How much attention have you paid to your nail file? For most people, the answer is “not much.” Often, a nail file is considered a basic necessity, something stashed in your bathroom cabinet or handbag (which makes it impossible to find when you break a nail). Files now come in a wide variety of options, ranging from classic emery boards to glass and electric devices.
“I personally prefer using an emery board-style file because it’s more universal and works well for both shaping all types of nails and refining enhancements like gel or acrylic,” says nail artist Erica De Los Santos. “Glass or crystal files are great for natural nails, as they seal the free edge and reduce splitting.”
Considering how much we invest in our nails—those regular salon manicures and pedis aren’t cheap!—it makes sense to invest in a quality nail file to protect the health of your nails. To ensure your money is well spent, we conducted hours of research on the best nail files, evaluating each pair on grit, material, price, shape, and how our nails looked after use. After consulting with nail experts and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated nail files.
Credit: Amazon
Grit: 180/240 | Length: 5.3 inches
If you want to get serious about taking care of your nails, it’s best to invest in one of these glass nail files. “Crystal/glass files are best for overall nail care,” says nail specialist Marlisse Murguido from the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. “They are also non-porous which means they can be cleaned and reused and are gentle enough for natural nails.” Murguido recommends this pick from Amazon. Made from glass in the Czech Republic, this option is ideal for smoothing and sealing tips regularly to prevent your nails from splitting.
Credit: Ulta
Grit: 80/150 | Length: 4.6 inches
Almost everyone should have one of these emery boards from Revlon in their purse. Cyndi Van, nail service and education director at the Tricoci Salon & Spa, recommends them, saying they are “great for everyday use or quick fixes.” Dual-sided, they work to file and buff to ensure your nails are shaped perfectly and left smooth. They are both durable and flexible, making them ideal to use on nail enhancements. They come in a pack of 24, so even if you inevitably lose one, you’ll have more on hand.
Credit: Kohl’s
Attachments: 6 | Cordless: Yes
Gel, acrylics, and shellac all look amazing when they are freshly applied, but can leave your nails brittle and weak once removed. While it can be tempting to layer on another set, giving your nails a break can be worth it in the long term. This home manicure set gives you everything you need to take care of your nails and get them back into their strongest and healthiest condition. It has six different attachments, allowing you to improve the appearance of not just your nails but your cuticles as well. The precision control design means it is simple and quick to use, making it perfect for both beginners and those more experienced with nail care.
Credit: Ulta
What We Like
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Kit helps you file and push back cuticles on natural nails
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More hygienic than an emery board
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Reusable and long-lasting
Grit: Fine | Length: 6 inches
This kit from Flowery keeps your nails and cuticles looking tidy and groomed, while also preventing your nails from splitting or chipping. It contains a crystal file which works like a dream to smooth and shape your nails, along with a mani stick to clean and push back cuticles. Rust-resistant, this manicure set is easy to clean. This pick is ideal for those who prefer a natural finish to their nails, while still maintaining a clean and neat appearance.
Credit: Amazon
What We Like
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Attachments shape nails, remove cuticles, and smooth feet
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Cordless design makes it easy to use
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Can also be used for manicures
Attachments: 6 | Cordless: Yes
While they are possibly one of our favorite salon treatments to indulge in, regular pedicures can get expensive, which is why this electric nail file set is more than worth the investment. It’s a breeze to use and leaves your feet looking clean, groomed, and polished, with minimal effort. Whether you are looking to shape your nails, remove excess cuticles, or smooth calluses, this handy device does it all. It can also be used for manicures and even has a baby setting, gentle enough for little ones.
Credit: Amazon
What We Like
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Smoothes acrylic nails
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Comes in a 10 pack
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Double-sided
Grit: 100/180 | Length: 7 inches
To file acrylics, you need a bit more grit. These durable dual-sided nail files work effortlessly to file down even the sturdiest of acrylic nails. Once you have your nails applied, these files allow you to shape them exactly how you want them and create almond, round, or square tips. Whether you favor dramatic, long embellished nails or a classic French manicure, these files are a must-have to achieve your preferred look.
Credit: Amazon
Grit: 240 | Length: 6.65 inches
Van recommended this glass nail file due to its high quality—it is made from 3-millimeter-thick crystal glass, making it strong and durable. It also has a pointed tip for cuticles and a fine grit surface, which makes for a smoother file that results in beautifully shaped nails. Glass files also have the added benefit of leaving nail tips sealed to help prevent breakage and splitting.
Credit: Ulta
What We Like
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Compact to carry
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Comes with travel case
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Dual-sided
Grit: 120/180 | Length: 5 inches
Keep your vacation manicure looking fresh by remembering to pack this handy travel nail file and case. Slightly smaller in length, it fits neatly into your purse or makeup bag. The dual-sided file provides a 120 and 180 grit, meaning it can be used on both acrylic and gel nails. The vibrant ombre design keeps your nails shaped, smooth, and split-free while on holiday, and the travel case ensures a hygienic and clean mani.
Credit: Amazon
Attachments: 10 | Cordless: No
This is a must-have nail device for anyone who loves getting creative with their home manicures. Despite all the different attachments, this electric nail file is extremely easy and straightforward to use on natural, gel, and acrylic nails. It weighs less than one pound, so it is lightweight to hold, and the dust-shield keeps everything clean and mess-free while the LED light gives you better visibility. It comes in a compact storage pouch that has all the attachments organized and easy to see.
What to Look for in a Nail File
- Grit: In traditional files, this refers to how coarse or fine the texture is. “Nail file grit ranges from 80 to 240. The higher the grit, the finer the file is,” explains nail expert Brittney Boyce. For gels or extensions, anywhere from 100 to 180 grit is a great choice. For natural nails, 180 is the minimum, she says.
- Type: There are classic emery boards, which are inexpensive and easy to stock up on when you just need to get the job done. If you want to make more of an investment, glass and crystal options are worthy of a splurge (not to mention the fact that they tend to be gentler, particularly if your nails are peeling or splitting). “Crystal/Glass files are the best option for overall better nail health as they seal keratin in natural nails, which avoids splits and peeling, and are also easy to disinfect,” says Murguido. “Emery boards and metal files, however, are more suitable for gel and acrylic nails.”
- Reusability: As we alluded to before, some nail files are reusable, whereas others are better reserved for one-time use only. “Emery boards are more affordable but can lose grit easily, whereas glass or crystal files can be cleaned and reused again and again,” says Murguido. If you prioritize sustainability, you can’t go wrong with a file that can be used over and over again.
FAQ
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To use a nail file, start with dry nails (filing nails that have been soaking in water can lead to breakage) that have been cut with a nail clipper. It’s best to clip first, then file—you also don’t want to use the nail file to remove much length, but rather simply to shape the nails, notes Boyce. Hold the file flat, as filing at an angle can thin your nail and weaken the edge, making it prone to bending or breakages, she says. Filing in one direction is preferable, though if you’re gentle with it, you can file side by side. “File from the side of the nail to the center, half a nail at a time, then shape the other side,” Boyce suggests.
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It depends on what the file is made of. “Wood emery boards will deteriorate if they get wet, so your best bet is to simply replace them every three months,” suggests Boyce. Glass or crystal files, on the other hand, will last for years if cleaned properly. Simply wash them with warm water and gentle soap.
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The same basic filling principles and techniques apply. The key is using a coarser file with a 100/180 grit, says Boyce.
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Going back and forth over nails can cause damage. “This sawing motion causes keratin to peel off and layers of your nails to peel and split as you file,” says Murguido. “Filing from the corner of the free edge to the center is best.”
Meet Our Experts
For this article, Byrdie tapped the following nail experts:
- Marlisse Murguido is a manicurist who specializes in gel and nail art at the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa.
- Erica De Los Santos is a nail artist who has created manicures and pedicures for red carpet events, photoshoots, and magazine editorials.
- Cyndi Van is the Nail Service and Education Director Tricoci Salon & Spa.
- Brittney Boyce is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Nails of LA.
Why Trust Byrdie
Clare Holden is a beauty journalist with over 15 years experience and carries a nail file with her everywhere. She hates the dry time at the salon, so she always does home mani and pedis, using an electric file.
