Nail Files…What You Need to Know to Buy and Use the Right Ones

Nail Files 101

DIY nail care is something most of us do, but it varies according to our preferences in looks and styles. One thing does stand out as a universal part of nail care and styling – filing and shaping them. And there is only a single tool that ranks as essential in this process, the nail file. In this article, we are going to look into the topic of nail files and figure out a few important facts:

• Just what is going on with all of the different options? Buffing blocks, glass, metal, emery boards, and all the rest?
• Why are there different “grits”?
• Are there better options for natural nails? Acrylics?
• Just what is the best way to use each of the styles available?
• And are they even sanitary? Can or should you clean your nail files?

Along the way we’ll also look at things to do and not to do when using or choosing nail files.

So, let’s start with the basics, and consider the many different types of nail files and what they offer.

Choosing Your Files

According to the beauty experts at More, “For this basic nail care task, some women prefer emery boards while others use glass nail files. But which is best for you?

It depends on what type of filing you’ll be doing. Fine-grit files tend to be best for detailed filing and shaping of natural nails while the coarser boards tend to be used for filing away length or for shaping thicker nails such as acrylic or gel nails.”

Naturally, anyone who has ever used sandpaper may have already known that little detail, but let’s just rephrase it to help make it clear: The lower the number, the coarser the grit. If you want to take length off thick or acrylic and gel nails, you’d want that more rugged grit, but if filing natural nails, these coarser boards will, quite literally, chew up the nails and cause damage.

So, when dealing with bare or natural nails, go with high grit count and finer files, but when handling treated nails, the coarser grits work best. The numbers used look like this:

• 80 – Very coarse and only for gels and acrylics
• 100 – Not for natural nails, but effective for eliminating some length on artificial
• 180 – This is the number that can be safely used on both real and fake nails, though it is best to go a bit higher if you are working on bare and natural nails. As one expert said, “if you use anything less than two hundred and forty on natural nails, then it can actually damage the nail.”
• 240 – This is perfect for buffing and shining natural nails or for weak/damaged nails.
• 500 – This is for polishing and not effective if you want to shape or reduce

Related: Acrylics vs. Natural and Gel Polish vs. Regular Polish

What are the Different Types of Nail Files?

And what about all the different names and types mentioned in the questions above? That is an important issue, too. The most common varieties you will hear mentioned are:

• Buffing Blocks – The all in one option sounds good, but there is a bit of a downside to the handy buffing block. What is it? Lots of people cannot tell which side is which and will find it tricky to figure out which grit count is being used. Marking it when you first open it is a good idea! The shape of a buffing block can also make precise detailing or targeted filing difficult, too, and toting one around is definitely more challenging than slipping a slender little glass, metal or cardboard file into a bag. Does it mean you should skip them? No, because they are so handy and efficient as a single-source nail filing tool. Maybe save them for your vanity table or nail care kit, rather than thinking of them as an on-the-go resource.
• Emery Boards – These are likely the first sort of nail file most of us used and you’ll find them almost anywhere. They are a staple in grocery store beauty aisles and even at the checkouts, in specialty stores, and more. They are constructed of a lightweight cardboard and feature two different grits on opposite sides, though there are some single sided options.

• Metal Nail Files – Long-lasting and durable, these should be viewed as an equivalent to the coarsest grit, even if they are described as fine. Why? The abrasiveness of metal files is incomparable to anything else and they are forbidden from airplanes because they are so strong, sharp and rugged. They can easily damage nails, and so you’ll want one only if you intend to remove length when using acrylics or gels. Even then, do so with caution because they are so tough. In fact, many experts say to just toss them unless you use them exclusively on acrylics.
• Glass Nail Files – This is the ultimate in control and results because it works for both shaping and cleaning or shining the nails. Made of ground up glass and crystal, it offers a finer than fine grit that smooths and shines the nail and its edges. It is not for eliminating length or bulk, though. It’s more of a finishing touch tool or all-natural nails too. It is the gentlest of all nail files, but because it is glass it is also the most easily broken.

So, now that you know the options and their best uses, it is time to figure out just how to go about using the different tools.

How Do You Best Use Nail Files

Did you know that lots of people file both their finger and their toenails? That is why there are electric nail files with heads that can be changed for specific purposes. It is just easier to get the right outcomes with toenails by using a more powerful tool than one of the nail files above and manual effort. However, your fingernails are different, and so we’ll take some time to figure out what steps are needed to get good results with natural and acrylics or gels.

As one nail authority noted, “The most basic, and simplest, way to file your nails is to take the emery board and hold it between your thumb and index finger lightly. Then move the emery board in one fluid motion from side to center – try to avoid doing a sawing motion (moving back and forth) when filing your nails. By filing your nails in one fluid motion you avoid as many ragged tips and it prevents you from hurting/ruining your nail bed.”

Related: Are Your Nails Cracking and Brittle Like Mine? Steps to Take Now!

Now, that could be the entire story, but there are a few more specifics to be gleaned. For instance, what if you are rounding nails? How do you buff and shine, and so on? Let’s get some answers:

• Rounded Nail Techniques – Start by using that universal method noted above in order to get your nails to the length desired. Then, file under the sides to straighten the edges, keeping the file facing the top or free edge. Do this until the edges are straightened rather than pointing downward. Then file the top edge to round it out. This is the best form for longer fingers or larger hands.
• Square Nail Techniques – Start by using that universal method noted above in order to get your nails to the length desired. Then, file the sides to straighten and file the corners to eliminate any rounding at the edges and square off the tops. This looks nice on longer fingers and wider nail beds.
• Egg-Shaped Nail Techniques – This is a unique shape that starts with filing at the corners where the nail meets the skin. The goal is to make edges round in shape and appearance. Then, file the center to smooth everything and round the nail. This is great for shorter fingers or those with wider nail beds.

What’s the Process?

Keep in mind that these methods work for both natural and artificial (acrylic or gel) nails, but need to be done with the files that work best for those different kinds of nails. If you ask the true professionals, most look at shaping nails and using files in a broader way. For example, some would say that filing your nails with any sort of tools begins by removing old polish and starting with the cleanest nails possible.

They then advise clipping the nails before filing in order to set the stage for the shape you desire. For example, cut straight across if you intend to square or clip at the corners to facilitate shaping into rounded or oval/egg formats.

Then, start with the coarser file to shape or reduce, using that universal method described a bit easier. Try to always start at the former and always use gentle pressure rather than rugged sawing movements.

Related: The Truth About Dip Powder Nails – Pros and Cons

Once initial filing and shaping is done, it is important to buff. This is done by holding it parallel to the nail, putting the grit on the nail and using single direction strokes in an “X” pattern, begin smoothing ridges and any rougher spots. Limit stroke counts to six to eight in order to prevent damage. Keep in mind that buffing is great if you are going to be applying a new polish since it helps it to adhere to the nail better. If you are wearing the nails bare and natural, don’t buff too much since it dulls or even eliminates the shine.

If you are wearing them bare, use fine grit and hold the buffer parallel to the nail and use the single direction strokes to make a nice shine. Limit strokes to just four to six “X” shaped movements. Cuticle oil should be applied after buffing and shining, but before a new polish or treatment.

Cleaning or Replacing Nail Files

Sanitary conditions are always significant when dealing with nails and skin. A single scratch with a dirty tool can lead to a painful infection and other issues. So, how often can you clean (or should you replace) the different types?

Emery boards, as most of us learn, fade fast. They wear down with each use and tend to become less efficient in a short span, so replacing them every few weeks is the best approach.

The buffing blocks are not exactly the same, but can wear fast if they are your go-to filing tool. Because they are inexpensive and easily found, you’ll want to replace at least once every six to eight weeks.

The glass nail files don’t wear as quickly, but they break easily. You may find it easy to wash and use this tool on natural nails, but it is best if kept to a vanity table and not toted around. It can last for months, or even a full year, without wear or a need for replacement.

Lastly, the metal files are some of the most durable and long-lasting. Give them a cleaning (and be sure to dry them) on a regular basis, but don’t expect to find yourself in need of a new one for years.

Getting Started with Optimal Nail Filing

Now that you understand the many different types of files and how they can or should be used, it should be easier for you to head out and choose the right tools for the job. Don’t limit yourself to just one tool, though, because most of us opt for some polish or even some acrylics and gels from time to time. Having a good set of files is the key to keeping your salon-perfect nails in the best shape. It is also an essential when you are a big fan of DIY nail care. Try to always have a reliable file on hand when out and about, too. Nothing ruins the looks of a good manicure or well-kept nails than one nail with ragged edges, and the right file is essential for taming such problems. As the weather changes, remember that nails change too, and your “on the go” file will help prevent snags and issues if your nails respond badly to changes in the seasons!

Related: Folic Acid Benefits for Nail Health

More Great Nail Files Resources:

How to File Your Nails – [The PERFECT and EASY Ways with Tips]

An Introduction to Glass Nail Files

How To: Use A Four Way Buffer Block