Perfecting the art of acrylic nails is a quest that requires not just skill and creativity, but also the right tools.
If you’re on this journey, you already understand the pivotal role that a good nail file plays in achieving flawless acrylic nails.
The right file can make all the difference between a professional-looking set and one that falls short.
So today, I’ll be sharing my top nail files that just work for acrylic nails, and why this is the case.
Best File For Acrylic Nails
BLESWIN Nail File for Acrylic Nails
If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting nail file for acrylic nails, the BLESWIN Nail File is a great option.
Pros
- The 80 grit nail file is designed to shape acrylic nails and remove nail gel effectively.
- The emery boards are sturdy, thick, and durable, providing a comfortable nail doing experience.
- The sanding paper is washable and can be submerged in water, making it easy to clean and reuse.
Cons
- The 80/80 grit nail files are not suited for natural nails.
- The coarse grit may cause damage to your nails if not used properly.
- The nail file may wear down quickly with frequent use.
I recently tried the BLESWIN Nail File for Acrylic Nails and was impressed with its performance.
The 80 grit nail file is perfect for shaping acrylic nails and removing nail gel effectively.
The emery boards are sturdy, thick, and durable, providing a comfortable nail doing experience.
What I love about these nail files is that they are washable and can be submerged in water, making them easy to clean and reuse.
The pack of 12 PCS blue nail files is also a great value for money, and the nail filer is not bent easily, making it more durable and sturdy.
However, it’s worth noting that the 80/80 grit nail files are not suited for natural nails, and the coarse grit may cause damage if not used properly.
Additionally, the nail file may wear down quickly with frequent use.
Overall, the BLESWIN Nail File for Acrylic Nails is a great option for those looking for a durable and long-lasting nail file for acrylic nails.
If you’re looking for a nail file that is effective, easy to use, and provides great value for money, this is definitely worth considering.
HeeYaa 100/180 Grit Double Sides Washable Nail Files
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable nail file, the HeeYaa Nail File is a great option. This nail file is made with top quality adhesive tape and emery board materials and designed with a semicircle shape and double-sided feature, making it sturdy and durable for comfortable nail filing.
Pros
- The HeeYaa Nail File comes in a pack of 12, providing you with enough nail files for multiple uses.
- It’s easy and effective to use, removing ridges on your nail surface, ideal for poly extension gel, natural and artificial nails, manicure and pedicure, making your nails more beautiful.
- The HeeYaa Nail File is washable and reusable, making it a cost-effective option for those who want to save money.
Cons
- The grit number is 180, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a more coarse grit for their nail filing needs.
- The HeeYaa Nail File is made of acrylic material, which may not be as durable as other materials such as glass or metal.
- The size of the nail file may not be suitable for those who prefer a larger or smaller size for their nail filing needs.
Overall, I would recommend the HeeYaa Nail File for those who are looking for a cost-effective and durable option for their nail filing needs.
The pack of 12 provides you with enough nail files for multiple uses, and the washable and reusable feature makes it a great option for those who want to save money.
However, if you prefer a more coarse grit or a different material for your nail files, this may not be the best option for you.
Makartt Nail File100/180 Grit Nail Files for Acrylic Nails
If you’re looking for a durable and high-quality nail file, Makartt Nail File100/180 Grit Nail Files is a great choice.
Pros
- The 100 180 grit nail files are made of heavy-duty emery boards that can easily file down acrylic nails, dip nails, gel nails, gel X nails, poly nails, and shaping fake nails, press-on nails, and acrylic nail tips.
- The ergonomic design of the nail file makes it easy to hold and maneuver, and the curve shape allows for better control and accuracy, especially when filing the sides of the nail and filling near the cuticle.
- The nail filer is strong and robust, making it durable and long-lasting. It is also washable, which means you can sanitize and reuse it multiple times.
Cons
- The 100 grit side of the nail file may be too coarse for some people, and the 180 grit side may not be coarse enough for others.
- The nail file may not be suitable for people with thin or brittle nails, as it may cause damage or breakage.
- The nail file may not be suitable for professional nail technicians who prefer to use a nail drill for faster and more precise filing.
Overall, I highly recommend the Makartt Nail File100/180 Grit Nail Files for anyone who wants a high-quality and durable nail file for personal use.
It is a great addition to your nail care kit, and it is also a great gift for anyone who loves doing their nails at home.
Canvalite 12pcs 100/180 Grit Coarse Nail Files
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable nail file set, the Canvalite 12pcs 100/180 Grit Coarse Nail Files might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The rectangle shape of the nail files makes them easy to handle and use.
- The double-sided emery boards with 100/180 grit are perfect for shaping and shortening both acrylic and natural nails.
- The pack of 12 professional nail files is great value for money.
Cons
- These nail files might not be as durable as some other options on the market.
- Some users might prefer a different grit level for their nail files.
- The brown color of the emery boards might not be to everyone’s taste.
I recently purchased the Canvalite 12pcs 100/180 Grit Coarse Nail Files and have been using them for my at-home manicures.
I have to say, I’m impressed with the quality and performance of these nail files.
The rectangle shape of the nail files makes them easy to handle and use, even for those who are new to doing their own nails. The double-sided emery boards with 100/180 grit are perfect for shaping and shortening both acrylic and natural nails, and I found that they worked quickly and effectively.
One of the things I love about this nail file set is that it comes with 12 files, which is great value for money.
I can keep one in my purse, one in my car, and several in my nail care kit at home. Plus, they’re also suitable for pet grooming, which is a bonus if you have furry friends at home.
While these nail files are great overall, there are a few cons to consider.
Firstly, they might not be as durable as some other options on the market, so you might need to replace them more frequently.
Additionally, some users might prefer a different grit level for their nail files, depending on their individual needs.
Finally, the brown color of the emery boards might not be to everyone’s taste.
FILOVEMODA Nail Files
If you’re looking for a versatile set of nail files that can handle acrylic and natural nails, the FILOVEMODA Nail Files pack of 12 is a great choice.
Pros
- The double-sided design offers two grits (100/180) for roughing up hard nails and smoothing the edges.
- The jumbo size (71.20.16 inch) allows for flexible customization, making it easy to achieve any nail shape.
- The pack of 12 means you’ll have plenty of files to last you a while.
Cons
- The files are not as durable as some other options on the market.
- They may not work as well on extremely thick or hard nails.
- The black color may make it difficult to see the dust and debris while filing.
I recently tried out these nail files and was impressed with their overall performance.
The double-sided design allowed me to quickly switch between grits, making it easy to shape and smooth my nails.
The jumbo size was also a plus, as it made it easy to grip and control the file.
However, I did notice that the files were not as durable as some other options I’ve used in the past.
They seemed to wear down fairly quickly and bent easily.
Additionally, while they worked well on my natural nails, they struggled a bit with my thicker acrylic nails.
Overall, I would recommend the FILOVEMODA Nail Files pack of 12 for those looking for an affordable and versatile option for at-home nail care.
They may not be the most durable or heavy-duty files on the market, but they get the job done and come in a convenient pack of 12.
BTYMS Nail Files and Buffers
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable nail file for acrylic nails, the BTYMS Nail Files and Buffers may be exactly what you need.
Pros
- The pack comes with 25 double-sided grit nail files, which is perfect for long-term use.
- The 100/180 grit nail file can quickly shape and polish your nails, whether you have natural, acrylic, or false nails.
- The nail file has a lighter touch, which means you can file your nails without damaging them.
Cons
- The nail files may not be long-lasting if you have hard gel covering for strength.
- The files may not be suitable for professional use.
- The nail files may not be as durable as other high-end brands.
As someone who has used these nail files, I can say that they are perfect for general manicure purposes.
The size of the files is just right, and they are easy to handle. They are also easy to clean and can be rinsed with water.
The 100/180 grit nail file works quickly and efficiently, so you don’t have to spend too much time shaping and polishing your nails.
The lighter touch of the file ensures that your nails are not damaged in the process.
However, if you have hard gel covering for strength, the files may not last as long as you would like.
They may also not be suitable for professional use, as they are not as durable as other high-end brands.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable nail file for acrylic nails, the BTYMS Nail Files and Buffers are definitely worth considering.
File For Acrylic Nails Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best file for acrylic nails, there are a few important features to consider.
As a professional nail technician, I have used a variety of files and have found that the following factors make a significant difference in the quality of the finished result.
Grit
The grit of a file determines how coarse or fine it is. For acrylic nails, it’s best to use a file with a grit of 100 or higher.
A higher grit will provide a smoother finish and reduce the risk of damage to the natural nail.
However, a file with too high of a grit may take longer to file down the acrylic, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you.
Shape
The shape of the file is also important.
A straight file is great for shaping the free edge of the nail, while a curved or angled file is better for shaping the sides of the nail.
A file with a pointed tip can also be useful for getting into tight corners.
Material
Files can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, glass, and ceramic.
Metal files are durable but can be harsh on the natural nail. Glass and ceramic files are gentler but may not be as long-lasting.
It’s important to choose a file made from a material that works well for your needs.
Size
The size of the file is another factor to consider.
A larger file may be more comfortable to hold and provide a larger surface area for filing, but a smaller file may be more precise for shaping small areas.
FAQs
Why is the Choice of Nail File so Important for Acrylic Nails?
The choice of nail file is crucial for acrylic nails because it determines the precision and smoothness of the final look. Acrylic nails require specific grit sizes and file types to shape and finish them without causing damage. A good nail file ensures proper contouring, shaping, and buffing, leading to a more professional and durable acrylic nail application.
What File Grit Should I Get for Acrylic Nails?
For working with acrylic nails, choosing the right file grit is essential for achieving the desired shape and finish. Typically, you’ll need a range of grits:
- Coarse Grit (80-100 Grit): This is used for quickly reducing the length of acrylic nails and shaping them during the initial stages. Coarse grit files are powerful and can remove a lot of material quickly, so they should be used with care to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath.
- Medium Grit (150-180 Grit): This grit range is ideal for refining the shape and smoothing the surface of the acrylic after the initial shaping with a coarser file. It helps in fine-tuning the nail’s shape and preparing the surface for further detailing or painting.
- Fine Grit (240+ Grit): A fine grit buffer is used for finishing touches. It smooths out any remaining scratches or imperfections and prepares the nail for polish or other nail art. This grit gives the acrylic nails a smooth, glossy finish.
Remember, when working with acrylic nails, it’s not just about the grit but also the technique. Always file in one direction and avoid sawing back and forth to prevent damage to the acrylic and the natural nail.
How Often Should I Replace My Acrylic Nail Files?
The frequency of replacing your acrylic nail files depends on their quality and how often you use them. Generally, a nail file should be replaced when it becomes less effective – that is, when it no longer files the nail efficiently or starts to show signs of wear. For professionals or frequent users, this might mean replacing files after every few uses, while occasional users might find their files last longer. Always inspect your files before use to ensure they are in good condition for the best results.
Looking for some other top-rated acrylic nail products? My guides below can help!
- Best Acrylic Nail Brush For Beginners
- Best Cuticle Oil For Acrylic Nails
- Best Practice Hand For Acrylic Nails
- Best Nail Polish For Acrylic Nails
Hey – I’m Jemma – a certified nail technician and manicurist with over fifteen years of hands-on industry experience. I created AlmondNails.com to share all that I have learned about the nail industry – from the different types of manicures available, suggestions for wear, recommendations for keeping nails strong and healthy, all the way through to providing the best nail salon tips and practices.