The 13 Best Nail Files for Salon-Quality Manicures at Home

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 purse (which makes it impossible to find when you break a nail).

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Take it from us: It may be worth investing at least a little bit more time into finding a good-quality nail file. Not all are created equal, and each type has its own pros and cons. To ensure your money is well spent, weconducted hours of research on the best nail files, evaluating each pair on grit, material, price, shape, and how our nails looked after use.Afterconsulting with nail experts Mabelyn Martin and Brittney Boyce and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated nail files.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Deborah Lippmann Buffer Nail File at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Nail Artist Pick:Orly Black Board Medium 180 Grit at Orlybeauty.comJump to ReviewBest Designer:Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail File Set at NordstromJump to ReviewBest Pedicure Option:Olive & June Nail File at TargetJump to ReviewBest Emery Board:Makartt Professional Nail File at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Damaged Nails:Diamancel Flexible Nail File at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Acrylics:ASP Angle Board Nail File 100/180 at Sallybeauty.comJump to ReviewBest Glass:Révérence de Bastien The Glass Nail File at Niche-beauty.comJump to ReviewBest for Travel:Nail Tek Crystal Nail File at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Colorful:Tweezerman Neon Hot Files at AmazonJump to ReviewIn This ArticleExpandOur PicksWhere We StandHow We ResearchedWhat To Look For

Best Overall

Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator - Buffer Nail File

Amazon

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Deborah Lippman is a coveted manicurist to the stars, so who better than to purchase a nail file from than her? This four-sided file has four different grits to do it all—shape, smooth, buff, and shine. (All four sides are made from a microfiber material that’s gentle on your tips.) Consider it aone-stop-shop nail toolthat makes DIY manis easier than ever. Pro tip: If you’re going to paint your nails, skip the shine step.

Who It’s For

This option is perfect if you’re on the go. It has all the steps needed to give yourself a proper manicurein the comfort of your home, on the train, or between appointments.

Type: 4-way multitasking microfiber buffer

Size: Large

Best Nail Artist Pick

Orly Black Board Medium 180 Grit

Orlybeauty

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Celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce calls this classic, inexpensive nail file“a workhorse that’s found in so many nail artists’ kits.”She adds that it can be used for bothnatural and gel nails, files quickly, and is super durable. To that end, it’s worth picking one up to keep at work... one in the car... you get the picture.

Who It’s For

If you rely on theword of experts, you’ll want to consider this nail file. It’s not just celebrity nail artists who appreciate this tool. One certified professional who reviewed the productgave it five stars.

Type: Emery

Size: Large

Best Designer

Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail File Set

Nordstrom

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If you’re looking for a designer purchase that’s not as big a commitment as a purse, look no further than this Hermès nail file. These mini files are made of poplar wood from sustainably managed forests and come in a set of 12. Each of the two sides work to buff and smooth but also shape nails.

Who It’s For

Ever struggle to find a gift for someone who seems to have everything? Well, they might not be expecting this luxurious nail file set. The files are packed in thebrand’s iconic orange box, which is a gift in itself.

Type: Emery board

Size:Small

Best Pedicure Option

Olive & June Nail File - 3pk

Target

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Get the full spa package with this nail file set. It comes withtwo nail files (a 100-grit option for removing gel polish and stickers and a 180-grit file for shaping nails)as well as a toenail-specific file. Plus, the pretty pastel colors bring happiness to the somewhat mundane chore—a win-win.

Who It’s For

This file set is perfect for someone who likes to take on a whole spa experience from their home. Withmultiple textures and strengths, you can remove gel polish, shape your finger and toenails, and smooth them out. 

Type: Emery board

Size: Large

Best Emery Board

Makartt Professional Nail File

Amazon

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An Amazon top pick, this nail file has both 100 and 180 grit, making it great for shaping nails and taking down length (and using it on toes, too). Each pack comes with 10—a total steal. And if you want to reuse them,they’re washable. Just be sure to only file nails in one direction to minimize the potential for peeling or splitting.

Who It’s For

Give this nail file to the person who appreciatesreusable and quality products. It’s no wonder this tool has analmost five-star review on Amazon. It’ll be in your nail kit for years with its double-sided grit and washable materials (rinse with soap and let it air dry before using it again!). 

Type: Emery

Size:Large

Best for Damaged Nails

Diamancel Flexible Nail File

Amazon

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Turns out that diamonds are both a girl’s and a nail’s best friend. Made with real diamonds, this file also has afiberglass edge for easy handling. It’s specially made for brittle nails that are prone to breaking or splitting, so you don’t need to worry about causing more damage when you file. Bonus: It’seasily washable with just soap and water.

Who It’s For

Since diamonds are one of the most abrasive stones, using them as the material in a nail file is a no-brainer. If your nails constantly break, this luxe tool willhelp to restore them to their perfect shape. One reviewer mentioned that it’s their favorite file because itdoesn’t cause additional splitting(and therefore peeling) to their nails.

Type: Stone

Size: Large

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Best for Acrylics

ASP Extra Heavy Black Angle Board Nail File 100/180

Sally Beauty

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A zebra board with two coarser grits is best for artificial tips, says Boyce. (FYI, you could also use the 180-side for natural nails but not the 100, which is too rough.) Neither grit gets worn down, and witha diamond shape that has two different shaped ends, it’s easy to file any shape nail and even reach the sides. And when the nail file is described as "durable," it’s true. One reviewer noted thatthey used this tool for ten years before having to replace it.

Who It’s For

Acrylic aficionados should consider purchasing this durable nail file. Its non-traditional formworks toachieve multiple shapes, whether oval, rounded, or square.

Type: Emery

Size: Large

Best Glass

Révérence de Bastien The Glass Nail File

Révérence de Bastien

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This one-time investment will keep your nails long and strong. The lightweight glass filesmooths nails softly and gentlyand can be reused repeatedly (helping you get your moneys worth). The file comes with acarrying case, which is important when it comes to storing the file. Since its glass, it can break, so taking the extra step to put it away properly can keep your file in tip-top shape.

Who It’s For

This nail file is the ideal gift for the germaphobe in your life. Not only is the glass material a luxurious, aesthetically-appealing choice, but it’sa more hygienic option, too (according to the brand), because the glass can be easily washed and reused. 

Type: Glass

Size: Large

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Best for Travel

Nail Tek Crystal Nail File With Case Mini

Nailtek

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Repeat after us: Thou shalt always pack a nail file when traveling. This one has earned a permanent home in our toiletry bag. Made ofhigh-quality glass, it’s gentle on nails and comes in a mini size that doesn’t take up precious real estate. The fact that it comes in a cute pink caseis just an extra bonus.

Who It’s For

If you’re always on the go

—running errands, traveling the world, or attending classes—you’ll want to pack this travel-size nail file. You’re likely familiar with that nagging feeling when you break a nail and can’t get to your file fast enough—this mini version saves you the irritation.

Type: Crystal

Size: Small

Best Colorful

Tweezerman Neon Hot Files 3 Pack

Amazon

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If you want to keep it basic, you can’t go wrong with thisthree-pack of files. The dual-grit surfaces mean they work on both natural and acrylic nails, and the neon hues make it easy to dig them out of any crowded bathroom drawer or makeup bag.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for products that boast quality and happiness, consider adding this tool to your mani kit. And if you want to take them on the go, they come with a plastic carrying case.

Type:Emery

Size: Large

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Best Electric

Bellasonic 4-in-1 Rechargeable Electric Nail File Set

Amazon

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Make filing easier than ever with an electric file like this one. Unlike other brands, which feature a rotary head that spins in only one direction, this uses anoscillating option that moves back and forth. It makes for much less friction and, ultimately, gentler filing. Plus, this also comes with four different discs, with choices for shaping, buffing, smoothing, and shining nails. Given all the features, some reviewers say it can be confusing at first. But, after a few uses, they were able to get the hang of it.

Who It’s For

If you want tobring the spa to your home, consider adding this super luxe tool to your manicure repertoire. While manually shaping your nails is relatively simple, there’s just something lavish about theease of an electric file. 

Type: Electric

Size: Medium

Best for Cuticles

ZEVA Austrian Crystal Nail File

Sundays Company

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A combo of ceramic, porcelain, and crystalmake up this file that shapes and smooths nails and nail beds. The unique file has rounded ends, which are designed to pull double-duty and push back cuticles effectively yet gently. Also nice: Thanks to the Austrian crystal, itsbuilt to last. One online reviewer explained that they’d had theirs for 20 years. 

Who It’s For

If your nighttime routine involves winding down while putting on cuticle cream, you’ll want to add this nail file to your pre-sleep regimen.

Type: Crystal

Size: Medium

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Best Value

HeeYaa Nail File 10 PCS Professional Double Sided 100/180 Grit Nail Files

Amazon

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Purchasing a value, budget-friendly option doesn’t mean you must skimp on integrity. These nail files—which come in apack of 10—prove that statement to be true. Foronly $4, you’ll receive several long-lasting files that have two grits to achieve the best shape.

Who It’s For

If you’re hosting a mani-pedi slumber party or want to stock up for future uses—this is the best nail file set for you. Another bonus: Even though you’re purchasinga set of 10, one goes a long way as they’rewashable and reusable. 

Type: Emery Board

Size: Large 

Where We Stand

Overall, our favorite nail file is theDeborah Lippmann Smooth Operator-Buffer Nail File because it’s a multi-tasker that not only shapes but also smooths, buffs, and shines. We also loveHeeYaa Nail File 10 PCS Professional Double Sided 100/180 Grit Nail Filesbecause they’re sold in a pack of 10 and are washable and reusable, making them a great value.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best productson the market in this category, evaluating their key features—likethe type, size, grit, and shape—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources.

Attributes we evaluated each nail file on:

The type of fileThe size of the fileThe grittiness of each file The material that makes up each fileThe shape of each file

What to Look for in a Nail File

Grit:

In traditional files, this refers to how coarse or fine the texture is. “Nail files grit ranges from 80 to 240. The higher the grit, the finer the file is,” explains 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. Our favorite emery board option is theMakartt Nail File. 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). We love theRévérence de Bastien The Glass Nail File, a glass nail file. And if you’re rocking a gel or acrylic mani, you’ll, of course, need an entirely different file—theOrly Black Board Medium 180 Gritis a solid choice.Reusability: As we alluded to before, some nail files are reusable, whereas others are better reserved for one-time use only. The choice is entirely up to you, so if youre interested in sustainability, you cant go wrong with a file that can be used over and over again, like theZEVA Austrian Crystal Nail File, a file made from Austrian crystal that one customer said lasted 20 years.

FAQ

How do you use a nail file?

To use a nail file, start with dry nails that have been cut with a nail clipper (filing nails that have been soaking in water can lead to breakage). Its best to clip first, then file—you also dont 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.

How do you clean a nail file?

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 (like theNail Tek Crystal Nail File With Case Mini), on the other hand, will last for years if cleaned properly; simply wash them with warm water and gentle soap. For black or zebra boards, submerge them in 70 percent to 90 percent alcohol for five minutes to disinfect them, says Boyce.

How do you file acrylic nails?

The same basic filling principles and techniques apply. The key is using a coarser file with a 100/180 grit, says Boyce. If you’re looking for a nail file that’s meant for acrylics, considerASP Extra Heavy Black Angle Board Nail File 100/180. 

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