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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 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 birthday…
  • NECESSARY IN SALONS AND HOME: Great for all your filing needs, Nails, Hobbies, Crafts.…
  • PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS: The 100/180 Nail Files are made with top quality adhesive…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
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 3
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
TOP 4
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…
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TOP 5
Image of UK BEAUTY SUPPLIES 5 Pcs nail file
5 Pcs Professional Nail Files 100/180 Grit Double Sided Half Moon…
  • Versatile: Nail files are essential grooming tools for shaping, smoothing, and maintaining…
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TOP 6
Image of Elegant Touch OA4030070 nail file
Elegant Touch Essential Implements Professional Emery Boards
  • Nail Care
  • Tough Grit
  • Proffesional
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of Smukdoo File-12 nail file
Smukdoo Nail Files Set,12PCS Professional Nail Files Double Sided…
  • Perfect manicure for you at home:The nail files are good present for womens, give…
  • Wide Application:The nail files are widely used on nail shaping, Great fot manicure,…
  • Easy to Use:The nail files are easy to use, You could make nail shape as per your…
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TOP 8
Image of SHW SHW nail file
12 Pack Professional Nail File Set Double-Sided 100/180 Grit Emery…
  • MULTIPURPOSE: Suitable for manicure, nail shaping, nai grooming, nail styling and…
  • DURABLE AND WASHABLE: Made of high quality sand bar, the nail files are very wear…
  • EASY TO USE: Adopts semi-circular shape design, this nail file measures 17.8cm long…
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of Yedtreg SS01 nail file
4pack Metal Nail Files, Yedtreg Professional Nail Files for Natural…
  • Wide UsagesGreat for all your filing needs, Nails, Hobbies, Crafts. Must have in…
  • Fast Trimming & Time SavingRougher surface will easier to trim and fine grind,…
  • Designed for Easy UsageThe anti-slip handle is designed for easy control, the sharp…
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TOP 10
Image of Teenitor Rhombus 6 Piece Assortment nail file
Teenitor Nail File and Buffer Set, 6 Count Nail Files & Nail Buffer…
  • These Emery Boards for Nails Also A Great Choice for Women: Teenitor Nail Files Set…
  • 1000/4000 Grit Nail Filer to Get Shine Nails: Shine - Finish with this STEP 3 to…
  • 100/180 & 220/280 Nail Buffer Blocks for Natural Nails: Smooth & Buff - Continue…
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/10/09.