Which nail file to choose?
Properly filing your nails is essential for a beautiful finish and to keep them healthy. But first, you need to have the right tools! And when it comes to nail files, the choice is vast: electric nail files, glass nail files, coarse-grit nail files, etc. It's enough to get lost! So which nail file should you choose? We'll explain everything, just follow the guide!
Choosing your nail file according to your needs
The choice of your nail file depends mainly on the nature of your nails. And you should pay attention to this, as it greatly impacts how you care for your nails.
A fine-grit file for natural nails
The stone nail file
Let's start with natural nails. And without a doubt, we recommend the natural stone file. Why?
Well, the natural stone nail file is:
- recommended for fragile, brittle, and natural nails: its fine grits are adapted to the nail's material - keratin - and prevent flaking;
- very easy to use: it requires very little effort;
- infinitely usable: it requires no special maintenance other than cleaning it from time to time;
- washable: it is easy to disinfect and much more hygienic; after a few uses, brush it under warm water with mild soap;
- a zero-waste manicure accessory: since the file lasts a lifetime, it's a big plus for limiting resource waste!
It is for these reasons that we created our own natural stone file, made of sandstone schist from the Pyrenees: the #INTREPIDE nail file. This file is handmade by the last French sharpening stone factory, recognized as a Living Heritage Company.
Let's go into a little more detail regarding its use. Its grit size allows you to meticulously and gently shape the nail. In addition, one of its sides, with a smooth finish, can be used as a buffer. While the other has a curved finish allowing it to grip the keratin more significantly.
Could this be the best nail file in the world? In our eyes, it's close! ;)
The glass file
And what about the glass nail file? Indeed, it is just as good as a natural stone file, with the exception that it requires additional resources to be manufactured. More energy is needed to make glass than to work stone. Also, from an ecological point of view, it is less efficient than the previous one.
A coarse-grit nail file for artificial nails
For artificial nails (gel nails or acrylic nails), this time, it is preferable to opt for a metal nail file. This one is much harder and more abrasive. It should therefore be absolutely avoided on natural nails!
Note that in stores, it is very easy to come across rather mediocre metal files. So, to ensure that the metallic nail file is of good quality, you must check the regularity of its grits.
The electric file for professional care
Perhaps less known when it comes to nail equipment, the electric nail file - also called an electric nail drill - is also very interesting. However, it is more recommended for manicure and nail art enthusiasts, as it is still quite expensive. It is also much more often used in nail salons.
What is special about it?
Equipped with different bits, it has several strings to its bow. It allows you to:
- remove ridges (grooves and small lines);
- polish to obtain shine;
- remove stains or gel residues.
Two recommendations, however: do not use it too often, as successive actions risk weakening your nails. In addition, if you have difficulty tolerating vibrations, you will need to turn to another type of file.
Sanding blocks
Finally, there are also sanding blocks which are softer than files. They allow you to access the nail grooves more easily and without injuring yourself. They are generally used to prepare the nail for resin, acrylic, or gel overlays.
The white sanding block is quite rough and removes the shine from the nail and small imperfections. While the yellow block has a softer grit (220) and is used as the second step in nail preparation. It removes filing marks from other files and blocks previously used.
Nail files to avoid
Although they are practical to carry everywhere, emery cardboard nail files are not really recommended. They are often too soft, creating vibrations that do not allow the gesture to be finished, or too rigid, potentially injuring the skin. In addition, they promote nail splitting.
And then, of course, they generate a lot of waste because they wear out very quickly and are much more difficult to clean.
In short, it's not a panacea.
If their portability appeals to you, note that you can put your small zero-waste nail file in a case to take it everywhere with you!
What grits to choose?
Since the beginning of this article, we have sometimes touched on the subject of grits ("fine grits" or "coarse grits") without going into full detail. Now is the time!
Nail files are associated with types of grits. But what exactly are they and which ones should you choose? Most files have two double-sided layers covered with grits. Their size is different, which is a very important element to take into account.
There are four forms of grit: fine grits, medium grits, coarse grits, and extra coarse grits.
What is the relationship with the number associated with the file? It corresponds to the number of grits on the tool. A small tip to help you understand: the higher the grit number, the smaller the grits.
But let's detail them together.
The 240 grit nail file
This is the finest grit and the most suitable for natural nails. It allows you to file the contour of the nails well. This is also the type of grit found on glass or stone files.
The 180 grit nail file
It has medium grits more appropriate for toenails and also allows the nail overlay to be more transparent.
The 80 or 100 grit nail file
This time, we move on to very coarse grits which are recommended for filing and shaping resin or gel nail overlays that are thicker. The grit allows excess overlay to be removed, meaning filing the nail surface.
You now have all the information you need to find the nail file that suits you best. As for performing a good manicure, feel free to consult the article on how to achieve a successful home manicure!
Have you had a chance to try our new zero-waste nail file? We would be very happy to hear your feedback on it!
