Filing your nails should make them smoother, not worse. But if your nails keep peeling, breaking, or feeling rough after filing, the problem might not be your nails, it could be the file you’re using. Many people don’t realize that nail files come in different grits. And each grit is made for a different purpose.
You might have seen numbers like 100, 180, or 240 on a nail file, these aren’t just random numbers. They show how rough or smooth the file is, which makes a big difference when filing. Using the wrong grit can damage natural nails or make shaping hard nails feel impossible.
That’s why learning about the nail file grit chart is so helpful. It explains what each grit number means and what it’s used for. From thick acrylics to soft natural nails, there’s a perfect grit for every nail type.
This article will show you what nail file grit means, explain nail file grit guide through a chart, how to choose the right grit, and which one works best for your nails. You’ll also learn about different types of files, common mistakes to avoid, and easy tips to make filing safe and smooth.
What Is Nail File Grit?
The word “grit” in a nail file tells you how rough it is. A low number like 80 means the file is very rough (coarse). A high number like 240 means it’s much smoother (fine). So, the higher the number, the softer the file feels on nails.
This is called the nail file grit scale, and it’s used to match the file to the job, shaping acrylics, smoothing natural nails, or buffing the surface.
Related Posts You May Like:
Explained Nail File Grit Chart
This nail file grit chart is about different nail file grits, which means how rough or smooth a nail file is. The lower the number, the rougher the file. The higher the number, the smoother and gentler it is. Different grits are used for different parts of nail care, like removing old polish, shaping, or giving a smooth finish.
🔹 80 Grit = Very Coarse
- This is the roughest nail file.
- Used to remove hard stuff like acrylics, gels, or thick polish.
- Do not use this on natural nails because it’s too rough and can damage them.
🔹 100 Grit = Coarse
- Still pretty rough, but not as harsh as 80 grit.
- Good for shortening nails, especially if they have acrylics on them.
- It can be used to shape the edges and side walls of the nails.
- Not recommended on natural nails unless you’re very gentle.
🔹 150 Grit = Medium Coarse
- Not as rough as 100 grit, but still used for shaping nails.
- Helps blend fake tips with the natural nail.
- Useful when working with nail enhancements like acrylics.
🔹 180 Grit = Medium
- This one is a bit smoother and can be used on both natural and enhanced nails.
- Suitable for shaping the entire nail or prepping before applying polish or gel.
- You can also use it to shorten or shape the tip of natural nails.
🔹 220–280 Grit = Medium Fine
- These grits are gentler.
- Used to prepare natural nails before applying UV gel polish.
- Good for creating a smooth surface on natural nails.
- Safe for regular nail maintenance.
🔹 400–900 Grit = Extra Fine
- These are the smoothest and softest nail files.
- Used for finishing touches like removing small ridges or stains.
- Great for buffing and shining the nails.
- Perfect for making the nail surface look polished and neat.
Summary:
- 80–150 grit: Used mostly for removing or shaping artificial nails (acrylics, gel).
- 180 grit: Good for shaping and prepping both natural and enhanced nails.
- 220–900 grit: Best for gentle prep, smoothing, and buffing natural nails.
If you’re just starting out, stick with 180 grit or higher (like 220 or 280) for natural nails to avoid any damage. The rougher grits (80, 100, 150) are more for professional use with acrylic or gel nails.
| Grit Number | Type | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100 | Extra Coarse | Shaping acrylic nails, hard gels |
| 100–180 | Coarse | Removing gel polish, shaping fake nails |
| 180–240 | Medium-Fine | Shaping and smoothing natural nails |
| 240–400 | Fine | Prepping nail surface before polish |
| 400+ | Very Fine | Buffing shine and finishing touches |
Popular Nail File Grits At A Glance
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common nail file grits and what they’re best for:
- 80/80 grit nail files – Very coarse and strong. Best for removing products like acrylics or hard gel.
- 100/100 grit nail file – Still coarse, but slightly gentler than 80 grit. Often used for shaping hard enhancements.
- 100/180 grit nail file – A versatile option. The 100 side shapes artificial nails, while the 180 side is good for refining or prepping natural nails.
- 180/180 grit nail file – A fine grit for smoothing and prepping natural nails. Great for light filing and surface work.
- Fine grit nail file – Usually refers to grits like 240 and up, perfect for buffing and finishing touches on natural nails.
- Finest grit nail file – These are ultra-fine and gentle, suitable for final smoothing without damaging the nail.
- Coarse grit nail file – These are rough files (like 80 or 100 grit) used for heavy shaping and product removal.
Mistakes To Avoid
Here are mistakes to avoid when using nail files:
- Using coarse grits on natural nails – Can cause damage or thinning.
- Filing back and forth quickly – Can weaken and split nails.
- Not knowing the grit number (which was explained above in detail) – Each grit has a different use.
- Skipping fine grits for smoothing – Leaves nails rough or uneven.
- Not cleaning your file – Can spread bacteria.
- Using old, worn-out files – They don’t work well and can tear nails.
- Filing wet nails – Makes nails more prone to breaking.
- Over-filing – Thins out the nails and weakens them.
Related Posts You May Like:
How To Choose The Right Grit File?
Choosing the right grit file depends on what you’re using it for. Since the full grit number chart is already explained above in the article, here’s a quick guide: Use lower grit (like 80–100) for shaping thick nails or removing gel, medium grit (150–180) for natural nail shaping, and higher grit (240 and up) for smoothing and finishing. Always match the grit with your nail type and the job you’re doing.
Nail File Types
There are a few common types of nail files, and each one is made for different needs:
- Emery Board – A basic cardboard-style file, great for natural nails.
- Glass or Crystal File – Gentle and smooth, perfect for shaping natural nails without damage.
- Metal File – Strong, but can be harsh on natural nails. Better for thicker nails or occasional use.
- Ceramic File – Gentle like glass files and easy to clean.
- Electric File (E-File) – Used by professionals for acrylics, gel nails, and quick filing.
Each type has its own use, so pick what suits your nail type and how often you file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a 240 grit nail file used for?
A1. A 240-grit nail file is used for gently shaping natural nails and smoothing their edges without causing damage.
Q2. What is 180 grit nail file?
A2. A 180 grit nail file is a medium-coarse file commonly used for shaping natural nails and refining gel or acrylic nails without causing damage.
Q3. What is the best nail file grit?
A3. For natural nails, a 180 to 240 grit nail file is ideal for shaping and smoothing without causing damage.
Q4. What is a 220 grit nail file used for?
A4. A 220-grit nail file is used to gently shape and smooth the edges of natural nails.
Q5. What is the 80 grit nail file used for?
A5. An 80-grit nail file is very coarse and is used for heavy-duty tasks like removing bulk from thick acrylic or gel nail extensions; it should not be used on natural nails as it can cause damage.
Q6. What is a 180-240 nail file used for?
A6. A 180/240 grit nail file is used to shape and smooth natural nails, with the 180 grit side for shaping and the finer 240 grit side for smoothing and refining.
Q7. How do I know what grit nail file to use?
A7. Use a 180-240 grit nail file for natural nails and a 100-180 grit for artificial nails.
Q8. What nail file grit to use?
A8. For natural nails, use a 180 to 240 grit nail file for shaping and smoothing to prevent damage.
Conclusion
That’s the Nail File Grit Chart explained. No need to memorize it all, just remember that lower numbers are rougher and higher ones are smoother. Matching the grit to your nail type is all it takes to avoid damage and get great results. Filing doesn’t have to feel confusing anymore.
Spoiler: Using the same file for every nail type is like using one shampoo for pets, carpets, and hair. Just don’t.
Related Posts You May Like:
