Thank you so much I have loved the look of the soft oval never knew what to call it …. I’m 73 and have a lifetime of lacks nail care…. Grew up in the 50’s biting my nails and my beloved mother always said if I stopped we could have a manicure together ….it never happened and when she passed I never bit them again as a tribute to her and myself for our close relationship…. I love how your videos show and appreciates all nail looks types and shapes…. I don’t have a very large nail bed and the soft oval makes my nail bed look larger ….. I’ve only been watching your videos for a few months but it is an amazing educational guide on how to naturally in such a healthy way care for our nails…. ❤️
I like how you explain the invisible line and not following the white line. Also angle of the file. I will follow you…watching and listening to you has served me well. Thanks Anna!
Thank you so much for writing Vicky! I’m glad the video made sense :)) I will try to make a few more videos like this with square nails and with more oval :)
10 out of 10! I really appreciated how the curvature of the nail influences the shape you file them into and the tips for achieving & checking symmetry. I also liked your narration and your demonstration in real time. Please extend my thanks to your client for being a model on this video. 🙂
Thank you so much for writing! I will definitely forward your kind words to the model. I so appreciate the clients who are ok with me talking to the camera when they try to relax :). I try not to overdo it though :))
Finally - a nail expert who SHOWS you how to file short nails. I hate going in a nail salon and everyone has nail extensions that are almost as long as their fingers. I don’t find that attractive, even on younger hands. I guess all that length, bling and decoration is where the money is. You’ve educated me more on natural nail care in a few months than anyone has in YEARS! I don’t do well with acrylics (tried them - they ruined my nails) or gel ( same story, different day). When you ask for a regular manicure, with regular polish, the nail tech sometimes looks at you like you’re from Mars. I get tired of explaining that my nails stay healthier with regular polish, and then explaining past experiences the Pat answer is “oh, they must have applied it incorrectly - 90% of my business is gel nails.” Yep. - and I’ve watched nails being buffed and “exfoliated” until they are thin. Not good. Right now, I’m concentrating on my cuticles. They aren’t perfect, but have improved quite a bit!
I'm with you, I prefer shorter natural nails or very slightly longer nails that are in proportion with the nail bed length. As someone with short nail beds I think really long nails look---weird. There's a sweet spot for sure. Long nails have never been my goal so that's partly why I never go to a salon because the few times I *have* gone (such as being in a bridal party...) I feel like they pressure me to get fakes. I just want nails that are my ideal length and *not* peeling, lol!
Totally agree - I've tried the lot, acrylic nail extensions, gel overlays, fibreglass wraps etc and everything caused my natural nails to end up sensitive and paper thin. I stopped doing all that about 15 years ago and decided just to wear ordinary nail polish on my natural nails and to look after them myself. I've learned so much from reading Doug Schoon's articles and watching Ana's videos - far more than I ever gained from watching some of the techniques used by a lot of nail techs. I think education in nail anatomy should be compulsory for anyone working in the nail industry but sadly it isn't (at least not here in the UK).
I've given up on nail salons. They push gel and look at me like I have two heads when I ask them not to cut the proximal nail fold. The last time I got a manicure, the nail tech globbed on top coat thickly. I thought, uh-oh. that's gunna be bubbly. sure enough, I had a very bubbly manicure. Now I've purchased new top and base coats and I've been enjoying following Anna's nail advice and painting my own nails every week and it's my faaaavorite!!
Brilliant timing. All day I have been thinking about filing my nails, I don't like them too long because I just know I'll break one if I do. I filed along with you and kept my sheer nude polish on. Wow, perfect (well, almost). Just my little finger to do but was so impressed with myself I had to let you know. You are such a great teacher, thank you x
I had gone to a nail place and had tips applied (in my past nail life) and they always either made them squared off or more pointy when I prefer a soft round. I no longer get dip nail or tips done and my natural nails are lovely and strong now. All the info you provide: no cutting, do not push back too hard, oil oil oil, etc., has helped my nail health. I not only self manicure but I also follow the same rules and self pedicure. Thank you 🙏 for such great tips for better nail care.
That is so awesome to hear! My friend who is a trainer used to say to me “KISS method is the best when it comes to diet and training. “KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID”. Honestly we over complicate things. The most results we get from consistency and not fancy techniques :))
I would love to see you shaping the nails of someone with short nail beds, especially if the person wants to keep them longer. I find it really tricky to file my free edge and get a nice oval shape on my short nail beds.
I find wearing polish and regular manicures over time elongate nail plates. Look at MSL. He had very short nail beds. Thank you sharing though what interests you. It all depends on who comes to my salon but I will keep my eye out for people with nails like that :))
Her nails are so similar to mine. This is very helpful. I love filing my nails in an oval, and never realized that probably they look better this way because of the shape you described.
Hello! Thanks for continuing this short videos about filing nails. I'm enjoying them a lot and ofc learning how to do my own 😘💕✨💫 Edit: love the detailed explanation!
These videos are just terrific! I appreciate your detailed explanation. Could you share a bit more on how you choose the appropriate nail shape; length of the finger, length from the nail bed to the end of the fingertip, whether or not the nail is damaged? Hairstylists often assess face shape, hair texture and lifestyle when suggesting a particular style for their clients, you are a true nail stylist suggesting the best shape to accentuate and enhance lovely looking hands! Thank you so very much!
I concur with another viewer…I also like to file/shape my nails while my “old” varnish is still on as it enables me to more accurately see the shape and length of my nails, as they often do not grow out symmetrically with each other. Also, of course, they do not wear evenly. It can be difficult to see minute differences in length and shape when they’re bare, and only when fresh varnish is on will I see inconsistencies in the newly filed nails. This can be avoided by filing nails at the start of a manicure, before removing varnish. (It is easiest to see if the varnish is of a dark or vibrant colour.)
omg thank you!!! I love you and I have a new passion now. your channel gives me something to be excited about everyday. thanks for teaching us all you know
Anna I am so grateful to have found your channel, your advice and videos are so informative. I am following your advise and can’t wait for the damage from acrylics to grow out. I will always treat my nails with respect moving forward. Thank you 🙏
Wow! I do my own manicure maintenance at home between salon visits (bc adhd and $$), and your advice to shape *before* removing the polish is a game changer! Same with keeping the file straight. Thank you so much!
Dear Anna! 🥰 Thank you so much for one of these videos of shaping longer nails! 🤗 To filing the nails with nail polish is really good, I always get the best results. The nails always look different (better) with nail polish, I am using nude shades. Your advice of learning by watching is perfect, because it’s so true. I was learning a new language almost only by listening to native speakers and once I was ready I started myself. Congratulations to your channel, it’s just a so beautiful work! ❤️
Thank you for the great explanation in the video. I have my 50 year class reunion in a few months and I wish I could come over and have you do my nails.😊
Hi Ella! Thank you so much for the donation, it really helps the channel out a lot! We're really glad the information we provide has helped you with your nails. We hope you have yourself a wonderful Monday! Cheers! MSL
Thank you for these videos! My nail shape is naturally more fan or shell shaped, however you want to say it, and I have learned so much from your channel about how to shape them! I find myself less often wishing for new hands! 😅 Also a huge thank you from both me and my mother for recommending RescueRxx. Our sad, peeling, splitting nails are very grateful for the extra nutrition. 🤗
So happy to hear that your nails Erin are improving and your mom's too! Just know that non of the products are "nutritious". Nails are dead and they can't benefit from nutrients. These products can condition nails and protect them (some might be able to reinforce them). :)
This video is so helpful and the best one I’ve seen so far! I’ve always been horrible at shaping but I ended up doing a great job thanks to this video! 🙏🏻❤️ I keep checking for that diamond nail file to be back in stock- is there another place we can find it or at least get one that’s similar for the time being?
Hi Ana, thank you for showing us how you file your clients nails. I always find shaping the hardest to do. I love how you shape ❤. It looks like once you place your file under the corner of the nail your filing the corner at a 90 degree angle, would you agree?
I have been following you since I stopped having my nails dipped or other products. You have been very helpful. I am a little confused because in one video I thought that you discouraged filing with a back and forth saw like stroke, instead filing in a single direction. I am just about six months from my last “dip” so I think that I am dealing with new growth?
Hello there :) No, I never recommend filing in only 1 direction :) Yes, it takes about 6 months for the nail to fully grow out. Depending on how fast the nails grow and how long your nail bed is.
What type of nail file are you using and what do you recommend for pealing weak nails? I always thought emery boards were less damaging than metal nail files.
Hi Jan! The file doesn't make a difference when it comes to the peeling. That is a myth that nail file companies perpetuate to sell files I believe. The peeling happens because the nail surface is damaged or weak. Not because how you file. Like a loose fabric is going to fray more then a very dense fabric no matter how you really cut it. After using any file really you can use a buffer block to smooth the edge of the nail so it feels nice and smooth. I really like this file for a personal use: amzn.to/3uqZVu3 I have many videos about weak and damaged nails. Check out this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLnP7qaKYlbX4bMX8YOHTccu73EmZVb8Zx.html
I read or watched somewhere that you're not supposed to file back and forth, only from the sides towards the center (and in the middle, alternating yes, but a couple of strokes in each direction). So this isn't the case? Would you make a video discussing the misconceptions and the correct techniques of filing? Also about the files, I started using glass ones after I read that emery and metal files cause the nails to end up sort of ragged. So is this also false? I wouldn't switch though, because glass files feel much better on the nail! edit: Nevermind, I found the video in which you mention these topics in more detail, "How to Shape Wide and Short Nails". But now I'm wondering about the angle at which you hold the file. I always have trouble with making the nail ends dull enough. I feel like when filing, I keep tapering the edges from the top and bottom, like the edge of a knife. They're not jagged, just sharp.
@@TheSalonLife awesome! I’ve only recently moved to this from squoval, and I love how it elongates my fingers and seems to seem more ‘long’ even at shorter lengths! As always, THANK YOU, Anna for being such an amazing resource! ❤
Can’t even file my nails oval or round can’t see much white at all one broke so low and I already filed it very short square 😢 I miss painting my nails
Hi how are u My names chantelle I came across your channel i love it thanks i would like advise of mine after bitting it so many years i decided to try and grow and stop biting its 2 months from having very ugly broken in the skin to having growing nails i would just like to know how to maintain yhem acording to whats wrong with them im clueless i would really appreciate your help alot and how to file them they look to me like i have oval nails not sure
Hello Chantelle, Please check out this video about bitten nails and I mention the steps that could help you (check out the description box as well) th-cam.com/video/_2N7L2krd8w/w-d-xo.html
@@RockDove5212 nah, it's fine filing both ways. It would only really cause an issue if you're not careful about the angle you are using, I think (ie not perpendicular/flat against the edge). Then it would be damaging the top layers faster than doing it one way; I do that somewhat deliberately if I'm taking off a lot of length (in which case I should probably be clipping), but then I make sure to angle correctly when actually shaping to make the edge flat
Thank you so much I have loved the look of the soft oval never knew what to call it …. I’m 73 and have a lifetime of lacks nail care…. Grew up in the 50’s biting my nails and my beloved mother always said if I stopped we could have a manicure together ….it never happened and when she passed I never bit them again as a tribute to her and myself for our close relationship…. I love how your videos show and appreciates all nail looks types and shapes…. I don’t have a very large nail bed and the soft oval makes my nail bed look larger ….. I’ve only been watching your videos for a few months but it is an amazing educational guide on how to naturally in such a healthy way care for our nails…. ❤️
Ginny, you are an inspiration!!!
Your channel is saving my : nail health, lots of money, and sanity
I like how you explain the invisible line and not following the white line. Also angle of the file. I will follow you…watching and listening to you has served me well. Thanks Anna!
Thank you so much for writing Vicky! I’m glad the video made sense :)) I will try to make a few more videos like this with square nails and with more oval :)
10 out of 10! I really appreciated how the curvature of the nail influences the shape you file them into and the tips for achieving & checking symmetry. I also liked your narration and your demonstration in real time. Please extend my thanks to your client for being a model on this video. 🙂
Thank you so much for writing! I will definitely forward your kind words to the model. I so appreciate the clients who are ok with me talking to the camera when they try to relax :). I try not to overdo it though :))
Finally - a nail expert who SHOWS you how to file short nails. I hate going in a nail salon and everyone has nail extensions that are almost as long as their fingers. I don’t find that attractive, even on younger hands. I guess all that length, bling and decoration is where the money is. You’ve educated me more on natural nail care in a few months than anyone has in YEARS! I don’t do well with acrylics (tried them - they ruined my nails) or gel ( same story, different day). When you ask for a regular manicure, with regular polish, the nail tech sometimes looks at you like you’re from Mars. I get tired of explaining that my nails stay healthier with regular polish, and then explaining past experiences the Pat answer is “oh, they must have applied it incorrectly - 90% of my business is gel nails.” Yep. - and I’ve watched nails being buffed and “exfoliated” until they are thin. Not good. Right now, I’m concentrating on my cuticles. They aren’t perfect, but have improved quite a bit!
I'm with you, I prefer shorter natural nails or very slightly longer nails that are in proportion with the nail bed length. As someone with short nail beds I think really long nails look---weird. There's a sweet spot for sure. Long nails have never been my goal so that's partly why I never go to a salon because the few times I *have* gone (such as being in a bridal party...) I feel like they pressure me to get fakes. I just want nails that are my ideal length and *not* peeling, lol!
Totally agree - I've tried the lot, acrylic nail extensions, gel overlays, fibreglass wraps etc and everything caused my natural nails to end up sensitive and paper thin. I stopped doing all that about 15 years ago and decided just to wear ordinary nail polish on my natural nails and to look after them myself. I've learned so much from reading Doug Schoon's articles and watching Ana's videos - far more than I ever gained from watching some of the techniques used by a lot of nail techs. I think education in nail anatomy should be compulsory for anyone working in the nail industry but sadly it isn't (at least not here in the UK).
I don’t know how those women get anything done with those really long nails!
@@emilyanne9513Long nails have been a status symbol because you can't have them if you work a lot with your hands.
I've given up on nail salons. They push gel and look at me like I have two heads when I ask them not to cut the proximal nail fold. The last time I got a manicure, the nail tech globbed on top coat thickly. I thought, uh-oh. that's gunna be bubbly. sure enough, I had a very bubbly manicure. Now I've purchased new top and base coats and I've been enjoying following Anna's nail advice and painting my own nails every week and it's my faaaavorite!!
Brilliant timing. All day I have been thinking about filing my nails, I don't like them too long because I just know I'll break one if I do. I filed along with you and kept my sheer nude polish on. Wow, perfect (well, almost). Just my little finger to do but was so impressed with myself I had to let you know. You are such a great teacher, thank you x
Hi Gail! Thank you so much for writing! I’m so glad the video helped and that timing was good :)) Thank you for your kind words!
I second that - Ana, you are a great teacher! 😀
I had gone to a nail place and had tips applied (in my past nail life) and they always either made them squared off or more pointy when I prefer a soft round. I no longer get dip nail or tips done and my natural nails are lovely and strong now. All the info you provide: no cutting, do not push back too hard, oil oil oil, etc., has helped my nail health. I not only self manicure but I also follow the same rules and self pedicure. Thank you 🙏 for such great tips for better nail care.
That is so awesome to hear! My friend who is a trainer used to say to me “KISS method is the best when it comes to diet and training.
“KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID”. Honestly we over complicate things. The most results we get from consistency and not fancy techniques :))
I would love to see you shaping the nails of someone with short nail beds, especially if the person wants to keep them longer. I find it really tricky to file my free edge and get a nice oval shape on my short nail beds.
I find wearing polish and regular manicures over time elongate nail plates. Look at MSL. He had very short nail beds. Thank you sharing though what interests you. It all depends on who comes to my salon but I will keep my eye out for people with nails like that :))
I’m new to your channel and maybe dumb buy who is MSL?
Mr. Salon Life. The camera, etc guy :)
So pleased that you have done this video 🙌🏼👌🏼🙏🏼
Thank you Sara!! 🥰
Her nails are so similar to mine. This is very helpful. I love filing my nails in an oval, and never realized that probably they look better this way because of the shape you described.
Hello! Thanks for continuing this short videos about filing nails. I'm enjoying them a lot and ofc learning how to do my own 😘💕✨💫
Edit: love the detailed explanation!
Another lovely video, so clear in what you are saying.
Your client has beautiful nails!
These videos are just terrific! I appreciate your detailed explanation. Could you share a bit more on how you choose the appropriate nail shape; length of the finger, length from the nail bed to the end of the fingertip, whether or not the nail is damaged? Hairstylists often assess face shape, hair texture and lifestyle when suggesting a particular style for their clients, you are a true nail stylist suggesting the best shape to accentuate and enhance lovely looking hands! Thank you so very much!
Thank you! Could you please do a almond/soft almond nail shape on natural nails please?
I concur with another viewer…I also like to file/shape my nails while my “old” varnish is still on as it enables me to more accurately see the shape and length of my nails, as they often do not grow out symmetrically with each other. Also, of course, they do not wear evenly. It can be difficult to see minute differences in length and shape when they’re bare, and only when fresh varnish is on will I see inconsistencies in the newly filed nails. This can be avoided by filing nails at the start of a manicure, before removing varnish. (It is easiest to see if the varnish is of a dark or vibrant colour.)
omg thank you!!! I love you and I have a new passion now. your channel gives me something to be excited about everyday. thanks for teaching us all you know
Such a gorgeous, clean, minimal look 😍😍
Anna I am so grateful to have found your channel, your advice and videos are so informative. I am following your advise and can’t wait for the damage from acrylics to grow out. I will always treat my nails with respect moving forward. Thank you 🙏
Wow! I do my own manicure maintenance at home between salon visits (bc adhd and $$), and your advice to shape *before* removing the polish is a game changer! Same with keeping the file straight. Thank you so much!
You are very welcome :) I'm so happy to hear that my videos are helpful! Anna
Dear Anna! 🥰 Thank you so much for one of these videos of shaping longer nails! 🤗 To filing the nails with nail polish is really good, I always get the best results. The nails always look different (better) with nail polish, I am using nude shades. Your advice of learning by watching is perfect, because it’s so true. I was learning a new language almost only by listening to native speakers and once I was ready I started myself. Congratulations to your channel, it’s just a so beautiful work! ❤️
PS: Just watching your video by having a gorgeous oil nail bath! 😁
Thank you for the great explanation in the video. I have my 50 year class reunion in a few months and I wish I could come over and have you do my nails.😊
This is very helpful to see up close how you file different nails. Thanks!
Thank you Julie! I’m going to try to record square nails and a little longer, oval nails soon:). What’s your favourite shape?
@@TheSalonLife ovals work best for me - but the "square oval" is better. I keep my nails pretty short. I love your videos!
Danke!
Thank you very much for all the information you are giving us! I learned so much and now my nails and hands look much better than a year ago.
Hi Ella! Thank you so much for the donation, it really helps the channel out a lot! We're really glad the information we provide has helped you with your nails.
We hope you have yourself a wonderful Monday! Cheers!
MSL
This was very helpful. I agree with watching people helps you get better. Thank you for breaking it down. Very easy to understand and follow ❤
Excellent explanation, thank you!
Thank you for these videos! My nail shape is naturally more fan or shell shaped, however you want to say it, and I have learned so much from your channel about how to shape them! I find myself less often wishing for new hands! 😅 Also a huge thank you from both me and my mother for recommending RescueRxx. Our sad, peeling, splitting nails are very grateful for the extra nutrition. 🤗
So happy to hear that your nails Erin are improving and your mom's too!
Just know that non of the products are "nutritious". Nails are dead and they can't benefit from nutrients. These products can condition nails and protect them (some might be able to reinforce them). :)
@@TheSalonLife yeah, that was the wrong word. I didn’t really mean nutrition in that way. My bad!
You are a magician, thanks for sharing!
You make it look so easy! That's ok, I get to practice at least once a week plus I get to watch you. ;)
Thanks again for another awesome video!
Thank you :))
Hello! Thank you for the interesting video. Happiness to you and your loved ones👍
This video is so helpful and the best one I’ve seen so far! I’ve always been horrible at shaping but I ended up doing a great job thanks to this video! 🙏🏻❤️ I keep checking for that diamond nail file to be back in stock- is there another place we can find it or at least get one that’s similar for the time being?
Fav nail shape 😍
Hi Ana, thank you for showing us how you file your clients nails. I always find shaping the hardest to do. I love how you shape ❤. It looks like once you place your file under the corner of the nail your filing the corner at a 90 degree angle, would you agree?
Awesome tips. Nails fairy 🧚🏼♂️ godmother! Thank you 💋
Thankyou very much, it is very helpful ❤
Do you ever use a glass file for shaping nails like this?
Yes I do use the glass files too. Especially for finer nails. :)
Beautiful nails ❤
What is kind of nail file are you using here? ❤️
Beautiful 🤩
Bardzo ładny efekt naturalnych paznokci. 🔅
Where did you buy your dust collector fan?
Do you sell that file you’re using? Or can I find it on Amazon? Thanks 😊
I have been following you since I stopped having my nails dipped or other products. You have been very helpful. I am a little confused because in one video I thought that you discouraged filing with a back and forth saw like stroke, instead filing in a single direction. I am just about six months from my last “dip” so I think that I am dealing with new growth?
Hello there :) No, I never recommend filing in only 1 direction :)
Yes, it takes about 6 months for the nail to fully grow out. Depending on how fast the nails grow and how long your nail bed is.
Your file is a violin bow performing Vivaldi' s winter🎻🤏🏻
What color was the nail polish? Very nice.
This is Dior Nail Glow :)
I really want to know where to get/what this file is! Looks like it works a dream😍
I think I have all the links in the description box :)
What polish did you use, so pretty!
Dior Nail Glow
What type of nail file are you using and what do you recommend for pealing weak nails? I always thought emery boards were less damaging than metal nail files.
Hi Jan! The file doesn't make a difference when it comes to the peeling. That is a myth that nail file companies perpetuate to sell files I believe. The peeling happens because the nail surface is damaged or weak. Not because how you file.
Like a loose fabric is going to fray more then a very dense fabric no matter how you really cut it.
After using any file really you can use a buffer block to smooth the edge of the nail so it feels nice and smooth.
I really like this file for a personal use: amzn.to/3uqZVu3
I have many videos about weak and damaged nails. Check out this playlist:
th-cam.com/play/PLnP7qaKYlbX4bMX8YOHTccu73EmZVb8Zx.html
I’m on the hunt for a new cuticle pusher. What is your favorite? Is it the glass one?
For my own nails yes, the glass one. For clients I often use other ones
@@TheSalonLife Thank you!
Ps. Salon needs are different. Personal care when people care for their nails is different too. I have to make a video about it :)
I read or watched somewhere that you're not supposed to file back and forth, only from the sides towards the center (and in the middle, alternating yes, but a couple of strokes in each direction). So this isn't the case? Would you make a video discussing the misconceptions and the correct techniques of filing? Also about the files, I started using glass ones after I read that emery and metal files cause the nails to end up sort of ragged. So is this also false? I wouldn't switch though, because glass files feel much better on the nail!
edit: Nevermind, I found the video in which you mention these topics in more detail, "How to Shape Wide and Short Nails". But now I'm wondering about the angle at which you hold the file. I always have trouble with making the nail ends dull enough. I feel like when filing, I keep tapering the edges from the top and bottom, like the edge of a knife. They're not jagged, just sharp.
Please see this video
How to finish shaping the nails for the smoothest nail ever #naturalnails
th-cam.com/users/shortsN7MdWjiqaOE?feature=share
Hi! Which nail file are you using here please? Thanks!
Erica's Diamond Hand file (medium) bit.ly/3804Wi5
Anna, what shape is the strongest structure for weaker nails?
This one :)
@@TheSalonLife awesome! I’ve only recently moved to this from squoval, and I love how it elongates my fingers and seems to seem more ‘long’ even at shorter lengths! As always, THANK YOU, Anna for being such an amazing resource! ❤
Can’t even file my nails oval or round can’t see much white at all one broke so low and I already filed it very short square 😢 I miss painting my nails
Hi how are u
My names chantelle
I came across your channel i love it thanks i would like advise of mine after bitting it so many years i decided to try and grow and stop biting its 2 months from having very ugly broken in the skin to having growing nails i would just like to know how to maintain yhem acording to whats wrong with them im clueless i would really appreciate your help alot and how to file them they look to me like i have oval nails not sure
Hello Chantelle,
Please check out this video about bitten nails and I mention the steps that could help you (check out the description box as well)
th-cam.com/video/_2N7L2krd8w/w-d-xo.html
Please can you help me, some of my nails are flat and the other are curved , how can i make it all curved
I was always told not to file your nails in both directions because it weakens your nail. Nails should be filed in the same direction.
@@RockDove5212 nah, it's fine filing both ways. It would only really cause an issue if you're not careful about the angle you are using, I think (ie not perpendicular/flat against the edge). Then it would be damaging the top layers faster than doing it one way; I do that somewhat deliberately if I'm taking off a lot of length (in which case I should probably be clipping), but then I make sure to angle correctly when actually shaping to make the edge flat