Sophia Delgado
When it comes to gel nails, it's important to use the right nail file to avoid damaging your natural nails. The best nail file for gel nails will depend on the type of gel product you're using and the condition of your natural nails. Generally, a medium grit nail file 100/180 is recommended for gel nails as it's coarse enough to break down the gel product without damaging the natural nail underneath. For weaker nails, a higher grit (finer) file may be more suitable, while for thicker nails, a lower grit (coarser) file may be needed. Glass nail files are also a good option as they are durable, gentle on the nail, and easy to clean.
Characteristics and Values of the Best Nail File for Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grit | 100-180 |
| Type | Emery boards, glass, crystal |
| Reusability | Reusable, one-time use |
| Shape | Straight, tapered, diamond |
| Use | Removing gel polish, shaping nails, smoothing |
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What You'll Learn
Glass nail files are durable, easy to clean, and gentle on the nail
Glass nail files are a great option for those wanting a durable, easy-to-clean file that's gentle on the nail. While classic emery boards are inexpensive and disposable, glass nail files are a worthy investment, offering a more gentle filing experience, especially for those with peeling or splitting nails.
Glass nail files are made to protect the integrity of the nail, with a grit that differs from that of a typical nail file, which may be used for nail enhancements like acrylic and hard gel. A lower-numbered grit, such as 80, will be more abrasive and is best for nail enhancements, while a higher-numbered grit, such as 180, is ideal for gel nails and natural nails. A 180-grit file is "coarse enough to break down the gel [...] but not coarse enough to accidentally file too much product and damage the natural nail underneath," says nail artist San Sun Kim.
A double-sided glass nail file with 100/180 grit is a great option for shaping gel nails without causing damage. The 100-grit side can be used to reduce length, while the 180-grit side is perfect for shaping the natural nail. These files are also reusable and easy to clean with soap and water, making them a hygienic and long-lasting choice.
When removing gel nails, it's important to be gentle to avoid damaging the natural nail. A 180-grit buffer can be used to gently buff the nail after removing the top coat with a 100/180 grit file. Remember to always file in the direction of nail growth and be cautious not to over-file or apply too much pressure, as this can thin and damage the natural nail.
With their durability, ease of cleaning, and gentleness on the nail, glass nail files are a great choice for those wanting a long-lasting and safe option for filing gel nails.
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Grit range: 100-180 is ideal for gel nails
When it comes to nail files, the grit, or texture, is key. The higher the grit number, the finer the file. For gels or extensions, a grit range of 100-180 is ideal. A 100-grit file is quite coarse and can be used to remove gel polish and stickers, even out ridges, and smooth rough patches. It is also suitable for reducing the length of thick gel extensions.
A 100-grit file is still abrasive, so for natural nails, you will want to use a finer grit file of 180 or above to avoid damage. A 180-grit file is coarse enough to break down gel products without damaging the natural nail underneath. It can be used to refine the surface of the nail, creating a smoother base for buffing, and is also suitable for shaping and prepping natural nails.
A 100/180 grit file has one side with a coarser grit than the other, offering versatility and allowing you to tackle different tasks with one tool. These files can be used to prep nails before applying UV gel polish, and they are also suitable for use on natural and acrylic nails. They can be reused for up to three months if correctly disinfected between clients.
For gel nails, a medium grit of 100/180 is usually best. If removing soak-off gel polish, a 180-grit file can be used to break through the top coat before applying the remover. Once the gel polish is removed, a 180-grit buffer can be used to gently buff the nail, but care must be taken not to thin the nail.
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Avoid coarse grits to prevent damage to the natural nail
When it comes to gel nails, it's important to select the right nail file to ensure a safe and effective manicure. While gel nails require specific tools and techniques, it's crucial to remember that natural nails also need special care to maintain their health and strength.
One key aspect to consider is the grit of the nail file. Grit refers to the coarseness or fineness of the file's texture, typically ranging from 80 to 240. The lower the number, the coarser the file, and vice versa. For natural nails, it is generally recommended to use a finer grit, ideally in the range of 240 to 600. This ensures that the nail is shaped and smoothed without causing damage or splitting.
Coarser grits, such as 80 or 100, should be avoided when working with natural nails. These lower grit files are designed for artificial nails and can be too abrasive for natural nails, potentially causing irreparable damage. As celebrity nail artist Laura Malarkey advises, "Never use a coarse grit to buff the bare nail plate or file the edges of a thin natural nail. It will do irreparable damage."
When shaping and buffing natural nails, opting for a finer grit in the higher range helps to protect the integrity of the nail. It's also important to file in one direction with light, gentle strokes to avoid weakening the nail structure. This approach ensures that you achieve the desired shape while minimising the risk of damage to your natural nails.
Additionally, it's worth noting that gel nails require a different approach. For gel polish removal and shaping, a grit of 100 to 180 is recommended. This range provides an optimal balance between effectively breaking down the gel product and preserving the natural nail underneath.
In summary, when it comes to natural nails, it's crucial to avoid coarse grits and opt for finer grits to prevent damage. This, combined with gentle filing techniques, will help maintain the health and strength of your natural nails.
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Double-sided files offer a hygienic option for natural, gel, and acrylic nails
When it comes to nail care, hygiene is paramount to prevent infections and maintain nail health. Double-sided nail files are an excellent choice for those seeking a hygienic option for their natural, gel, or acrylic nails. These files offer two grit options, allowing users to shape and refine their nails without the risk of damage associated with single-grit files.
The key advantage of double-sided files is their versatility. One side typically features a coarse grit, ideal for shaping and filing down gel or acrylic nails, as well as removing gel polish. This coarse grit ranges from 80 to 180, with 180 being the minimum grit recommended for natural nails to avoid damage. The other side of the file offers a finer grit, perfect for smoothing and refining the nails without over-filing. Finer grits of 200 and above are recommended for natural nails, ensuring a gentle filing experience that won't cause splitting or weakening.
The Orly Buffer File Duo is a popular choice, featuring 110 and 180 grits, suitable for artificial nail enhancements and the initial removal of gel manicures. Similarly, the Revel Nail Double-Sided Nail File offers a rugged 100 grit for filing and a refined 180 grit for shaping, making it a versatile option for gel, acrylic, and natural nails.
For those seeking a more premium experience, glass nail files are a durable and hygienic option. Glass files are known for their ease of cleaning, and their finer grits make them ideal for natural nails, protecting their integrity. Double-sided glass files offer the best of both worlds, with one side dedicated to shaping and the other to smoothing, ensuring a gentle and effective filing experience.
Double-sided nail files are a hygienic and versatile option, catering to a range of nail types and desired outcomes. By offering two grit options, these files provide a balanced approach to nail care, ensuring effective filing without compromising the health and strength of your nails.
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Grit 240 is a softer file, ideal for natural nails
When it comes to nail files, the grit number is key. The lower the number, the coarser the file, and the higher the number, the finer the grit. For gels or extensions, a range of 100 to 180 grit is ideal, while for natural nails, 180 is the minimum grit you should go for. An 80-grit file, for example, is more abrasive and can damage natural nails.
The Cliganic 12-pack nail file set features professional emery boards with double-sided grits of 180 and 240, perfect for both natural and gel nails. The higher grit number means a smoother file, ideal for finishing gel or acrylic extensions and filing and shaping natural nails.
The TsMADDTs Nail Files and Buffers set also includes a 240-grit file, along with a 120-grit file, for buffing and shining natural nails.
A 240-grit file is a great option for those seeking a softer file to gently shape their natural nails without causing damage.
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Frequently asked questions
A medium grit 100/180 nail file is usually best for removing gel nails.
For gels or extensions, anywhere from 100 to 180 grit is a good choice.
Glass nail files are the best option for those wanting a durable file that is easy on the nail and easy to clean.
The shape of the nail file is important to consider as well. A good option is to use a file with an elongated diamond shape, which will help you file the sidewall areas.
When removing gel nails, be sure not to damage the natural nail underneath by using too coarse a nail file. Only remove the shine from the natural nail and be very gentle to avoid thinning the nail. Also, gel is easier to file than acrylic, so reduce the pressure when filing.
