fold while pushing it back and removing the cuticle underneath. At about 8,000 - 12,000 RPM, the Drop Bit allows for precise work while minimizing irritation. At an angle, gently use the tip and cheek of the bit to open up the proximal nail fold and exfoliate underneath, removing cuticle. When working with this bit, take precaution to prevent using the pointed tip directly into the proximal nail fold or proximal-lateral corners, as the rotating point can cause tears in the skin or discomfort if used improperly.
For beginners, the Barrel Bit has a slightly soft-rounded tip that can still lift up the proximal nail fold, but minimizes the possibility of digging into the nail plate or delicate skin at the base and sides of the nail.
After lifting up the proximal nail fold using the Drop Bit or Barrel Bit, the Cone Bit is a short tapered cylindrical bit that can be used to effectively push back the proximal nail fold and remove sticky cuticles on the nail plate. It can be used at 8,000-12,000 RPM along the lateral folds and proximal nail fold to remove cuticles at the edge of the nail plate. Afterwards, any loose hanging cuticle can be nipped away using a cuticle nipper or cuticle scissors. Training and practice is highly recommended for using cuticle scissors. For an overview, check out our YouTube demo on Calla Cuticle Scissors.
After loose hanging cuticles have been removed, the Semicircle Bit can be used to smooth out and refine the edges of the proximal nail fold. This finishing bit has a fine grit (red abrasive) with a rounded end to gently exfoliate the proximal and lateral folds, removing tiny remaining bits of loose or lifted dry, flaky, or rough skin around the nail without irritation, when used appropriately. This bit should be used between 6,000-10,000 RPM. A finishing bit helps smooth out the edges of the nail folds for a clean finish before product application.
Professional quality e-file bits are essential when working with tight areas and delicate skin around the nails. Having reliable e-file bits and knowing how to use them effectively can help elevate your services for high quality and distinguished results. Stay tuned to learn more on CALLA e-file bits that can be used for gel fills and nail enhancement refinement.
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