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The 10 best nail files to buy in the UK

Picture of a nail file

Many people end up buying low-quality nail files without even realising that not all nail files are the same, leaving their nails in a far worse condition than they should be. At the end of the day, you want the best nail file you can afford – cheap low-quality alternatives will only lead to costly charges at your local nail studio. Buying great nail files doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune though! In fact, there are many high-quality models available at very affordable prices. To make sure your next nail file is the right one, check out this buying guide and the top recommendations below.

What are nail files?

A nail file, also known as an emery board, is a tool used to shape, smooth, and buff the nails. Traditionally, they were made from rough materials such as metal or glass, though these have largely been replaced with more flexible cardboard and sandpaper materials that come as either disposable or reusable files. Quality nail files come in many shapes, allowing you to accurately file nails to your desired length and style, while various designs can feature a straight edge separator that reduces pressure on the nails, working to remove the risk of them splitting while being filed.

Why should you buy a good nail file?

If you like to maintain the appearance of your nails, then there’s no denying that a suitable nail file is a fantastic investment. Allowing you to even remove small sections of the nail to maintain a uniform shape, you can achieve a neat and healthy-looking nail with a file. Furthermore, some people may need to frequently trim their nails with clippers, leaving them feeling very abrasive. Using the best nail file can help to buff away these rough edges and make the nails feel much smoother. Plus, if your nails split from time to time, you want a flexible file for the nail reducing the risk of the nail cracking even further.

How to choose the right nail file in 2024?

Another picture of a nail file

While it may not seem obvious, not all nail files are equally effective, so it’s important to find the right file for your nails to keep them looking great. Here are some things to think about before choosing the best nail files:

  • Shape: Like your nails themselves, there are various shapes of nail files, and they each are recommended for particular nail types. For example, a straight nail file is best for short nails as it helps to give them shape. The straight nail files are also recommended for people with soft nails, so it’s recommended to get this shape if you have this nail type
  • Material: All quality nail files should be made from a durable material, so be sure to check this out before you buy anything. For example, you want to choose a proper file with a lighter grain for people with fragile nails, while stronger nails need stronger nail file products.
  • Length: The size of nail files can differ, so you want to get the best nail file length for your purposes. If it’s only being used at home, then longer nail files are fine. If you are using it while travelling, then buying a shorter nail file length for trimming and maintaining your nails on the go is recommended.

What is the best kind of nail file in the UK?

Here are some of the best-selling types of nail files that you can buy:

  • Metal Nail Files: These nail files are often considered to be too tough and powerful for use on natural nails, and are better used for acrylics or artificial nails.
  • Glass Nail Files: Gentle but effective, glass nail files are often long-lasting, and they are very gentle on the nails, being the perfect choice for maintaining nail length and shape without causing damage.
  • Emery Boards: These are the most common types of nail files, featuring a rough side for shortening your nails and a smoother side for smoothing and refining the nail’s shape. They are not as long-lasting as a glass file, however.

Top 10 list of nail files in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their nail files. Which nail file is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Kafeiya ZJC-Nail-5P-BK-20920 nail file
Kafeiya Professional Nail Files,5 PCS Nail File Double Sided Emery…
  • Application in Salons and Home: A must have in professional salons or day nail art…
  • Washable and Resistant: These nail files are made of high quality Emery materials.…
  • Easy to use: it allows you to quickly and effectively model nails and polish the…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of BREEZO UK-NAIL nail file
12PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board 100/180 Grit…
  • Perfectly for Salons And Home - 12 pieces professional quality nail files are washable…
  • Washable Nail Files - These double-sided emery boards can be washed with water, which…
  • Double-Sided Emery Boards - 100/180 Grit Double Sided Gel Files:100 Grit are rough…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of CANVALITE Half moon 100/180 nail file
10 PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board(100/180 Grit)…
  • ♥THE BEST GIFT: Great stocking stuffers for girls who love nail art, can be…
  • ♥NECESSARY IN SALONS AND HOME: Great for all your filing needs, Nails, Hobbies,…
  • ♥PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS: The 100/180 Nail Files are made with top quality…
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of BUYGOO OZ-BZ487 nail file
BUYGOO 50 Pcs Professional Nail Files 100/180 Grit Double Sided Emery…
  • Application -- The professional emery boards fit to acrylic, gel nail and natural…
  • Washable and Sanitize -- This nail files and buffers are easy to clean, could be…
  • Specification -- 18 cm in length, 3cm in width, 100/180 grit, great for home or professional…
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of Rnitle R-Nail-Files-211231 nail file
Rnitle Professional Nail Files,5 Pack Double Sided Emery Board(100/180…
  • Best Gift This is a wonderful gift for girls who like nail art, and it is also the…
  • Reusable and Washable There are 6 pieces of nail files for you to use longer. They…
  • Double Sided Sand These nail files are double sided and have a matte of different…
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of Manicare 10G11252 nail file
Manicare Sapphire Nail File, Long Double Sided With Coarse and Fine…
  • PRODUCT GUARANTEE – Manicare offers 100% guarantee on all of its products.…
  • MANICARE - part of an extensive beauty accessories range from Manicare. Manicare…
  • PROTECTIVE POUCH – Prolong the life of the file by storing it after each use…
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of PORTENTUM 100/180 nail file
PORTENTUM 8 PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board for…
  • This nail file set is the perfect gift for nail art lovers. Perfect for birthdays,…
  • Extremely wear-resistant, allowing for extended use. Additionally, they are washable,…
  • Easy to use and portable: each nail file has a size of 18 x 2.8 x 0.4 cm and a weight…
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of LDREAMAM Couvrant-04 nail file
Nail Files, Faburo 100 Pcs Disposable Nail File 180/240, Double Sided…
  • Wide Applications: Nail file buffers are ideal for travel, home use and salons, as…
  • Easy to Use: Nail file set comes with 100 pieces that enough to use and free nail…
  • Easy to Carry: Size 8.5x 1.3x 0.12cm, easy to use and carry, you can keep one in…
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of LEIGHTON DENNY LDE409A nail file
LEIGHTON DENNY Small Crystal Nail File (135mm) with Eco Case
  • Item display volume: 12.0 milliliters; Item display weight: 51.0 grams; Unit count:…
  • Thick edge design that helps prevent breakages
  • Frictionless surface that allows a back and forth motion when filing
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TOP 10
Image of Lictin Lictin nail file
Lictin Pack of 16 Professional Nail Files Double Sided Emery Board…
  • Course enough to shape nails quickly and effectively and easy to grip
  • Great for filing gel and acrylic and sturdy to hold
  • Dimensions: 17.8cm x 1.9cm x 0.4cm
BUY NOW
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