What Nail Files Are Used In Nail Salons?

If you are looking for salon nail supplies, you might be wondering what kind of nail files the manicure salon use. Nail files are one of the most essential tools for any nail technician, as they help shape, smooth, and polish the nails. However, not all nail files are created equal. Depending on the type of nail service, the material of the nail file, and the grit size, you might need different nail files for various purposes.

In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about nail files, including the different types, the grit sizes, and how to use them properly. We will also share some tips on choosing the best nail files for your salon and where to buy them at wholesale prices.

Types of Nail Files

There are many types of nail files available on the market, but they can be broadly categorized into four main groups:

1. Emery Board Files
2. Metal Files
3. Glass Files
4. Electric Files

Emery Board Files

Emery boards are the most common and traditional type of nail files. They are usually made of wood or cardboard with an abrasive coating on one or both sides. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as straight, curved, or half-moon. Wooden files are cheap, disposable, and easy to use. However, they can also wear out quickly, harbor bacteria, and cause splintering or tearing of the nails if used incorrectly.

Emery board nail files are best suited for shaping and smoothing natural nails and artificial nails made of acrylic or gel. They can also be used to blend nail tips to the natural nails and to remove any lifting before applying a new product.

Metal Files

Metal files are made of metal or stainless steel with a fine or coarse surface. They are durable, reusable, and easy to sanitize. However, they can also be harsh on the nails, causing damage or heat buildup if used too aggressively.


Metal files are best suited for filing down thick or hard nails, such as toenails or ingrown nails. They can also be used to remove gel polish or acrylic nails with a soak-off solution.

Glass Files

Glass files are made of glass or crystal with a smooth or etched surface. They are gentle, hygienic, and long-lasting. They can help prevent splitting, chipping, and breaking of the nails by sealing the edges as you file them. However, they can also be fragile, expensive, and difficult to find.


Crystal nail files are best suited for filing and polishing natural nails or thin artificial nails. They can also be used to shape and smooth the cuticles.

Electric Files

Electric files are powered by batteries or electricity and have a rotating head with interchangeable bits. They are fast, efficient, and versatile. They can perform various functions such as filing, buffing, drilling, carving, or engraving. However, they can also be noisy, costly, and dangerous if misused.


Electric files are best suited for professional nail technicians who have proper training and experience. They can be used to create complex nail designs or shapes such as stiletto, square, or coffin. They can also be used to reduce filing time and fatigue.

Grit Sizes of Nail Files

The grit size of a nail file refers to how coarse or fine the abrasive surface is. The lower the number, the coarser the grit; the higher the number, the finer the grit. The grit size affects how much material is removed from the nail and how smooth the finish is.

The most common grit sizes for nail files are

• 80/80 grit: This is the coarsest grit size available and is used for heavy product removal or shaping acrylic nails quickly.
• 100/100 grit: This is a medium-coarse grit size used for taking down the length and shaping the sidewalls and free edges of artificial nails.
• 150/150 grit: This is a medium-fine grit size that is used for filing the nail surface and shaping artificial and natural nails.
• 180/180 grit: This is a fine grit size used for contouring artificial and natural nails; prepping natural nails before applying any product; and shortening or shaping natural free edges.
• 240/240 grit: This is a very fine grit size used for prepping natural nails before applying gel polish; smoothing artificial and natural nails; and buffing natural nails.
• 900-12000 grit: This is a micro-abrasive or buffer grit size that is used for polishing artificial and natural nails; creating a high shine; and removing scratches or imperfections.
  
  

• Choose the right type and grit size of nail file for your purpose.
• Hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle to the nail plate.
• File in one direction only, from the corner to the center of the nail. Do not see back and forth, as this can cause heat, friction, and damage to the nail.
• Use light to medium pressure and avoid filing too much or too fast.
• Clean and sanitize your nail files after each use. Dispose of wooden files or replace metal or glass files when they become dull or damaged.
• Practice and perfect your filing technique with different nail shapes and lengths.

How to Choose the Best Nail Files for Your Salon

• Quality: You want to choose nail files that are made of high-quality materials and have a durable and consistent abrasive surface. You also want to choose nail files that are easy to clean and sanitize and do not rust or break easily.
• Variety: You want to choose nail files that offer a variety of types and grit sizes to suit different nail services and client preferences. You also want to choose nail files that have different shapes and sizes to fit different nail curves and angles.
• Price: You want to choose nail files that are affordable and offer good value for money. You also want to choose nail files that are available at wholesale prices and discounts for bulk orders.

Where to Buy Nail Files at Wholesale Prices

If you are looking for professional nail files or other manicure tools at wholesale prices, look no further than kaigubeauty.com. We are an experienced salon nail file manufacturer and supplier from Asia, offering a wide range of high-quality nail files at competitive prices. Whether you need emery boards, metal, glass, or electric nail files, we have them all in various grit sizes, shapes, and colors. We also offer fast and safe shipping worldwide, as well as excellent customer service and support.

Order your salon nail files from us today and get ready to impress your clients with your flawless filing skills!