It’s a small thing but using one of the best nail files completely changed my at-home mani time from a chore to a fun self-care routine. I deal with nail breakage on occasion, and keeping one handy makes a world of a difference when it comes to smoothing out snags and uneven edges. Finding the right one based on your nail type and concerns can make or break your routine. “Determining the type you should use depends on whether your nails are natural, acrylic, hard gel, soft gel, or dip,” says Julie Kandalec, a celebrity nail artist. To help narrow down your search, we tested over a dozen nail files. Our favorite was the Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails Kit, not only because it comes with multiple heads (including a file, smoother, buffer, prep head, and cuticle bit), but because it’s durable, rechargeable, and user-friendly. It’s also gentle, so it’s suitable for brittle nails. We also found other great options including a classic emery board (cardboard based), glass files, and trio sets.
The best nail files, at a glance
We tested nail files by evaluating their ease of use, grit number, and how well they allowed us to shape and smooth our nails at home. The best ones were lightweight and easy to maneuver around our nail edges, and typically had around a 180 grit, making them not overly coarse but not overly fine. The most high-quality ones gave us snag-free nails that were smooth, strong, and durable.
Best Overall: Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails Kit
Original video from Audrey Harper testing Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails Kit
This electronic nail kit made it to the top of our list because it’s user-friendly, comes with six different heads that electronically trim, shape and buff nails. You can buff, file, and shape any type of nail with it, including natural, gel, or acrylic nails, and it’s rechargeable and cordless. Our tester liked to use it for quick at-home manicures and pedicures.
Testing notes from Glamour contributor, Audrey Harper
“This nail kit gives me that fresh-from-the-salon look without the time, cost, or hassle of actually going. Every manicure head works so well that it makes shaping and smoothing my nails super easy and gets them perfectly prepped for polish. It’s been great for keeping my nails clean and healthy, and it honestly makes painting them way more fun,” says Glamour contributor Audrey Harper.
Best Emery Board: Revlon Compact Emery Board
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Revlon Compact Emery Board
If you’re looking for a classic emery board (the disposable ones made of cardboard or paper), then this dual-sided pick is one you can count on. You can shape nails with the coarser brown side or smooth out hard or rough edges with the beige side. Plus, it’s a a steal at just $3 for 24 nail files.
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“This is a classic nail file you can rely on. It’s gentle on natural nails, and I also found it helpful to shape up my gel nails after I broke a nail tip. It’s coarse but not overly harsh or rough, and flexible, making it easy to get the shape you want,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Glass Nail File: Tweezerman Glass Nailcare Set
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Tweezerman Glass Nailcare Set
A glass nail file is great because it lasts for years and will help seal your nails’ edges to prevent splitting by giving them a smooth border, according to Kandalec. This set comes with a cuticle pusher, and buffer to smooth nails and leave them looking polished and clean. Glass nail files are reusable, eco-friendly and washable, making them more reliable than your typical file or emery board, too.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“I’ve never used a glass nail file before, and I think I just might be a convert after trying this one a few times. It looks heavy but it’s actually very lightweight, and is gentle on nails, which surprised me since you’d think glass would feel intense. It did a great job of clearing some small snags at the edge of my gel nails,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Nail Kit: Manucurist Glass Nail Accessory Trio
Original video by Jenifer Calle testing Manucurist Glass Nail Accessory Trio
Boasting salon-quality, this manicure set has a buffer, cuticle pusher, and file all packaged up into a sleek tube. The file has a 180 grit finish that helps protect nails and keep them smooth, shaped, and crack-free. It’s gentle on all nail types and will last you for years to come, just be sure not to slam them since they’re made of glass.
Testing notes from Glamour senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle
“My nails tend to split when I use a regular file so I was surprised when this one didn’t cause any splits,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “I use the thicker one to get started and then finish with the thinner file. I also like the tube case to keep them protected. Just keep in mind that if your natural nails are on the thicker side (like mine) you might need a more heavy duty nail file.”
Best Buffer: Gelish Grit File
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Gelish Grit File
Perfect for buffing nails before applying nail polish, this double-sided grit file has a medium grit which guarantees smoothness without damaging nails, and creates a very sleek surface for your base coat.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“I’ve been using this buffer for years. It’s not too rough but not too fine either—and does a great job of removing gel polish and smoothing out nails for my next nail coat. I like that it’s big, too, because you have plenty of surface area to get into nooks and crannies,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Natural Nails: Olive & June Nail File Pack
This salon-style nail set comes with three dual-sided files with various grits. “The higher the number, the more fine the grit is,” says Kandalec. The finer 180 grit side allows you to shape nails into your desired shape, while the coarser side can remove gel nail polish or buff thick nails. They’re also on the thicker side so they won’t bend or break in half after just one use like some other cheaper ones.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Jenifer Calle
There’s nothing wrong with quickly picking up a drugstore nail file but if you want a set that doesn’t disappoint, this Olive & June one is my go-to,” says Glamour’s Calle. “My nails and toenails are on the thicker side so I need a hardworking nail file. These are great for shaping both my natural nails and gel manis.”
Frequently asked questions
What kind of nail file is best?
Determining the best nail file comes down to the type of nail you’re working on, says Kandalec. “Paper nail files are most common and typically give you a one-time use, or you can opt for padded buffers or diamond, glass, or crystal nail files which will last longer,” she says.
- For natural nails: use a glass file
- For soft gel nails: use 180 grit file or paper file
- For hard gel and acrylic: use an 180 grit file.
What nail files do professional nail techs use?
Professional nail techs typically use a mix of an e-file, or electric nail file and emery board to shape the nail but Kandalec warns to proceed with caution if you’re using both together at home. It can take years of practice to do it properly, and you may damage your nails if you over-file or buff them.
What are grit nail files?
A grit refers to the number of how rough or fine the surface of the file is. “The higher the number, the more fine the grit is, while the lower the number, the more coarse the grit is,” Kandalec says.
- 100 grit: Still very coarse. Use on shaping enhancements only (acrylic, hard gel), as it’s too abrasive for natural nails.
- 180 grit: This medium grit can be used on enhancements only (gel removal), but never on the natural nail (unless it’s been broken significantly).
- 240 grit: This fine grit is perfect for natural nails.It’s great for shaping, refining edges, and smoothing. Can be used gently on the surface of the nail on occasion (not regularly).
- 320 grit and higher: Very fine grit used for gentle refining, smoothing, or prepping the nail before polish. Can be used on the surface of the nail to smooth and prep before polish, and file off remaining layers of gel or acrylic if doing a removal.
What are the differences between glass nail files and emery boards?
A glass nail file is made of tempered glass that has been permanently etched to create a non-porous surface, says Kandalec. They’re easy to clean and disinfect and can last for years. “Glass nail files will seal free edges and smooth the border of the nail to prevent splitting,” she says. An emery board is typically a one-time use file made of thin cardboard or wood, and doesn’t always have measurable grit. While one is not necessarily better than the other, a glass nail file is likely better if you’re often doing your nails at home.
How to file nails without damaging them?
Always file from left corner to center, and right corner to center, instead of filing in one direction, Kandalec says. “If you file in one direction, you are going to go against the grain on the other half, which can lead to nail splitting,” she adds.
By Alanna Martine Kilkeary
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