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Choosing the right professional nail files for your ever-expanding nail kit is essential. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a veteran in the game, it’s essential to understand the different nail file grits and what they’re used for. Fortunately, we’re here to help! Let’s walk through the wonderful world of nail file grits.
What is nail file grit?
You may be familiar with sandpaper grit, which is great because nail file grit works in the exact same way!
Nail file grit refers to the abrasive texture or coarseness of a nail file’s surface, which is used to shape, smooth, and refine the nails. Nail files come in various grit levels, typically measured in “grit” or “grains per square inch.” The higher the grit number, the finer and less abrasive the file, while lower grit numbers indicate coarser, more abrasive surfaces.
Nail file grit is important because it determines how efficiently and effectively you can shape and smooth your nails. Finer grits are often used for finishing touches, for natural nails and for refining the nail’s surface. While coarser grits are employed to quickly shape and shorten the nails; think of shaping acrylic tips and nails.
In summary, nail file grit is all about choosing the right level of abrasiveness to achieve your desired nail look, whether you want to gently file or make more drastic changes.
What are the lowest and highest nail file grit levels you can get?
Generally speaking, for nail files and nail buffers, 60 grit is the lowest you’ll get and this is super coarse. Whereas, the highest nail grit you can get is 3000, which is for buffing and polishing nails, rather than shaping them.
If you see two numbers together when looking at nail file grits, e.g. 80/100 or 60/200, it means that you’re looking at a double-sided nail file with a different grit level on each side.
Nail file grit chart
Here’s a handy nail file grit chart for you to refer back to whenever you get stuck!
Nail file grit levels in more detail
Still need a helping hand? No worries – we’ve got you! Here’s the tea on the different nail file grits and what they’re used for.
Coarse grit (80-100)
Think of these as the heavy lifters in the nail file world. Coarse grit files are rough and tough, ideal for when you need to quickly shape and shorten your nails. They’re like the bulldozers of the nail care world, perfect for initial shaping and removing significant length. Just be gentle, use them sparingly and don’t use them on your natural nails, as they can quickly cause damage to the nail bed overused.
- Best for: Removing polish, gel, or acrylics
Medium grit (150-180)
The middle ground – not too harsh, not too gentle. Medium-grit nail files are fantastic for refining your client’s nail shape after the initial rough cut with a coarse file. They also work well for smoothing out any snags, cracks, or irregularities. They strike a balance between removing material efficiently and keeping your nails in good shape.
- Best for: Shaping the nail bed or blending tips onto the natural nail; shaping the entire nail or nail enhancements such as acrylics.
Fine grit (240-600)
These are the artists of the nail file world. Fine grit files are perfect for putting those delicate finishing touches on your nails. They’re gentle enough to smooth out the edges and leave your nails looking polished and ready for some fabulous nail art. They’re your best friend when you want a refined, professional look.
- Best for: Prepping nails before UV gel polish; creating a smooth shine on natural nails.
Extra fine grit (800-1200+)
The ultra-smooth operators! Extra-fine grit nail files are like the icing on the cake. They are super fine and gentle, ideal for achieving a glass-like finish on your nails. These files are perfect for buffing away any remaining imperfections and creating a smooth, shiny surface before applying your favourite nail polish.
- Best for: Finishing, removing ridges and stains, prepping for buffing/shining
Nail buffer blocks
Covering a range of grit levels in one go, buffer blocks are also essential in the nail care arsenal. They typically have multiple sides with different textures – from coarser to smoother. These are fantastic for a complete nail makeover, from shaping and smoothing to creating a glossy shine. Buffer blocks are like the Swiss Army knives of the nail file world.
- Best for: Finishing, removing ridges and stains, prepping for buffing/shining
So there you have it! That’s everything you need to know about nail grit levels. Don’t forget to read the rest of our guides for more hints and tips to take your nail tech career to the next level.
FAQs about nail file grit levels
What grit nail file is best for natural nails?
- Any nail file that’s 180 grit or above is safe to use on natural nails. Coarse nail files that have a lower grit than this are too rough for the natural nail and can cause more damage that good.