Our nails, like every other part of our body, requires’ special care in order to be healthy and strong. I am quite lucky in this department as I have never had problems with my nails, they seem to grow nicely and do not break so often, but despite this “gift of nature” I do my part to help keep them this way.
The main tool needed to take a proper care of our nails is a humble nail file.
These days nail files come in many different forms and sizes; they are also made from different materials and sometimes it is really not so easy to pick which one is perfect for us.
I remember when I was younger, much younger, that was just one type of a nail file – the standard silver metal one, which you could buy in different sizes but those days are no more… now the choices are endless and it is worth knowing what each particular nail file can do.
So what are our options?
Metal nail file
Many people do not have a good opinion of these nail files anymore. A lot of people think they are responsible for many split and scratched nails. Is it true? I don’t know to be honest. What I do know is that they are very solid and will last “forever”, they can be washed and disinfected and in most cases are very thin and bend easily, which allows you to do with them as you please. I think that if you know how to use a metal nail file correctly and do not press to hard and do not keep it at the wrong angle, you should be fine.
Paper nail file so called emery board
They are by far the most popular and the cheapest option. They come in different grades from 80 going up. This numbers tell us how many grains there is on 1cm2 of the file – the higher the number the more grains meaning the nail file is that much more delicate. The most popular ones are double sided with 80 or 100 on one side – used to shorten your nails and either 180 or 240 on the other side, which is used for your final shaping. They also come in different shapes – straight, rounded, half moon or even a block – different shapes help with more specific tasks we may want to achieve. Emery boards are not perfect, they can’t be cleaned or sterilised in most cases, they have a “short” lifespan compared to other files and in most cases they are thicker than other nail files, which is not very helpful in home set up, everyday use if you are not a professional.
Ceramic nail file
I have never used one so I have no idea if they are good or not, but I do know that they exist – yes, I know not a very informative part of my post…
Glass nail file
They are not the cheapest out there but they do seem to be the best tool for the job. They are long lasting – some companies give lifetime guarantees for their files 🙂, they can be cleaned and disinfected as needed. They are gentle for your nails but at the same time they work fast. For me there is no going back…
I was sent a Crystal Nail File from Healthy Nails and this is the first glass file I ever owned and used. This is also the first nail file which I ever seen coming in its own case :-). The Crystal Nail File works fast, it turns excess nail into dust, leaving a smooth finish every time. It has an extremely pointy tip which for me is a great plus. I used to use a metal nail file in places where my emery board couldn’t reach… now there is no need for it… I can use just one nail file for all the tasks.
The Crystal Nail File from Healthy Nails has an RRP of £16.99 (currently on special offer reduced to £12.99) which might seem like a lot of money for a nail file, but is it really? This will be the only nail file you will ever need – no need for replacing it because it will never wear out. The Crystal Nail File is currently available in 3 different colours – you can chose between black, pink and a lovely purple one. They all come with a carry case, which will help you protect it and keep it safe 😉
So, which nail file is for you?
Or is there something else on the market and I didn’t mention it?
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I didn’t know there was so much choice! I think I want a glass one – the paper ones tear my nails up.
OOh, I’ve never tried a glass nail files, but they sound great. I’ll certainly look out for them. I use ‘paper’, but they only last about 5 minutes!
I had no idea there were so many types to choose from 😉
I’ve never tried a glass nail file before, but after filing my nails yesterday for a wedding, and getting frustrated with my emery board, it might be worth me giving it a shot. Thanks for sharing.
#blogclub
It’s really interesting reading these… I didn’t even know you could get glass ones! Haha
I used to have a glass nail file and really enjoyed using it until it broke in to three pieces! I didn’t replace it because a manicurist told me the nail file should have a bit of give in it and glass was too firm. I now use wide emery boards with padding in the middle.
I need to take better care of my nails! thanks for the info x
I actually use a glass file too, not very often I might add, but I find that they work the best, compared to the rest of the types..thankfully theyre inexpensive 🙂
I’ve actually never heard of a glass nail file before but it looks and sounds brilliant!
I have to admit to only ever using the old emery boards but I do fancy trying a glass one. I’m not very good at looking after my nails though 🙁
I used to take such care of my nails but now I just trim them. Once Sebastian is a bit bigger I will grow them again. I do own cheap emery boards though
I really like the sound of the glass file. I haven’t heard of it before as I don’t spend so much time on my nails these days but next time I buy a file I will certainly be on the lookout for one of these,
I have the good old emery boards as they’re cheapest. I don’t do a lot with my nails so can’t really justify spending much.
I heard of glass nail files for the first time a couple of days ago. They seem fab, but not sure I could ever justify spending that much on a nail file x
I like the look of the glass ones the most. I normally use the emery board ones, if anything
As soon as I first tried a glass nail file I made the change. They are so much better aren’t they. I love mine!
very usefull great post
hi thank you for this review i have used glass nail files before i broke my first one dropping it and havent manage to find a good one to replace it they all last one use and then go smooth
after reading your review i have now ordered the one you recommended in this post thank you 🙂
I always used “any” nail file, what was not the best idea :o) It sounds interesting, it’s on my list :o) btw: I bought an electric thingy once, that was the mispurchase of 2013 :o)
I am a huge fan of the Crystal Nail File, have always used a normal one but now wouldn’t ever go back. Great post xx
I always thought metal nail files were no good for your nails. I tend to use an emery board, but this glass nail file sounds fab to me!
I’ve not tried using a glass file before! I find that metal tends to ruin my nails, so I normally use the cheap ones…considering how often I lose them, it makes financial sense too!