What are rings of fire on nails & how can they be avoided?

Red rings or semicircles that appear on the nail – often referred to as ‘rings of fire’ – can strike fear into the hearts of nail techs and clients alike, but what causes them and how can they be avoided?

“Rings of fire appear as red rings on the nail plate near to the proximal nail fold,” shares Scratch Stars Natural Nail Specialist of the Year 2019 & CND™ education ambassador, Helen Burton-Ward. “They are usually accompanied by a dip or ridge and are caused by the improper use of a manual file or E-file.”

As Helen notes, the sensitive red rings are often caused by over-filing. Award-winning nail artist & educator, Kristie Jauvais, explains why this is the case on the NailKnowledge website: “When technicians apply too much pressure or file too aggressively, they thin down the nail plate near the nail bed, creating sensitive spots that resemble fiery rings.”

How to avoid rings of fire

There are many adjustments that nail techs can make to avoid rings of fire. These include:

• Find your E-file angle: It is paramount that E-files are used at the correct angle, as getting this wrong can lead to severe nail damage. Each E-file bit will require a specific angle and precaution.
  
  Kristie Jauvais advises: “For cylindrical bits, work parallel to the nail plate with light pressure. For flame or football-shaped bits, work at roughly a 45-degree angle to the nail plate, using the bit tip’s ‘cheek’. For ball bits, avoid the nail plate altogether, focusing instead on the skin and proximal nail fold.”

• Select your speed: Nail tool company, Erica’s ATA, shares on its website: “Wrong speed = wrong results.” Setting your E-file’s RPM (rotations per minute) too slow will require excess pressure and dragging, causing damage, while an RPM that is too fast risks ‘nicks, slips and rings of fire’.
  
  “Find your sweet spot. Let your bit glide effortlessly while the RPM does the heavy lifting,” advises Erica’s ATA. “You should always E-file with gentle pressure on the nail plate and cuticles.”

• Reduce your passes: Passing over the same area of the nail bed with a manual file or an E-file too many times can cause excessive thinning of the nail plate, leading to rings of fire. Kristie Jauvais advises techs to ‘be mindful of the number of passes and aim for efficient filing without overdoing it’.

• Raise your quality: Higher quality bits will produce higher quality results. Low quality E-file bits often require added force and pressure to achieve desired effects, and this can lead to over-filing. Kristie Jauvais suggests that nail pros ‘opt for bits made with real diamond particles for efficient and gentle exfoliation without damaging the nails’.

How to treat rings of fire

It is essential that rings of fire are avoided by following the above advice, however if they do occur, Helen Burton-Ward suggests: “Keep nails presenting rings of fire short, as they will be thin, and a thorough aftercare plan involving cuticle oil is important.”

Check out Scratch’s article explaining the significance of cuticle oil here.

Kristie Jauvais adds: “If the ring of fire is deep, refrain from applying any product. Allow the nail to naturally grow out, avoiding further damage.”

E-files aren’t the enemy

Though they come with risks, E-files are widely used and recommended due to their efficiency, precision and versatility. Erica’s ATA comments: “With the right training and tools, E-files are your best friend in creating clean, efficient, gorgeous nails.”