How To File Your Dominant Hand

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[@Rybys1]

Hi Liz! I’m an occupational therapist by day, nail enthusiast by night. I work with individuals who have lost hand function or were born with conditions that restrict the full use of their hands in daily activities we take for granted. I’ve found when I’m doing my dominant hand, many of the same ideas I use for these patients apply, because essentially our brains are heavily wired for hand dominance and doing things with our non dominant hand is almost like learning the skill over. First, you want to minimize the joints in your non dominant hand that are having to move. You explained this excellently by moving your right hand to do the majority of the work. If you wanted to take it further, stabilize your left hand, including the elbow, wrist, and proximal joints as much as possible. I tuck my elbow to my side and rest almost my entire non dominant hand on a stable surface. A 1 inch binder works really well for this - lay the binder down so that your non dominant elbow rests towards the shortest part (like where the two sides meet when you open/close) and rest your forearm up through the incline with your wrist supported by the highest part (where the rings would be). You can add paper to weigh down your binder - this will stabilize your non dominant elbow and wrist and give you better control in your fingers. Move your dominant hand as much as possible when doing the work, as you suggested, while keeping your non dominant forearm pretty static. Remember, the more joints you can stabilize proximal to your torso (shoulder, elbow, wrist) the more control you will have on the more distal joints and the more fine/controlled movements you’ll be able to do. Xoxo love your videos. I get lots of compliments on my fancy nails at work 🤣

[@katherinemagwene1554]

Thanks for this helpful idea Marjorie!

[@TheNailHub]

Love this!

[@ItsMeDee60]

Excellent info. Thanks for sharing.

[@MissRCouture]

Omg!! I'm an OT by day, nail tech afterwards too :)

[@Rybys1]

Polished To Perfection awesome!! Seems so natural since we work with hands a lot 🙌🏻 And nail care is an ADL!

[@Tuesdaym]

The waiting two days after doing the non-dominant hand is me every time I do my nails. Sometimes it is as long as a week between hands. I need to switch to dominant first. 😂😂😂

[@amycampbell113]

I am trying to learn for dyi. I realized too late that nails are my passion. Now I just want to make my own nails look the best they can be. Just turning 45 I'm not sure I can go to school and be a nail tech so I love your videos so much.

[@aleialaw]

It's never too late!

[@bryttniecavazza5872]

What?! My mother was 50 when she joined me in medical billing and coding school. It's NEVER too late. Follow your passions no matter your age 😘

[@CatEyesKiki]

45...lady, go and live your dream. It's never too late. You've got plenty time chica. Go for it!🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👌🏾

[@kerrywood407]

It’s never too late go for it huni 💗

[@victoriaeseberre8905]

I’m almost 40 just started 3 weeks ago. Do not give up

[@spacks7]

I'm so bad for doing my non dominant hand first, and I chuckled when you said that you usually waited a day or 2 before doing the dominant hand because that's where I'm at right now.. non dominant hand is looking fabulous and my dominant hand is very sad looking 🤣🤣

[@christinanauert5205]

So helpful! I wanted to kindly recommend (to everyone) that they remove any diamond or precious stone jewelry before working with your nails. The tiny particles can get trapped between the prongs and eventually loosen up the setting, resulting in a missing stone. This is also true for sand at the beach. Also UV lights can affect them. I would hate for anyone to have to deal with that kind of damage especially when repairs are not available during the pandemic.

[@andriaduncan5032]

I know this is an old video, 4 yrs now, but it's really informative and helpful. I recently adopted that dominant-hand-first technique, and good lord, it's amazing. The only time that I sometimes will work on my first two fingers of my left hand first, is if I'm trying some new product or design, just to see how it looks, before I commit to starting the whole job on my right hand. Currently I'm trying to psych myself up to trying a marble design. Another trick I learned right from the start, is to always start with your pinkies, on either hand, so that you have less risk of dragging your hand across still-wet nails. Because if there is anything clumsy anywhere near me, somehow my body will find it.

[@TheNailHub]

Awesome! I'm glad this helped.

[@dollfacecrys]

I wish your channel had been around 6 years ago when I started doing nails. Your videos are fantastic for beginners to learn and for those with experience to brush up on some things. Thank you for doing what you do 😊❤️

[@deleted5672]

I just wanted to thank you for the great detail you go into during your videos. You have taught me so much since qualifying a couple of months ago. Your videos are so educational, thank you 🙏🏻

[@sweetsachiko2062]

I love that you don’t assume we know everything even if you’ve said it before. There’s so much to remember. I’m a repeater when I teach and I appreciate it. Especially since you don’t dumb it down. You just inform. I love your style. Thank you.

[@jeane519]

Glad to find out I'm not the only one who performs contortions while attempting to work on my dominant hand! Liz, your videos are sooooo good, I have learned a ton from you. I'm a DIY'r, only because my schedule is so hectic, could never schedule an appointment. I able to throw a load of laundry in a couple of times in between doing my nails. Thank you again!

[@halloween482]

I wish I had seen this video yesterday because I created a whole divot in my nail trying to file with my non dominant hand.

[@kendrarogg]

17:37 thank you for making me feel less of a weirdo for filing my dominant fingers like this!

[@dizzyrizzi6246]

I just did efiling on my dominant hand for the first time two days ago. I think it’s an instinctual thing to move your fingers around the file as well as move the file. Thanks for the very helpful video Liz. You rock

[@Aname0w]

I hate using my non dominate hand so much, that most of the time my dominate hand looks like the ugly step sister to my left hand that has amazing long detailed nails with extensive art lol

[@BlingBlingTheBSOFTHEISS]

I think as a southpaw it’s easier being ambidextrous. Left handed people have had to use their right hand for many reasons, from the sewing machines in school to being a cashier in any supermarket, the world is set up to be right handed. Most demonstrations such as artwork, knitting and crocheting, even learning how to write the alphabet in kindergarten is demonstrated by someone right handed, we’ve had to adapt. We either had to reverse everything we saw or do it with the right hand. For me I picked up half-and-half. Somethings I do with things with my right hand and somethings I do with my left hand. I don’t find it that difficult to do my dominant hand when it comes to nail applications on myself.

[@ladyinmauve]

You're one the blessed few. Lol.

[@SheniceSays214]

SouthPaw right here. You’re right being left handed is like being a weirdo because as you said the world is set up for right handed people.

[@helonbaker8104]

You have the best filing videos I’ve seen. I watched this video a year ago when I first started doing my own nails. Now that I kinda know what I’m doing I’m understanding so much more of this.

[@samanthamann7001]

Again, another great video from our fairy nail mother ! Can you show us or give some tips on applying the product to your non dominant hand please 🙂

[@peaches5712]

That's what I have done about leaving unfinished nails on my dominant hand. As a matter of fact I have 2 fingers on my dom hand now needing to be finished! LOL I love your videos! Between you and Susie on NCE I have learned SO much!! Thank you! ❤️

[@JoDonnySmith]

I usually file my dominant hand the way a leftie would (I guess): file is on reverse, finger pointing towards myself and move the bit towards myself. It's actually the other way around of doing my non-dominant hand. But I'll have to try your way here too! Thank you!

[@mszoomy]

Thank you Liz, another great video. You're an amazing teacher. I'm self taught, started doing my own nails before the internet existed (literally) and there was no information. I learned from watching techs work on me and asking questions at the beauty supply store (they were no help) I got so frustrated with the results I quit for many years. So much has changed since then!! I honestly have learned more from you in 3 or 4 videoed than I have in the last 30 years

[@aussiemummy2676]

Awesome video. Nice to know I’m on the right track with doing my own dominant hand. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. 🌸🐨🌸

[@saradang5802]

Once again Liz, you always do such a phenomenal job at going into detail and really sharing what you know. I’m so grateful for all the videos you upload. Bless your heart!!! Much love!!!

[@EbonieceBright]

I must say... I’ve watchEd several of your videos within the last couple days and you are truly the Kobe Bryant of the nail game! ☺️ I literally feel like I’ve been in a nail workshop... THANK YOU, THANK YOU and more THANK YOU!

[@TheNailHub]

🥰🥰🥰

[@amylove122011]

ahahhaa "The cousin on crack" !!!

[@nailsofinterest]

I've been waiting for this one since you pointed it out!!! Thanks for doing it!!!💜💖💜

[@LivnOnaPrayer]

I really appreciate this video. Is it possible to get more videos relating to DIY nails? Tips and tricks for using/holding tools and applying gels? I so struggle with getting the gel all over my right hand, my right hand moving too much, left hand dropping or slipping with the brush....I am still practicing though. Thanks again for the awesome videos!

[@MrsButtersworth82]

Thank you for the upload. COVID has me binging all nail care videos in an attempt to do my own mani/pedi and acrylic nails. 🙃

[@j.bishop7888]

I always file too deep using my good hand! Crack myself up. When I started out a friend said do dominant hand first so I always have and it’s best advice!

[@TheNailHub]

Love that!

[@butterflykisses-ritagather126]

Thank you, thank you, thank you...!! An absolutely AWESOME video! You are a GREAT teacher and i learn so much from you! You inspire me! I am busy with my final studies in becoming a nail tech! Your wisdom and knowledge really inspires me! Thank you for everything and helping me not to give up on my dream and my passion! Kindest regards and best wishes God bless Rita G xxxxxxx

[@patriciagallacher6741]

Always so happy when I see a video from you, lk know I'm always going to learn something new so thank you.

[@karinascruggs]

Thank you so much! I’ve been struggling so hard with using the e-file with my non-dominant hand.

[@GraceChen838]

Thank you so very much for this video Liz @thenailhub. Because of your fundamental videos on efilling, I am able to safely use an efile. I am still slow, but your channel has been the best nail fundamental videos out there. Even though I am only a DIYER, thank you for sharing all your knowledge and selling quality products that even we can access. Keep up the good work.

[@sandyhenry3238]

I do it that way too no schooling but, I wasn't sure how to use my electric file so thank you so much. You do a great job teaching and thanks to you I figured out what I thought was wrong on building tips and how to smooth. You are now my go to incase I get stumped.😘

[@sandyhenry3238]

I want to let you know yesterday I built up a pinky nail to match my hand. The sticker wrap was a pain but I did it. My nails have a slight C to flat because the grow straight out. My pinky didn't get the C but when I compared to my other nail fingers it matches pretty good. Thank you for doing this DIY's

[@cdecde2858]

You are one of the best teachers I started doing more acrylic than gels, really enjoyed the video. 👍

[@daxxydog5777]

All these little tips and tricks are so helpful!

[@prettytootsies6406]

OMG I love your vids! Thank you for helping with making it a bit easier❣

[@shihtzuluvrtwo6386]

Great video as always, thank you Liz💖💖💖

[@kcassil1]

Another great video with all the info we need!!! Thank you so much...LOVE to learn from you💗💎🙂

[@Heykatierose]

This content is so amazing! I love all the detail you show.

[@jcchiou7628]

Well, having just tried to efile gel color off my dominant hand with my nondominant hand, you make this look EASY PEASY 🤣😂🤣 I accidentally shaved a few spots on the sidewalls of my nails trying to get the color off, and I am so impressed at how you delicately took that lifting off with your left hand! Thank you for these videos 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ziggei_11]

This was excellent. Thank you so much.

[@hverdagslykke1897]

Thanks for all the amazing videos you make! I've leaned so much from you! ❤ the glitter you have on is soooo beautiful 😍 been looking for something similar but can't find any 😅

[@TheNailHub]

Thank you so much! If you’re looking for even more like this check out my exclusive education platform at thenailhub.tv. You get access to classes and customized tutorials all for being a member. Plus you can try it free!

[@mgcains]

Your videos are so thorough without being overwhelming. I appreciate your attention to detail, not just in the manicure techniques but also in explaining why you're doing what you're doing. Out of curiosity, when you're not filming it, how long does it take you to do a full gel overlay back fill on yourself? I'm fully aware you're a seasoned pro, and most of us are DIYers. :)

[@kinezumi89]

I missed your Monday uploads!! I am a DIYer and have learned almost everything I know from you, everyone is always amazed when they hear I do my nails myself :) Do you have any tips for preventing lifting on overlays? You explained in your recent Q&A about why overlays lift more easily, but even with capping the free edge, the cap always wears through after less than 2 weeks and then the edge starts lifting (I don't want water to get in there and possibly lead to fungus or infection). Any tips would be great!!

[@JacaKuchar]

Liz I just love your videos! You explain things so well. Can you sometime talk about Pseudomonas bacteria \ greenies and the causes and how to treat such issues thank you!

[@cyounesful]

Thank you!! Very clear and nice!!

[@krissynddd8642]

Thank you. Love this tip will try i.e to move your hand instead of the efile.

[@sharlacorgiat5965]

Your awesome! Love your videos.

[@samhugh4965]

I need to go back and watch all your efile vids again as I keep getting confused as to which direction you move the efile while in forward or reverse. I know forward is for right-dominant, but I get confused as to weather you move the efile toward or away from you, if that makes any sense.

[@karenpresley7101]

Great video. Thank you so much. 💗💗💗

[@nailsofinterest]

Thanks so much for sharing 💜💖💜

[@ItsMeDee60]

Liz thanks so much. I try to do my non-dominate hand first. Just as you said if I don't it may be a few days before I get to it.

[@glacialimpala]

The easiest way for me is to use soak off rubber gel polish base so not only does it solve lifting from thin/problematic nails it also allows you to remove the last bits in a non agressive way (acetone soak). Not saying my way is best way, just throwing some ideas out there :)

[@mishaellasbeautystudio1457]

I love watching you #nailhub 😍 Im a nailtech from the philippines and I'm Learning so much... Thank you ❤Would love to try the products you are using I hope they can ship to my country..

[@jenlambie14]

I'm always disappointed when I realise the video is about to end for another week 👍❗

[@Tajagee123]

😭😭😭😭 @ the cousin on crack you the real MVP ✨👑♥️

[@tinab7791]

I definitely move my dominant hand when I'm filing on it with my non-dominant. It just happened instinctively, I didn't really think about it I just noticed I was doing it.

[@tinab7791]

I have always done my dominant hand first. I always get the hard stuff out of the way first

[@tjnailzbytracysimmonds1648]

Hi from the UK. I love watching your videos and have to say , I think you are a brilliant tutor! Just wanted to ask, have you any videos showing how to gel polish our own nails please...I cant find one. Many thanks, Tracy.

[@nancytorres904]

Wow is awesome 👏 I going to try my self but I need the bits you’re use

[@recyde]

Thank you ❤️

[@sharonamadi7076]

Hello I I really enjoy your content and find myself going back and looking at old videos. The question I have today is what is the difference between an over-the-counter gel polish such as OPI or Gel Lish or Gel Len versus the gel polish that is on the nail hubs website. what are the ingredients difference is what makes one better or worse the longevity of the gel polish etc etc.? Is there a video that you've already done which details this?

[@TheSuperkity]

thank you for the amazing tips and tricks. i have a slightly tricky question. i was in a motorcycle accident a few years back and damaged my cuticle area to the point where there is a "dent" in the cuticle on my pinky finger. how would i go about building a nail to hide that? and also because the cuticle is "dented" the nail grows with almost like a W shape on the plate, how can i combat that to grow the nail properly again?

[@jasminenash5546]

Just a question for E-filing nail TIPS: I use hard gel (with base coat) on nail tips and want to remove using e file as hand filing took a very long time on top of soaking the remains off. Once I've e filed most of the product off and what looks to be most of previously attached tip off, is it ready for a new tip and gel application? Or must I remove all gel I can visibly see via soak off or e file as tip wouldn't likely adhere properly? Thank you

[@liveandletlive7152]

Tysm!😘

[@diamondpainting.by.fairydust]

Wish I would of seen this yesterday. I have filed off some nails yesterday but hit my cuticles way to much. BTW I overfilled my right hand (dominant hand) What I thought of gel was actually nail (my nail bed is almost identical to gel at it’s thin part. Can I apply polygel or gel on top to reinforce my nails since they are now so thin and fragile?

[@kellyrooney6901]

Love your videos ,very helpful as I'm back into the nail game after yrs. What is the name of dust fan you mentioned??

[@TheNailHub]

Hi it's the Zephyros. It's on our website and I think I linked it below this video.

[@bellaguitarwiz]

Love this video so much Liz! When you’re doing your nails and you start with your dominant hand, do you do everything in order? For example do you remove the color, prep, apply new gel, finish file, etc. on all nails or do you do all steps on one hand at a time? Thanks so much!

[@TheNailHub]

Yes I usually do one full hand start to finish and I always begin with my dominant hand because it's the toughest to do. Then doing my other hand is a breeze.

[@bellaguitarwiz]

Thank you so much for replying! I forgot to ask this as well, but how do you tell if a bit can be used right and left handed?

[@bonnieriley1951]

@@TheNailHub PP

[@carolarmstrong3748]

Thanks for the great video its helped a lot.. could I please ask if u could link the bits u use for cuticles please xx

[@yelitzacolon7093]

That polish is so pretty! What is it??

[@mlea79]

Omg..I’ve just got an efile. Been a nail tech for 5 years. My non dominant hand is scary lol

[@michelleoss-payne9641]

So just to be sure...on the Typhoon using with left hand, you are changing from reverse to forward, based on the direction you're going on your nails? So if you're pulling forward towards your cuticle, you've got it in reverse, and if going away from your cuticle, you change to forward?

[@Nailcoverlover]

I found this video very helpful, thanks for showing so close n in detail.

[@Siimply.Jessica]

Can you just clarify, I'm right handed so when filing my right hand with my left, do I use a 2 way bit? Or do I switch directions from forward to reverse? Or do I do nothing and just use my regular cone shaped bit in forward?

[@DontForgetNatasha]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@lochlynmclean3890]

@@DontForgetNatasha why was i hoping you would have the answer 😂

[@joervin2927]

Hello! oh the dominant hand fill...uhg. What bit are you using? I clicked on the "View Products" link but that bit is not shown. Thank you!!!

[@TheCupofthea]

Hi ! Do you put your e-file on reverse with your left hand ?

[@AK-kl7pg]

@TheNailHub what is the color of the glitter gel on your other nails (not the right index finger you were working on) in this video & do you sell it on TNH?

[@TheNailHub]

Hi it’s Light Elegance Cinnamon Glitter Gel. It’s a discontinued color and we only have one jar left. www.thenailhub.com/products/light-elegance-glitter-gel-cinnamon

[@artisticallycurious1902]

I love this glitter polish you e got 😍 what’s the name?

[@meganphyre2610]

I love love love you and your videos, my only constructive criticism is that you repeat yourself JUST a little more than necessary, even for the slowest most beginner-est person in the world. Even with all that though I'm still loyal cause you're amazing. Thanks for your help!

[@kelly-annewiegand9442]

Thank you for showing me this. I used to do the same as you. I'd do my left hand first then dread doing my right. I do have 1 question. Do you or have you ever used polygel?

[@ravenmaddie]

I do and honestly won't go back to normal gel: it's a lot less messy and a lot quicker and easier to manipulate. It takes longer to do the dominant hand, but once you get the hang of it on the first 2 nails, the rest are easy peasy. My advice : apply small quantities and add if needed, use a wood stick (make sure it's pretty damp with cleanser so it doesn't stick).

[@TheNailHub]

I'm not a fan of acrygel or polygel. The patting and pushing just isn't my thing and I find it get kind of rubbery after a while. But honestly nail products is about A. Knowing what you're doing and B. Finding a medium/material that works for you. So I encourage you to learn about all the major products out there, try them all, and pick what speaks to you

[@dorajuarez3080]

I wish someone can do an in depth like you for acrylic!

[@rinalevi4251]

maybe suzi from nail career educations have videos on acrylic nail. she does more acrylic than gel for most of her videos

[@yanaheemeryck9677]

I have watched a lot of videos for acrylic and I feel like Natali Carmona comes pretty close! (@getnailed32)

[@dorajuarez3080]

Thanks!

[@dorajuarez3080]

Thanks!

[@GraceChen838]

Hi @thenailhub, do you have to turn the efile to reverse setting when filling with non dominant hand?

[@TheNailHub]

It really depends more on which direction you are filing. Right to left is forward. And left to right is reverse.

[@GraceChen838]

Thank you. I will keep this tip in mind

[@bryttniecavazza5872]

@@TheNailHub thank you for that tip, I am waiting for my e file to come in the mail. I am a lefty, and trying to find left handed bits are a little harder than I thought! So, I can just work backwards. My forward would be reverse and vise versa?

[@ellenlevenson7831]

If you're working with your left hand on your right hand, is it appropriate to reverse the direction of the drill? Does that make it easier to e-file?

[@AK-kl7pg]

Depends on the direction of movement, I think.

[@CarrieJo0801]

Can this work for lifting that is only on the tip of the nail? Or do I just have to remove it and start fresh??

[@TheNailHub]

Yes you can remove that the same way.

[@michele8154]

I'm guessing the 'ring of fire' is that dent you get around the cuticle as it grows out from using too much pressure or being too angled?? Yep. Got those. LOL..... so hard not to do that with any hand! *newb*

[@cai_nwa_ogu]

What is this copper gel on yournails?! Omg!

[@purpleslippers8]

What speed do you generally keep it at for cuticle work when doing your dominant?

[@thatsoserious]

5,000 rpms

[@shakaylajordan8713]

I said today i need a video on efiling with a left hand

[@Just_jill325]

If I am right handed and e filing my own right hand. Should I get a left handed bit?

[@TheNailHub]

I use the same bit on both hands. You could get a dual direction bit so you can go both directions.

[@lazylunarwitch]

If you get a lot of gouging when you file your dominant hand is that due to pressure or drill speed? I have a terrible problem with gouging when I do my dominant hand!

[@vatishacarney2270]

Both! If your drill is at the right speed you shouldn't really need pressure, just contact. Slow your drill speed and try with little to no pressure, if your drill bit stops with contact, up the speed little.

[@puddintayne9254]

So glad I found your videos! Cousin on crack ... LOL

[@justme_nor]

I hold the file , and move my hand / finger

[@lorisanford]

LMAO @ The cousin on CRACK!! Now I have to watch every minute of every video she's ever made for more gems!

[@MzHeather-904]

Curious if you would be in Forward direction for technique?? I love your channel. Thank you I have learned so much from you!

[@TheNailHub]

For a right handed person forward is for when you are filing towards the left. The bit spins clockwise when in forward so you go against the spin. Reverse is for filing to the right. If you are left handed it would be the opposite situation.

[@USMC_BABE38]

how do I file my dominate hand vs my dominate hand that's the hardest thing for me to do with my own nails.

[@almantaite]

Little bit off topic but in soviet union lefties weren't allowed to use their left hand for writing and eating. In schools teachers would tie their hand to the leg so the child wouldn't attempt to use their left hand for writing...

[@allmyducksinarow]

By "full speed" do you mean 30,000rpm or whatever the highest setting is?

[@graceandtruth2413]

Whatever the highest speed you have.

[@vanessaautumn9765]

How to you fix the “claw” like curve that appears when the nail grows out?

[@emilykortan1740]

Liz talked about this in her video about shortening and filling an extension

[@valerie022848]

Just got my efile. So excited! Question- what exactly is "ring of fire", and what do you do about it? Thanks.

[@natashastorar455]

Where your nail burns if you over file or hold it in 1 place really hurts. Be sure to lift the file away from the nail after brush xx

[@fratzolaki19]

Funny fact: i feel like my non dominant hand is my dominand hand cause i ALWAYS get better results.even the superslim technique i did for the 1st time is perfect made by my non dominant hand and i dont put more attention no. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤣

[@Rachel_C111]

If you accidentally touch your skin with the edible, will it cut you?

[@TheNailHub]

It could. Depends on the bit. Some are more sharp than others.