An implement that shortens, shapes and smoothes rough edges of natural nails is called a(n):

An implement that shortens, shapes and smoothes rough edges of natural nails is called a(n):

• A. Emery board
• B. Nail buffer
• C. Metal file
• D. Cuticle nipper

Answer: (A)

Emery boards are the tool designed for shortening, shaping, and smoothing natural nails. They have an abrasive surface on a thin board, often cardboard, and come in different grits. You typically start with a coarser grit to reduce length and establish the basic shape, then switch to a finer grit to refine and smooth the edge. This two-step approach gives you a clean, even edge that won’t catch on fabric or skin, while being gentle enough for natural nails. A nail buffer, by contrast, is meant to smooth and shine the nail surface, not to remove length. A metal file can be too harsh for natural nails and may scratch or split them. A cuticle nipper is used for trimming cuticles, not shaping the nail edge.

Emery boards are the tool designed for shortening, shaping, and smoothing natural nails. They have an abrasive surface on a thin board, often cardboard, and come in different grits. You typically start with a coarser grit to reduce length and establish the basic shape, then switch to a finer grit to refine and smooth the edge. This two-step approach gives you a clean, even edge that won’t catch on fabric or skin, while being gentle enough for natural nails. A nail buffer, by contrast, is meant to smooth and shine the nail surface, not to remove length. A metal file can be too harsh for natural nails and may scratch or split them. A cuticle nipper is used for trimming cuticles, not shaping the nail edge.