This Product Is Often Overlooked, But It Could Be Why Your Nails Are Breaking

In a bid to save myself some money last year, I made it my mission to learn how to do my nails at home. No, I'm not talking about a quick stroke of polish, I'm talking about filing, shaping, cuticle oil, hand cream, a trending nail polish colour and more. I wanted to give myself the full salon experience without having to spend a penny. From watching YouTube videos to testing different tools and practising for months on end, I'd say I've gotten pretty good at giving myself a professional-looking manicure. In fact, the other day my friend asked me where I'd gone to get my nails done as she loved the way they looked. You can imagine her surprise when I said that I'd done them myself.

During this whole process, there's one thing that has stood out to me more than anything else, and that is the importance of a good nail file. When I started, I was spending no more than £2 on a nail file, and I was using it until it pretty much fell apart. Safe to say that my nails weren't feeling (or looking) their best. However, once I invested in a proper tool, I realised just how easy it was to get that salon-worthy finish.

Now, I don't know if you've ever bought a nail file yourself, but the options can be a little overwhelming. There's everything from emery boards, glass files, crystal files and more, and I was curious to speak to an expert to find out which one we should actually be using. Therefore, I reached out to award-winning beauty expert and nail guru Leighton Denny MBE to ask him all of my burning questions. Keep on scrolling for the ultimate guide to investing in the best nail file on the market.

What Type of Nail File Is Best?

First things first, what is the difference between all the nail files on offer, and which one is best? "The most important thing to note is that, as with any product, be it emery, glass or crystal files, not all nail files are created equal," explains Denny. "Every nail file is different as they’re made to each brand’s specifications, so it’s always best to buy your nail file from a brand you trust. However, in terms of usage, all nail files are essentially the same thing but with different benefits."

"Emery boards are the most common type of nail file and are the most accessible. Typically, they are made from cardboard-like material with an abrasive surface. Emery boards wear easily, and over time, the efficacy diminishes. If you’re using an old or poor-quality emery board, the coarse file can cause the nail to split, peel, flake and break if you attempt to file back and forth."

"Glass and crystal nail files are not the same thing. Some glass files are one-sided and sprayed with sand, making them more like an emery board with a coarser grit. Whereas crystal nail files generally have a superior, fine-grit surface as the surface has been treated to toughen it."

What Are the Benefits of Each Nail File?

"Emery boards are usually the most accessible to customers," says Denny. "They are available everywhere and also very affordable. They can be versatile for different nail shapes and needs and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be used on thicker style manicures, such as acrylic and gel."

"Glass and crystal nail files are most suited to natural nails and are generally superior in terms of nail care and durability," he explains. "They’re designed to last for years, therefore reducing waste and being a good investment in the long run. You can also easily clean crystal files in warm, soapy water to keep them working at their best."

How to Choose the Best Nail File

“A quality nail file is crucial for any nail treatment," Denny tells me. "The best nail file you can use at home for natural nails is a high-quality crystal nail file. Too coarse a nail file can chip and damage the fragile nails, so it's a worthwhile, long-term investment in your nail health."

However, if you have acrylic or gel nails, Denny recommends using an emery board-style nail file due to its coarser grit. "You will find it to be better suited to the nail when it comes to shaping and refining due to the thicker surfaces of the acrylic."

How to File Your Nails

So, now you know which nail file is best for you, I thought it was only right that I asked Denny how to actually file your nails correctly. "Always file nails first while nails are completely dry. When wet, nails are more vulnerable to damage, as the water works to separate the layers of the nail plate and can cause peeling," he explains. "File nails with your file tilted at an angle underneath the nail, working straight across, rounding the corners to help prevent ingrown nails. You shouldn’t have to apply too much pressure when filing the file should do the work for you."

I've been busy testing some of the best nail files on the market.

There you have it. Everything we want you to know about nail files. If you're thinking of doing an at-home manicure, I've rounded up some of my favourite nail files below for you to shop.

The Best Nail Files, Tried Tested

• Best Crystal Nail File: Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File, £13
• Best Glass Nail File: Manucurist Glass Nail File, £10
• Best Emery Nail File: Tweezerman Pro 7 Inch File, £7
• Best Nail Buffer: Manucurist 3-Way Polisher, £3

1. Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File

2. Manucurist Glass Nail File

3. Tweezerman Pro 7 Inch File

4. Margaret Dabbs London Crystal Nail File

5. Tweezerman Glass Nail File

6. Manucurist 3-Way Polisher

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friends.