Nail Files 101: Types, Grits, & How to Choose the Right One

You probably own a nail file. But do you know what kind it is, what grit it is, or whether you should actually be using it on your natural nails?

Because no, all nail files are not the same.

Some are designed to quickly remove product from acrylic or gel enhancements. Others are fine enough to gently shape natural nails. Using the wrong one, especially one that is too coarse, can unnecessarily thin or damage your natural nail.

So before you grab whatever file happens to be in the bottom of your nail kit, let’s talk about what those grit numbers actually mean and which type of nail file belongs in your routine.

First, What Does Nail File “Grit” Mean?

The grit number tells you how abrasive your nail file is. And here’s the part that can feel backward:

The LOWER the number, the COARSER the file.

The HIGHER the number, the FINER and gentler the file.

A lower-grit file has larger abrasive particles, which create deeper scratches and remove material more aggressively. Finer files use smaller abrasive particles and remove less material with each stroke.

Here’s an easy cheat sheet:

• 80–100 grit: Very coarse. Primarily used for reducing or shaping artificial enhancements. This is not your everyday natural-nail file.
• 180 grit: Medium. Commonly used to shape and refine nail enhancements, including artificial tips.
• 240 grit: Fine. Commonly recommended for shaping natural nails.
• 320–360 grit: Very fine. A gentler option for natural nails and smoothing the free edge.
• 400+ grit: Very fine to ultra-fine. These grits are commonly found on buffers used for smoothing, refining and polishing rather than significantly shortening a nail.

The big takeaway? More abrasive does not automatically mean better.

If you are filing your natural nails, you usually don’t need the same abrasive power required to reshape acrylic or remove product.

What Type of Nail File Should You Choose?

Grit matters, but so does the type of file.

• Emery boards are the traditional disposable files most of us grew up using. They’re inexpensive and come in different grits, but the abrasive surface eventually wears down.
• Metal files are durable, but their abrasiveness varies. Some can be too aggressive for natural nails, especially when used with heavy pressure.
• Crystal or glass files have a fine abrasive surface that makes them a great option for natural nails. Quality crystal files can also be washed and reused, unlike many traditional disposable files.

So, What’s Best for Natural Nails?

If you’re maintaining your natural nails, you don’t need the same coarse file used to reshape acrylic or remove enhancement product.

Look for a fine grit and a gentle filing surface.

And that’s exactly why we chose 320 grit for the ShadedbyShanell Crystal Nail File.

Why SBS Chose 320 Grit

Your natural nails deserve some attention too.

• At 320 grit, the SBS Crystal Nail File is fine enough for gentle natural-nail care while still allowing you to shape your nails and smooth rough edges.
• The crystal surface is also washable and reusable, so you don’t have to keep replacing disposable files.
• Use it between press-on sets, during your natural nail care, or whenever an edge needs a quick clean-up.
• 320 grit. Crystal surface. Gentle shaping. Smooth edges.

Because what goes underneath your press-ons matters too.

Ready to Upgrade Your Nail File?

Give your natural nails the gentle care they deserve with the SBS 320-Grit Crystal Nail File. Designed for smooth shaping and everyday natural nail care.

Click the image below to shop the SBS Crystal Nail File.