Published On: 22 May 2025
Nail files and buffers are essential tools in every nail care routine, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a salon pro.
In this guide, we’ve explored the different types of nail files—emery, metal, crystal, and ceramic—and explained how to choose the right grit for both natural and artificial nails.
We also covered top-rated best 12 nail files and buffer sets for every need and budget. Plus, we shared how to buff nails properly and why it’s a key step in achieving healthy, polished nails.
How To Choose The Best Type of Nail Files
1. Emery Boards
Emery boards are old-school, widely available nail files made from a cardboard base with emery powder. They come in different grits, so you can choose the level of coarseness you need.
Good for shaping and smoothing natural nails, they are disposable—making them cost-effective and hygienic for single use.
2. Metal Nail Files
Made from stainless steel, metal nail files are built to last and can be sanitized easily, making them a must-have for professionals. They’re great for thicker nails and toenails due to their sturdy and abrasive surface.
However, they can be too harsh for delicate natural nails, so they’re best used for tougher filing or artificial nails.
3. Crystal/Glass Nail Files
Made from tempered glass or crystal, these nail files are known for their gentle yet precise filing action. They leave a smooth finish on natural nails, which minimizes damage and splitting.
Long-lasting and reusable with proper care, crystal files can be sanitized easily—making them suitable for both personal and professional use.
4. Ceramic Nail Files
Ceramic nail files strike a balance between gentle and effective. They work well on both natural and artificial nails.
Known for their durability, they remain effective over time and are easy to clean. Their smooth yet firm surface gives a polished finish while being kind to delicate nails.
Choosing The Best Grit Size for Nail Files & Buffers
When it comes to nail care, the grit size of your files and buffers plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect finish—whether you’re working with natural nails or enhancements like acrylics and gels.
Grit refers to the coarseness of the file surface: the lower the number, the coarser the file; the higher the number, the finer and smoother it is. Here’s how to choose the right grit for each task.
Nail Files: Understanding Grit Levels
100 Grit File – Heavy-Duty Shaping
Use a 100 grit file for rebalancing or shortening old enhancements like acrylic or hard gel. It’s ideal for removing bulk and tough product buildup. However, never use it on freshly applied acrylics, as the intense vibration can disturb the uncured molecular structure.
150 Grit File – Medium Coarse for Enhancements
Great for thick enhancements that need reshaping. Similar to the 100 grit, it can be used on old gel nails but should be avoided on freshly applied acrylics for the same reason—preserving the product’s integrity.
180 Grit File – Ideal for Fresh Enhancements & Tip Blending
Perfect for shaping newly sculpted gel nails, as it’s gentle enough to avoid damaging the fresh structure. It can also be used to blend tips with the natural nail and remove minor lifting before a refill. Pro tip: Aim to sculpt accurately with your brush to minimize the need for heavy filing.
240 Grit File – Safe for Natural Nails
This fine grit is designed to shape and shorten natural nails without causing splitting or damage. You can safely file back and forth on the free edge and gently buff the nail surface in the direction of growth to remove shine—perfect prep for product application.
Nail Buffers: Smoothing, Blending & Polishing
100 Grit Buffer – Heavy Surface Refinement
Ideal for buffing harsh lines, rough patches, and deeper imperfections on enhancements. Like the 100 grit file, avoid using it on freshly applied acrylics to prevent structural issues.
180 Grit Buffer – Smooth Finish for Gel Enhancements
Gentler than 100 grit, this buffer is excellent for smoothing fresh gel enhancements. It also preps the surface for gel topcoats by creating a slightly textured surface for better adhesion.
240 Grit Buffer – Shine Removal on Natural Nails
Perfect for gently removing shine and smoothing the natural nail without thinning or over-filing. It’s especially useful when prepping nails for gel, acrylic, or gel polish—just be careful not to overdo it, even with this gentle grit.
2,400–12,000 Grit Buffer – High Gloss Polish
These ultra-fine buffers are used to give both natural and artificial nails a glossy, almost “wet-look” shine. While stunning, be mindful that regular nail polish doesn’t adhere well to such a highly polished surface—use this finish only when no polish will be applied.
Best Nail Files & Buffer
1. BlinkingNails Sponge Nail File and Buffers
The BlinkingNails Sponge Nail File and Buffers set includes 10 double-sided buffers with 100/180 grit, making it suitable for both shaping and smoothing nails.
The 100-grit side helps refine nail edges, while the 180-grit side creates a smoother surface, preparing nails for polish or a natural finish.
Its sponge-based design allows for controlled buffing without excessive pressure, reducing the risk of nail damage.
Designed for both natural and artificial nails, this set provides a reliable option for regular nail care, whether for at-home use or professional manicures. The sturdy construction ensures durability, making it a practical tool for maintaining well-groomed nails.
2. Premify Nail File Set Professional Buffer File
The Premify Nail File Set is a versatile professional buffer and file kit designed for precise nail care. Featuring 4 different grit surfaces, each marked for easy use, this set allows for shaping, smoothing, and polishing with precision.
Made from EVA, PS, and emery board materials, these nail files provide durability and stability, ensuring long-lasting performance. The EVA sponge buffers offer a gentle touch, making them ideal for natural nails, brittle nails, and even guitar finger calluses.
Whether for salon use or at-home manicures, this 10-piece kit helps achieve well-maintained nails with enhanced shine and smoothness. Packed in a reusable plastic box, it ensures convenient storage and organization.
3. FLAFARY Nail File and Buffer
The FLAFARY Nail File and Buffer Set is a complete manicure kit designed for professional and at-home nail care. It includes three double-sided nail files, a mini nail brush, two buffer blocks, and a cuticle tool set with a cuticle nipper and two pushers.
The nail files help shape nails into square, oval, almond, or stiletto styles, while the buffer blocks gently smooth nail surfaces, reducing ridges for a polished look.
The stainless steel cuticle nipper and pushers effectively clean and maintain cuticles, ensuring a well-groomed appearance. With durable materials and a versatile design, this set offers precision, convenience, and salon-quality results for flawless nails.
4. MOLANLY REGO Nail File and Buffer
The MOLANLY REGO Nail File and Buffer Set is an all-in-one kit designed for both beginners and professionals.
It includes six emery nail files with varying grits; EDGE Files (150, 180, 240), FLEX Files (100/180, 220/280), and a Shiner File (1000/4000) to shape, smooth, and polish nails with precision.
The double-sided design ensures durability, making it suitable for natural, acrylic, and ultra-thin sensitive nails. Its compact and lightweight nature makes it perfect for travel, home, or salon use.
Whether refining nail shape, removing gel polish, or achieving a high-shine finish, this versatile and high-quality kit provides a professional manicure experience with convenience and efficiency
5. MNODWLOF Nail File & Buffer
The MNODWLOF Nail File & Buffer Set is a professional-grade manicure kit designed for precise nail care.
This 6-piece set includes multiple grits (150, 180, 240) and buffer blocks (100/180, 220/280, 1000/4000), catering to shaping, sanding, polishing, and gel removal.
Made from high-quality emery board material, the double-sided design ensures durability while providing a comfortable and efficient filing experience. Its compact and lightweight structure makes it easy to carry and clean, making it ideal for home, salon, and even pet grooming use.
Whether maintaining natural, acrylic, or artificial nails, this set ensures a smooth, well-shaped finish with professional-level results.
6. Nail File and Buffer Block Nail Care Tool
The Nail File and Buffer Block Nail Care Tool is a versatile and durable manicure essential designed for quick and effective nail shaping, trimming, and polishing. Its wear-resistant material ensures long-lasting use without bending, allowing for smooth and precise filing.
This all-in-one tool combines a filing surface and a buffer, making it easy to achieve well-shaped, smooth, and shiny nails in one step. With a professional-length design, it provides better control for both at-home users and professionals.
Whether preparing nails for polish or maintaining a natural look, this buffer and file set is a convenient addition to any nail care routine.
7. BlinkingNails Nail Buffer File
The BlinkingNails Nail Buffer File is a high-quality polishing tool designed to give natural nails a smooth, glossy finish without the need for a top coat.
Featuring a double-sided design, it offers a 1000-grit green side to even out the nail surface and a 4000-grit white side to enhance shine. This quick and easy two-step process creates a long-lasting, salon-like polish in just minutes.
Made from durable sandpaper and soft sponge materials, it provides gentle yet effective buffing, preventing nail damage. Its compact size ensures comfortable grip and effortless use, making it an ideal tool for at-home manicures or a thoughtful gift for nail care enthusiasts.
8. Kaiderine Nail File and Buffer
The Kaiderine Nail File and Buffer Set is a versatile and professional-grade kit designed for shaping, smoothing, and polishing nails with precision. Featuring four different grit surfaces, each marked for easy use, it ensures a step-by-step approach to achieving flawless nails.
Made from durable EVA, PS, and emery board materials, these buffers are sturdy, long-lasting, and resistant to wear. This 10-piece set is ideal for natural, acrylic, and false nails, making it suitable for salons and home use.
It also helps manage dry, brittle nails and even guitar finger calluses. Packaged in a reusable plastic box, this kit offers convenience, durability, and salon-quality results.
9. 6-Way Nail File and Buffer Block
The 6-Way Nail File and Buffer Block is a compact and efficient tool designed for complete nail care. Featuring a 4-sided design, it offers multiple functions, from shaping and smoothing to polishing and buffing for a flawless nail finish.
Made from high-quality sponge material, it provides a gentle yet effective buffing experience without damaging the nails. Its lightweight and ergonomic size (3.66 x 0.90 x 0.90 inches) makes it easy to hold and maneuver, ensuring precision and control during use.
Suitable for both professional salons and at-home manicures, this versatile nail buffer delivers a smooth, shiny, and well-groomed look with minimal effort.
10. SUNSHINE Nail Shine Buffer Nail File
The SUNSHINE Nail Shine Buffer Nail File is a high-quality and versatile tool designed for smoothing, shaping, and shining nails with ease.
Made from durable sandpaper, EVA foam, and polystyrene plastic, it provides a gentle yet effective buffing experience suitable for natural nails, nail extensions, and manicures or pedicures.
This multi-purpose file is ideal for both professional salons and personal nail care, ensuring a polished and well-maintained look. Its lightweight and ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use, while its durability guarantees long-lasting performance.
Whether for daily finger care, salon treatments, or even woodworking projects, this buffer offers effortless and professional-quality results.
11. DIKXO 25Pcs Nail File
The DIKXO 25Pcs Nail File Set is a professional-grade tool designed for natural and acrylic nails. Featuring a double-sided 180/240 grit, it effectively shapes and smooths nails—the 180 grit roughens hard nails, while the 240 grit refines edges for a polished finish.
Made from high-quality wood block and emery board materials, these washable and reusable files offer durability and convenience. The half-moon ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and effortless use.
Ideal for manicures, pedicures, and even pet grooming, this versatile set of 25 files is a must-have for salons and at-home nail care, delivering precise and smooth results every time.
12. Premify 8pcs Nail File
The Premify 8pcs Nail File Set is a versatile and professional-grade tool designed for nail shaping, polishing, and grooming. Each file features a double-sided grit—100 grit for shaping and 180 grit for smoothing and refining.
Measuring 18cm long and 3cm wide, these files offer a comfortable grip and easy maneuverability. Made from high-quality sand bar material, they are durable, wear-resistant, and washable, ensuring long-term use.
Perfect for manicures, pedicures, and nail styling, they help achieve smooth, polished nails effortlessly. This portable and salon-quality set is also suitable for pet nail grooming, making it a must-have tool for both personal and professional nail care.
How To Buff Nails
Buffing nails involves gently smoothing the nail surface using a buffer with the appropriate grit. Start with a coarser grit to even out ridges, then gradually move to finer grits for a smooth, shiny finish. Always buff in one direction to avoid damaging the nail. A step by step guide is necessary to buff nails carefully and effectively.
Is Buffing Important In Nail Care
Yes, buffing is important in nail care. It helps smooth out ridges and removes small imperfections, making the nail surface even and polished. Buffing also enhances natural shine and prepares the nail for better product adhesion. It gives a clean, healthy look to the nails without needing polish.
Best Home Service Manicure & Pedicure in Dubai
Pink Beauty Salon offers one of the best home service manicure Dubai and home service pedicure Dubai. Their skilled technicians bring salon-quality care right to your doorstep.
From shaping and buffing to cuticle care and massage, every step is done with precision and hygiene. Your hands and feet will feel soft, refreshed, and beautifully polished. It’s a luxury nail care made convenient at home.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nail file or buffer can make all the difference in your nail care results. From heavy-duty shaping to high-gloss finishing, each grit and material serves a unique purpose. Buffing isn’t just about shine—it’s essential for nail health and product adhesion.
Whether you’re filing acrylics or prepping natural nails, investing in the best tools ensures salon-quality results at home. And if you’re in Dubai, Pink Beauty Salon brings expert manicure and pedicure services right to your doorstep for total convenience.
