Ava Monroe
The numbers on a nail file refer to the grit grade, which indicates the size of the abrasive grains on the file. The higher the number, the smoother the file, and the lower the number, the coarser the file. For example, a 100-grit file is quite coarse and can be used to shape and shorten hard gel or acrylic nails. A lower grit of around 80 is even coarser and sharper and is used for shaping and reducing the length of thick acrylic or gel extensions. On the other hand, a 180-grit file is a good middle ground and can be used to shape natural nails without causing damage. A 240-grit file is recommended for natural nails that are very soft or damaged.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does the grit number mean | The number refers to the coarseness of the grit on the nail file surface |
| How to read the grit number | If both numbers are the same, then both sides have the same grit. If the two numbers are different, then the two sides have different grit levels |
| Coarse grit range | 60, 80, 100, 120 |
| Medium grit range | 150, 180, 200 |
| Fine grit range | 220, 240, 280, 320, 400, 600, 1000 |
| Coarse grit use case | Shaping and reducing the length of thick acrylic or gel extensions |
| Medium grit use case | Shaping and debulking acrylic nails, removing gel nails, removing the top layers of a dip or gel manicure |
| Fine grit use case | Buffing and shining the nail, removing ridges and stains, creating a smooth, polished finish |
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What You'll Learn
Grit numbers indicate the file's coarseness
The numbers on nail files refer to the grit grade, which indicates the file's coarseness. The lower the number, the coarser the file, and the higher the number, the smoother the file. For example, 80 is coarser than 100, and 180 is coarser than 240. The grit number indicates how many abrasive grains of sand fit into one square inch, with smaller grains allowing for a higher grit and a smoother file.
Nail files with a grit of 60, 80, or 100 are typically used by professional manicurists to shape artificial nails. These lower grit numbers are perfect for tough jobs, like removing hard acrylic nails or shaping and reducing the length of thick gel extensions. However, they should be used with caution on natural nails as they can be too harsh and cause damage.
For natural nails, a file with a grit of 120, 180, or 240 is recommended. A 180 grit file is a good middle ground, suitable for shaping the natural nail edge and can be used to shape and finish. If you want a smoother finish, you can use a 240 grit file, which is the highest grit recommended for natural nails.
Buffers, which are used to refine and shine the nail surface, also come with grit numbers. A 100/180 grit buffer is often used to achieve a smooth nail surface, with the 100 grit side used to even out ridges and smooth rough patches, and the 180 grit side to further refine the surface. The 220/280 grit buffer is then used to gently smooth out the nail surface and bring out a natural shine. For a high-gloss shine, a 600/4000 grit buffer can be used.
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Lower grit numbers are coarser
The grit number on a nail file refers to the size of the abrasive grains on the file, similar to sandpaper. Lower grit numbers indicate a coarser file, while higher numbers indicate a smoother file. For example, 80 grit is coarser than 100, and 180 is coarser than 240. Lower grit numbers, such as 60, 80, and 100, are typically used for heavy-duty tasks like shaping and reducing the length of thick artificial nails. They are perfect for removing hard acrylic nails or gel extensions. However, they should be used with caution on natural nails as they can be too harsh and cause damage.
The 100 grit nail file, for instance, is quite coarse and abrasive. It is suitable for shaping and shortening hard gel or acrylic nails. The 150 grit file offers a medium level of sharpness and is commonly used for refining and shaping hard gel or acrylic nails, as well as starting the smoothing process. While it is less abrasive than lower grits, it still requires careful use on natural nails to avoid damage.
The 180 grit nail file is a good middle ground, offering a balance between gentleness and effectiveness. It can be used to shape the natural nail edge and is ideal for removing the top layers of a dip or gel manicure. It is coarse enough to break down the product but not too coarse as to damage the natural nail underneath. The 240 grit file is even finer and is recommended for natural nails with a very soft or damaged surface.
Grit numbers in the range of 240, 320, and 600 are primarily used for finishing touches, such as shaping the nail, removing ridges, or buffing the top of the nail. When buffing the nail plate, it is recommended to use the highest grit available to avoid splitting or damaging the nail. Numbers in the thousands indicate buffing and shining functions, with the low thousands used for buffing and multiple thousands like 2000 and above used for shining the nail.
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Higher grit numbers are smoother
The grit number on a nail file refers to the coarseness and abrasiveness of the file. Lower grit numbers are coarser and more abrasive, while higher grit numbers are smoother and less abrasive.
Nail files with higher grit numbers, such as those in the 200-240 range, are ideal for natural nails as they are smoother and less likely to cause damage. Finer grits in the range of 400 and above are recommended for nails that are naturally weak. These higher grit numbers are used for finishing, shaping, and buffing the nail, as well as removing ridges and stains.
A 240-grit nail file, for instance, can be used to gently shape and smooth natural nails without causing splits or tears. If you want to remove ridges from your nails, starting with a 240-grit file is a good option, and you can always switch to a coarser grit if needed.
For buffing the nail plate, it is recommended to use the highest grit possible to avoid damaging the nail. The 600/4000 grit buffer is commonly used as the final step to achieve a high-gloss shine. The 600-grit side provides fine smoothing to remove any imperfections, while the 4000-grit side polishes the nail to a glass-like shine.
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Grits 100 and above are suitable for natural nails
The grit number on a nail file refers to the size of the abrasive grains on the file, similar to sandpaper. The higher the number, the smoother and finer the file; the lower the number, the coarser the file.
A 180-grit file is a good middle ground for natural nails and can be used to shape and finish. It is coarse enough to break down gel or dip products but not so coarse that it will accidentally file too much product and damage the natural nail underneath. It can also be used to prep the natural nail before applying UV gel polish.
A 240-grit file is a good option for natural nails if they are very soft or damaged. This grit is suitable for removing ridges and stains and prepping for buffing or shining.
A 400-grit file is considered extra-fine and is soft enough for natural nails, creating a smooth shine.
Buffers are essential tools for creating a smooth, polished finish on nails. They are made with sponges, making them more delicate and softer than hard files. A 100/180-grit buffer is the first stage in achieving a smooth nail surface. Use the 100-grit side to even out any ridges and smooth rough patches, then switch to the 180-grit side to refine the surface further. A 220/280-grit buffer is the next step in the buffing process, with the 220-grit side gently smoothing out the nail surface and the 280-grit side bringing out a natural shine. A 600/4000-grit buffer will give a high-gloss shine.
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Grits below 180 are for nail enhancements
The grit number on a nail file refers to the abrasiveness of the file, with lower numbers indicating a coarser grit. For example, 80 is coarser than 100, and 180 is coarser than 240.
Grits below 180 are considered suitable for nail enhancements. These lower-numbered grits are coarser and more abrasive, making them ideal for shaping and reducing the length of artificial nails. For instance, the 100 grit is commonly used to remove bulk from hard acrylic nails and heavy gel overlays. Similarly, the 80/80 grit file is one of the coarsest options, making it extremely sharp and abrasive, and is often used for heavy-duty tasks on thick acrylic or gel extensions.
The 150 grit file is a medium-sharp option, suitable for refining and shaping hard gel or acrylic nails, and beginning the smoothing process. However, it is still considered too abrasive for natural nails and may cause damage.
The 180 grit file is a versatile tool, striking a balance between being gentle yet effective. It is suitable for refining and shaping gel or acrylic nails, as well as prepping natural nails without causing harm. This grit is also useful for removing the top layers of a dip or gel manicure.
It is important to note that while grits below 180 are suitable for nail enhancements, they should be used with caution on natural nails to avoid potential damage.
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Frequently asked questions
The grit number refers to the size of the abrasive grains on the file, similar to sandpaper. The lower the number, the coarser the file, and the higher the number, the smoother the file.
For natural nails, it is recommended to use a nail file with a grit between 180 and 240. A 180-grit file is good for shaping the nail edge, and a 240-grit file is better for softer or damaged nails.
For removing gel or acrylic nails, a medium grit nail file between 100 and 180 is usually best. An 80-grit file can also be used but may be too harsh and cause damage to natural nails.
Nail buffers are used to create a smooth, polished finish on nails. They are made with sponge, making them softer and more flexible than nail files. Buffers also have grit numbers, and it is recommended to start with the lowest number and work towards the highest to bring out the shine.
