A nail file

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Reviews Product Reviews. By Melanie Rud. Melanie Rud. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Reviewed by Onyeka Obioha, MD.

Obioha is an LA-based board certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as a member of the Skin of Color Society. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. The four-sided file allows for shaping, smoothing, buffing, and adding shine to the nail. Best Budget:. This durable file works well on both natural and gel nails—plus you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Best Emery Board:. These have both a and grit, making them great for both shaping and taking down length. Best for Damaged Nails:. Best for Acrylics:. Use one side for natural nails and a coarser side for acrylics and faux nails. Best Glass:. Forget about having to replace your nail file thanks to this lightweight glass file. Best for Travel:. This file comes in a convenient case, making it essential for travel.

Best Colorful:. The dual-grit surfaces means they work on both natural and acrylic nails. Best Electric:. An interchangeable rotating head makes for easy nail care. Best for Cuticles:. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. Final Verdict. What To Look For. Why Trust Byrdie. View On Orlybeauty.

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By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Wash your hands. Before you file your nails, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to get rid of any film or oil that will disrupt your filing.

Thoroughly dry your hands. Make sure your hands and nails are dry before you begin. Liquid can dehydrate nails and make them more prone to breaking while filing. Choose a nail file. While there are several types of nail files you can choose, emery boards are both affordable and effective. Try using a file with a softer grit of around to keep the edges from looking rough or scraggly. If you want to use a separate file to finish your nails, choose one with a high grit, around , to get the smoothest edge.

If you use them with natural nails, they will tear up your nails. Avoid metal files as they can also tear up your natural nails. Decide on your nail shape. There are many nail shapes to choose from, but the most basic shapes are oval, square, and almond.

Deciding what shape you want will depend on what your preference is and what kind of nails you have. Oval-shaped nails are a great shape for growing out and maintaining your nails. Oval-shaped nails are symmetrically round at the tip.

This type of nail gives an elongated, feminine look. Square-shaped nails are a great statement and work well with people who have long nails. The square shape comes from filing the nail straight at the tip all the way across the nail.

Almond-shaped nails are great for making your fingers look more slender. The shape mimics the curve at the base of your nail. Part 2. Cut your nails before you begin. If your nails are on the longer side, cut them down taking into consideration the nail shape you want.

You can cut your nails a little shorter if you desire an oval-shaped nail. However, be sure to cut your nails in that oval shape. Hold the file parallel to the side of the nail. Hold the file parallel to the side of the nail when beginning your filing. This will prevent breakage. Be sure to not file too far into the side of your nail.

If you do, this can make your nails more susceptible to breakage. File by moving from the side of the nail to the center. This will ensure that your nail is smooth, and not jagged. This will cause peeling and breakage of the nail. Hold the file flat against the nail tip. When filing your nails from the side to the center, you should always hold the nail file perpendicular to the tip of the nail.

This will prevent weakening the nail while filing. If your nails are already thin, hold the nail file flat to your nail, tilting it to file from slightly underneath your nail. Finish filing by holding the file parallel to the other side of the nail. Best of the Best. Check Price. Salon-quality Bottom Line. Best Bang for the Buck. Simple Yet Solid Bottom Line. Bona Fide Beauty. Popular Pick Bottom Line. Most Comprehensive Bottom Line.

Electric Option Bottom Line. Click here for testing insights. Models Considered. Consumers Consulted. Hours Researched. Updated December Written by Jennifer Blair. Buying guide for Best nail files When it comes to your manicure, there are many different nail shapes to choose from these days.

Using a nail file is a much safer, healthier way to trim and shape your nails than using nail clippers, which can easily take off too much nail. Nail files fall into five main categories: metal, emery board, glass or crystal, electric, and ceramic. We evaluate each type for performance and durability in our research. When we assess files made of glass or crystal, we note the fine grit and how effective it is at producing a smooth finish. Some nail files are electric and are similar to those used by salon professionals.

When researching electric nail files, we take ease of use into consideration. We also want to know if each model can be powered by battery, cord, or both. Emery boards are readily available and affordable, but they are often lacking in durability compared to other types of files. We evaluate quality and longevity when we research them. The abrasive texture of nail files makes them effective at shaping and smoothing nails. We consider the main types of abrasive materials used to make files: garnet, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide with zinc stearate.

Nail files can be purchased in bulk packs, which appeals to budget-minded consumers and those who use files on a regular basis. We note the quantities found in the multipacks we consider. Customers want to know whether a nail file works best on natural or artificial nails. When we research, we take this into consideration to help our readers find the best file for their needs.