10 Best Nail Files 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed
There’s also grit or coarseness to consider in emery boards, which can make or break weak or damaged nails. We promise this guide and our top ten picks will get your talons in tip-top condition! Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Marie Dancer for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver the best information to our users.
Quick List - Top Nail Files
G.Liane
Medium Grit Tempered Glass File for Both Gel and Natural Nails
As a professional make-up artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all her clients she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
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Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Marie Dancer
As a professional makeup artist of ten years, Marie's job has taken her all over the UK, working at top events, on TV shows and making up beautiful brides. For all of her clients, she loves emphasising their natural beauty by creating a flawless base that still looks like skin.
Find out more about Marie and what are her favourite makeup products are through her Instagram! She even shares some industry tips on makeup application too. And if you're interested in getting your makeup done by Marie, you can contact her via her email found at the top of her page.
How to Choose a Nail File in the UK – Buying Guide
- Use a Glass Nail File for Natural Nails, or Emery Board for Acrylics
- Go for an Electric Nail File for At-home Salon Manicures
- Opt for a File With Nail Buffer for Polishing and Shaping
- Observe the Grit Number: 80-100 for Acrylics and Gels, 240-600 for Natural Nails
- Select Curved or S-shaped Files for More Precision
Choose a Glass Nail File for Natural Nails, or an Emery Board for Acrylics
Opt For a Glass or Crystal File to Help Strengthen and Maintain Natural Nails
On top of this, when you file with glass you are actively sealing the keratin layers on the edge of the nail, preventing chipping and splitting and boosting nail strength and growth. And finally, even if they’re a bigger upfront investment, glass files are more economical, sustainable and hygienic as they’ll last for years, and can be washed between uses.
Another way to maintain strong, healthy nails is by using cuticle oils - browse our top 10!
Traditional Emery Boards Have a Coarser Grit, Making Them a Great Choice for Acrylic Nails
It is worth checking if the core is made from traditional cardboard, or a material such as EVA foam, as this will determine whether the file is washable and how long they last. Cardboard files are usually intended for use only a handful of times before they wear out and need replacing, and will not be able to be washed.
If you only need a file for occasional use you may find these perfectly sufficient, but otherwise, you can check the product description for the material and washability if you’d like something longer lasting.
Pick an Electric Nail File for Salon Manicures at Home
For a professional manicure at home, an electric nail file - known as a nail drill or e-file - will give a perfect finish to both false and natural nails. Electric files are geared more to experts and should be handled safely and with care. Using one of the many attachments you're able to file, shape and clean up the nails as well as remove gel and acrylics.
Different settings and speeds will help you navigate using both your dominant and less skilled hand and to suit your different nail needs. Practice makes perfect with the electric nail file but once you learn you can save money on costly salon visits!
Look For a File With a Nail Buffer for Polishing and Shaping
More durable than a cardboard file, they usually come in multipacks so you can choose as many as you see fit. Again, it’s worth checking whether they are washable for hygiene reasons, although their cores are commonly made of plastic.
Here are the best manicure sets for all-rounded nail care!
Consider the Grit Number : 80 - 100 Grit Files Are Great for Shaping Acrylics and Gels, but 240 - 600 Grit Is Better for Natural Nails
Some also have dual-sided grits, whereby the coarser is to be used for filing, and the softer for smoothing and shaping. Our advice is to ensure you use the appropriate abrasiveness for your nail type and condition, or you could end up doing more harm than good.
Here’s an explanation of the numbers to get you started:
- 80-100 Grit: The most coarse you'll find, suitable only for shaping false nails such as extensions, acrylics, gels and dipped nails. They’re also rough enough to remove your gel topcoat at home instead of heading to the salon.
- 180 Grit: The lowest you should go when purchasing a file for natural nails, and the most common grit number featured on emery boards. Considered medium-coarse, they will also be able to take off gel nails.
- 240-600 Grit: Known as a fine grit, this level is most suitable for natural nails and toenails, especially those that are brittle or suffering from previous nail treatments. You will still be able to shape and tidy the nails with fine grits.
- 600-2400 Grit: Referred to as ultrafine, this grit is more of a buffer, and will bring a mirror shine to nails whether polished, false, or natural. Very weak nails may want to consider this grit for shaping and filing.
Try a Curved or S-Shaped File for Better Precision When Filing
You may prefer to stick to straight if that’s what you’re used to, or if you only require a basic file; either way, you will generally only find emery boards or padded files available in these distinct shapes.
If you're looking for a reliable pair of nail clippers, we got you covered too!
10 Best Nail Files in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File | | Award-Winning Crystal Nail File That’ll Last a Lifetime | |
2 | Bona Fide Beauty Glass Nail File Set | | Glass Files That Are Gentle Enough for Weak Nails | |
3 | G.Liane Crystal Glass Professional Nail File | | Medium Grit Tempered Glass File for Both Gel and Natural Nails | |
4 | Teenitor Professional Nail File Set | | A Complete Set or Emery Boards Ranging From 100 to 4000 Grit | |
5 | Tweezerman Neon Hot Buff Smooth and Shine Block | | Practical Block for Filling, Shaping and Buffing | |
6 | Jessica Professional Emery Boards, Soft | | Gentle File Designed for Brittle Nails | |
7 | Mont Bleu Small Crystal Nail File｜3 pack | | Pocket-Sized Crystal Nail File for Travel | |
8 | The Edge Nails Zebra Curved Emery Boards｜Pack of 5 | | Pro Emery Board Especially for Acrylics | |
9 | MelodySusie Electric Nail Drill Set for Beginners | | Electric Nail File Kit for Salon-Style Home Manicures and Pedicures | |
10 | Lictin Professional Emery Boards｜120/240 Grit | | Cheap Multipack for Shaping Acrylic Nails |
Award-Winning Crystal Nail File That’ll Last a Lifetime
An aluminium hard case is included too which is always welcome, and the brand even proclaim this as the toughest file on the market. This file has it all – it's pretty, it's washable, it’s reasonably-priced, and it’s just the right size for at home or on the move. We can’t fault it!
Glass Files That Are Gentle Enough for Weak Nails
Able to be used in any direction and coming in on the finer side of medium coarseness, they’re gentle enough for weaker nails as well as those sticking with natural talons. The pointed end is also great for cleaning beneath the nails.
G.Liane Crystal Glass Professional Nail File
Medium Grit Tempered Glass File for Both Gel and Natural Nails
The coarseness of this file is medium, which means it's suitable for most nail types, even gels. There’s also a premium gift box and a case provided for preserving its cleanliness and protecting it whilst on the go – and looking stylish while it’s at it, of course.
Teenitor Professional Nail File Set
A Complete Set or Emery Boards Ranging From 100 to 4000 Grit
We particularly like that the brand has also provided detailed instructions on the most suitable purpose for each file – great for nail newbies. Double-sided, curved for precise shaping and able to be washed, this set would make a lovely gift for a nail art fan, be it to yourself or someone else!
TweezermanNeon Hot Buff Smooth and Shine Block
Practical Block for Filling, Shaping and Buffing
Reviewers report it to be surprisingly long-lasting compared to similar block-style emery designs, and there’s a spare set of stickers for when it does eventually wear down to boot. With a back-up set, your block will surely last a while, making this great value for money indeed.
Gentle File Designed for Brittle Nails
Caring for your fragile nails with a board like these should help with nail health and regrowth, and are a particularly good buy for someone who does not often want or need to file as they are disposable and unwashable.
Mont BleuSmall Crystal Nail File ｜ 3 pack
Pocket-Sized Crystal Nail File for Travel
This file is highly rated for its quality finish and bacteria-shunning protective pouch, and even comes with a lifetime guarantee. You can also purchase a pack of three or six if you'd like to stock up or have one for every handbag!
The Edge NailsZebra Curved Emery Boards ｜ Pack of 5
Pro Emery Board Especially for Acrylics
Unfortunately these files are not washable, but they are quite cheap and last longer than most emery boards. Also, be aware that the 100/180 grit, whilst suitable for some natural nails, is better off used for falsies as it is very coarse.
MelodySusie Electric Nail Drill Set for Beginners
Electric Nail File Kit for Salon-Style Home Manicures and Pedicures
The included haul of 180 grit sanders can also be used for shaping acrylics, gels, and natural nails alike, and there's even a manicure set with clippers and cuticle tools thrown in too. For the average person, it would most likely be a hassle to get out each time you need to file, though!
LictinProfessional Emery Boards ｜ 120/240 Grit
Cheap Multipack for Shaping Acrylic Nails
The downside is that they’re a disposable item and will wear down after a few uses. However, unlike most emery boards they can actually be washed, which will ensure they stay hygienic between filing sessions.
Advise From Makeup Artist Marie Dancer
An additional technique to add in: When using any nail file, it's essential to only file in one direction, changing direction where necessary. You shouldn't file back and forth like a saw because you can cause trauma to the nail bed, weakening the nail.
Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Nail Files
No. 1: Leighton Denny ｜Crystal Nail File
No. 2: Bona Fide Beauty｜Glass Nail File Set
No. 3: G.Liane ｜Crystal Glass Professional Nail File
No. 4: Teenitor ｜Professional Nail File Set
No. 5: Tweezerman｜Neon Hot Buff Smooth and Shine Block
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