To keep your nails healthy and shiny, the best nail file is an indispensable tool for your vanity. There are many types of nail files on the market, which may confuse you to find out. Don’t worry, that’s exactly why I’m here to help you make the right choice.
Best nail file reviews for 2021
Best nail file (overall)
ClassyLady Glass Nail Files Crystal Nail File
When deciding between different nail files, I recommend going with a glass nail file over other files like metal or emery boards. This glass nail file can professionally shape your nails and is suitable for all ages and all types of nails. Regular and long-term use of these nail files can strengthen your natural nails. For that reason, glass nail files are typically best for those with weak nails. The fine grained layer and the permanently etched abrasive surface allow for precise filing.
The ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File is a highly durable glass nail file. This set of double sided glass nail files comes with a carrying case. It requires low maintenance and ensures long-term performance. I’ve been using the same nail file for several months, and it remains as effective as ever a keeping my nails looking healthy and neat.
If you are in the market for a glass nail file, give ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File a try. The file comes in a variety of colors to suit all personalities.
This best nail glass file is ideal for natural nails or if you want to improve the condition of your nails. Whether you experience chipping, flaking, or breaking, this nail file is sure to make you forget that you have had these problems.
- It comes with an equally elegant private carrying case, making it easy and safe to store or take with you while traveling. During production, this file undergoes a stiffening step to ensure durability, so you can expect this file to last for years, if not forever.
- The price is higher than what you would normally see, but in the long run, you’ll save money from not having to buy additional files every few weeks, like you would with an emery one.
- ClassyLady Glass Nail Files is easy to clean by simply soaking it in water, or cleaning with an antiseptic or other antimicrobial solution. People are very pleased with their purchase and say that their nails have grown a lot without chipping, peeling or losing brakes since they used the file. Overall, this is a great manicure tool to have on hand and one that can really help keep your nails from thinning into longer and stronger.
Pros
- Gentle ending.
- Precision filling ability.
- Easy to use.
- Easy to clean.
- Hygienic.
- Super hard production process.
- Stylish.
Cons
- Pricey.
Best Metal Nail File
Revlon Emeryl File 1 Each
Revlon Emeryl File is the best metal nail file in this review list. It does not tarnish or rust, and it is long enough to make it very easy to file both the nails and toes; If you want to do your own manicure at home, this is a must-have tool.
It was even really helpful when you injured your finger or toes damaging the nail. This nail file is long and thin enough to gently file your broken nail without hitting any of the surrounding areas, allowing you to take care of the nail as it grows so it won’t break and further damage.
- Also because this is a metal file, it uses much faster than a sandstone board and it does a great job where the file never tarnishes and the plastic handle allows for easy maneuvering. and for many years I have been holding this file, it’s of great quality since it’s just the plastic around the metal file. We have no doubt that it will remain in perfect condition, to this day, if not lost it.
- This Revlon Emeryl File is really, irreplaceable; it’s also the best nail file I’ve ever used and since it’s been around for at least a decade it’s a great price. If you’re lucky enough to find one, buy it. This metal nail file seems to last forever and has a great texture to file.
- They also come with the added benefit of producing a much more pleasant sound when filing compared to conventional cardboard-based types. I am very pleased that this product comes in two sets, as I could use one for the nails and the other to sand the cedar hanger hacks that prevent moths from eating your clothes.
Pros
- Durable.
- Long and thin shape to file your broken nail.
- Can do faster job.
- Affordable.
- There are 2 nail files on the set.
Cons
- Can not be used to polish your nails.
Best Emery Board Nail File
MAKARTT Nail Files 100 180 Grit
A top Amazon pick, MAKARTT Nail Files 100 180 Grit come in both 100 and 180 grit, making them great for both shaping and lengthening (and use on toes as well). They come in a pack of 10 – for total steal, we should add – though if you want to reuse them, they’re washable. Just be sure to file your nails in only one direction to minimize the risk of peeling or separating your nails.
- MAKARTT Nail Files 100 180 Grit work quickly to cut or shape acrylic nails to your desired shape or length. They are also perfect for removing poly nail gels or artificial nails, and are great for grooming pets! The Makartt nail file set is ideal for filing and roughing hard nails and toenails with 100 grit, while 180 grit helps smooth the edges of your nails with a subtle shape.
- This best emery board nail file is made of top quality adhesive tape and sandpaper. Designed with a round & double-sided tip, these beautiful, sturdy and durable nail files provide you with a comfortable manicure experience.
- You just need to press lightly, but you can see the results immediately and they won’t warp! Great for all your filling needs, Manicure, Hobby, Crafts. Must be in professional salons and home DIY nail art. A great gift for girls who love nail art like Valentine’s Day gifts, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts and Halloween gifts. Makartt sand boards can be washed with water, and are quick and easy to clean.
Pros
- Excellent nail filling ability.
- Different grit functions available.
- Durable material.
- Washable and reusable.
Cons
- Read the introduction carefully to choose the right grit.
Important factors to choose the best nail file
1. Decide the type of the best nail files
- Glass nail files: We believe glass is the best nail file material for most people. Made of honed crystal, a glass file (also known as a crystal nail file) has a slight smoothness on natural nails but is sturdy enough for artificial nails. These tools work well for a wide variety of functions thanks to the detailed precision they provide. Glass files are great for not only refining and shaping nails, but also for cleaning edges and smoothing bumps on nail surfaces.
- Emery boards: Sandboards are what most people envision when they hear the word “nail files”, as they are the most common type of file. Although they look more basic, they are very effective. These double-sided tools typically have two different grinding values on each side, meaning they can be used for basic shaping and filing needs without excessive wear.
- Metal nail files: Metal nail files tend to have a really low grit value, which is why they are generally not recommended for use on natural nails. Due to their abrasive and harsh metal composition, they can cause debris in natural nails. However, they work really well on acrylics, gels, and other artificial nails.
2. Check the nail file number carefully
To get started, take a look at the basics you need to know about nail files – nail files. I’m sure you’ve seen the numbers above pretty much any file on the market. But what do they want to say? The numbers relate to the roughness of the nail file surface.
For example, a 180/180 grit file means that both sides are the same and have 180 grit per square centimeter. On the other hand, the 100/180 grit file will have one side with coarser hardness than the other. Knowing that, we can now clearly understand which files are sharper and which ones are softer:
- The higher the number, the softer the grit file is.
- The lower the number, the coarser the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grit nail files to remove gel?
When removing gel nails, make sure you don’t damage the natural nail underneath by using a file that is too coarse. For gel nail removal, it is best to have a medium grit 100/180 file. If you are removing water absorbent gel polish, it is best to use a 180 grit nail file to break the top paint before applying the cleaner for the required time.
Once the gel polish has been completely removed, you can gently polish your nails with a 180 grit buffer if needed – but be extra gentle and careful not to thin your nails.
2. What is the best nail file for acrylic nails?
Since acrylic nails are harder than gel nails they require a little more pressure when filing. A 100/180 grit nail file is still sufficient for both shaping and abrading acrylic nails – a rough 100 surface can reduce length and take away the surface; a softer 180 grit face can be used to shape natural nails.
3. Which grit file to use on natural nails?
Never use nail files that are rougher than 240 on natural nail surfaces – the cushions can be coarser, as they provide extra protection. A 180 grit nail file is perfect for shaping a natural nail edge – if the nail is very soft or damaged, a 240 grit file may be better.
Final Thoughts
With each different nail type will suit a different type of nail file. That’s why I’ve shared three distinct types of best nail files. We hope you can find the best nail file for you, and keep your nails beautiful and shiny.
