Prior to sheltering-in-place, it was rare that my nails were ever seen bare (sans polish). My manicure frequently displayed line art, dramatic 3D stickers and rhinestones, or a rainbow of alternating colors. But while having to fend for myself when nail salons closed, I really got into prioritizing the health of my nails. I began wearing less colored polish to minimize the discolored yellow-ish tint, and most importantly, I started filing my nails more regularly. But rather than using the standard emery board, I swapped for a glass nail file — and my nails have never looked (or felt) better.
For the uninitiated, there are two main filing options for your nails: glass or emery. A glass nail file (also known as a crystal nail file) is a thermal-tempered, chemically-etched glass that buffs your nails down. “Made with fine particles of glass that is less damaging to natural nails, this file ‘seals’ the nails [meaning the smooth edge has no cracks] as it files, ” says Syreeta Aaron, LeChat Nails Educator. “It is best on natural nails and for keeping the keratin intact within our natural nail.”
Suzanne Shade, founder of at-home nail kit company, Bare Hands, adds that the fine texture of these files gently abrade the nail edge, which means less trauma or damage for your nails. She also makes a polisher that buffs the nail bed to create a high shine finish.
What Are Glass Nail Files
“When our nails chip or break, not only can it be very painful, but it can potentially damage the structure underneath the nail, ” says Dr. Orit Markowitz, board-certified NYC dermatologist. “If there's enough repeated trauma that impacts the nail bed proper, which is what the nail grows on top of, it can be irreversible. So it is important that when our nails are being groomed, or manicured, we’re utilizing tools (like glass nail files) that are less likely to harm that nail bed.”
If you’re someone dealing with chronically weak and brittle nails, this simple swap might be the easiest first step to repairing that damage. However, the benefits don’t stop there.
The most obvious difference between a glass and emery board nail file is the material itself. An emery board (the nail files you usually see at a nail salon) is a paper file with a thin layer of foam between the two grits (the abrasive paper). But while these options are generally cheaper and more common, they aren’t exactly the safest choice for your nails. “These larger granular files can damage the pores and structure within the nail, making the nail more susceptible to developing a nail fungus, ” says Dr. Markowitz.
Glass Nail File Large
The two also differ in how you can use them. “A glass nail file can be used in multiple directions, whereas an emery board can cause breakage if used in several directions — leaving nails more prone to splitting and breaking, ” Aaron tells TZR. And because glass nail files have finer abrasion, they are better suited (and more gentle) on natural nails. A 180 nail grit file (typical of glass nail files) is what you should look out for when shopping. For gels or acrylics, where the nails are a bit thicker, Shade suggests opting for an emery board for coarser filing.
Even though the texture of glass nail files are finer, they are extremely effective at shaping. “The glass will serve to seal the free edge of the nail, ” says Shade. “When doing a rough shape, you can use the file back and forth across the edge. But when finishing, use in only one direction to keep the ‘mesh’ of the nail keratin from fraying.”
Although glass files tend to be more the expensive option, they do have the added benefit of lasting much longer than an emery board. “Glass nail files last longer because of the material, the durability, and the fact that it can be sterilized and disinfected and reused over and over, ” says Shade.
Are Nail Wraps Bad For Your Nails? The Truth Revealed…
Depending on how often you use it and how well you take care of it, crystal nail files can last up to six months before you need to replace them. “When the nail file is not in use, it is always best to put it in its protective case to avoid breakage, ” Aaron tells TZR. To clean the nail file, place it underwater with a bit of soap to remove debris and gently sweep the surface with a brush or a sponge. Then pat dry to avoid trapping dust onto the file.
Unlike emery boards, where the paper can peel up at the edges, glass nail files don’t absorb anything, so there is no need to sterilize it further or after use. But if you share the file or would like to deep clean it, Aaron suggests using alcohol or antiseptic spray periodically.
We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2019-10-22at4.49.57PM-8c99f88a01d04698a1d62b840382f13c.png?strip=all "Crystal Nail Files Vs Emery Board: Which Is Better?")
Things That Are Bad For Your Nails
Chrome Nails Are The Manicure Trend The Internet Is Hooked OnBy Hannah Baxter and Jessica Fields Airbrush Nails & Pastel Polishes Are Going To Be Everywhere This SummerBy Jessica Fields Milk Bath Nails Are The Dreamiest Manicure Trend On TikTokBy Catherine Santino and Jessica Fields Green Nails Are Celebrities’ Favorite Go-Anywhere Lucky CharmsBy Amanda RossRebecca is a contributing writer for where she specializes in all things nails. She has worked in beauty editorial for seven years.
Geeta Yadav, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, where later completed her residency.
It's that time of month again. No, not your period—just your nails begging for a little extra TLC. When you notice that your tips are looking snagged, your first move is to reach for a nail file—but there are actually different filing options that each produce a different result. While emery boards have been a classic since you were swiping your mom's as a teen, there have been some developments when it comes to filing.
How To Easily Remove Acrylic Nails & Gel Polish: Top Tips
Enter: Crystal nail files. Ahead, we'll explain exactly what a crystal nail file is and how it compares to tried-and-true emery boards.
You may have noticed that crystal nail files are making the rounds on social media lately. The glass designs are known for their chic appeal, often shown in fun colors and eye-catching ombrés. But, looks aside, what sets them apart?
Most notably, glass files are renowned for their ultra-fine grit that's said to not disrupt nail keratin. In layman's terms, these files are known for their gentle, but still effective nature. While it's always great to do as little damage as possible, we can't help but wonder...
Types Of Nail File And Which Is Best?
“Crystal nail files tend to be a bit more gentle and work well for brittle, weak nails, but in most cases a good 'ol emery board should be your file of choice, ” says Mary Lennon, the president and founder of Côte.
Sarah Gibson Tuttle, the CEO & founder of Olive & June, agrees. “Crystal files can be a great option for anyone who needs a softer file, but they often wear out quickly and lack the type of grit most people generally need, ” she explains. “Our favorite file is a paper file (AKA emery board) with a thin layer of foam in between with two different [emery paper] grits: one for everyday mani use and one for pedis and/or breaking up the top layer of gel for removal.
"We use these files in our salons and swear by them. Paper files (like the one included in Olive & June’s The K.I.T. Kit, $26) have the right amount of impact—you want your files to do the last 10 percent of the shaping work after you cut your nails 90 percent of the way—and they last [a long time].”
How To File Nails Safely So They Don't Break Or Peel
Whether you choose a crystal or emery board nail file, one rule remains the same: you should swap them out every few months. We're taking the time to point this out because some nail files tout themselves as "forever files" which simply isn't hygienic.
To play it safe, most nail techs will tell you to toss your file every three months if you use it daily. If, however, you're more of a once-a-week maintenance kind of gal, you can hold onto it for up to six months.
Crystal or classic, Lennon wants you to remember this: "File in one direction as opposed to sawing back and forth.” This is key, as filing back and forth can cause you to accidentally buff off too much of your tip, not to mention thin out the keratin.
The Best Nail File For Your Nails
Looking to spruce up your nail care routine with an effective emery board? This cute one from Chillhouse will help enhance not only your nail shape, but your vanity, too.
This trio of crystal nail files has earned a resounding 5-star review with over 1, 600 shoppers weighing in. They're renowned for their ultra-fine grit and velvet carrying cases that prevent them from shattering on the go.
Neon is having a major moment this year, so why not let
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