The Best Glass Nail Files
Why use a regular old nail file when you could enjoy the soothing, calming experience of using a glass nail file? Emery boards and other old-school nail files can actually tear, rip, and crack your nails. Plus, the rough sensation of an emery board scraping across your nails isn't the most pleasant feeling in the world. But because glass nail files are made from such durable, smooth materials, you don't have to worry about ripping your nails or chipping your pristine manicure. Glass nail files can also be used in multiple directions, unlike emery boards. For the best glass nail files available, look no further than the ones on this list.
What to Look For
A good glass nail file should provide reliable results, last a long time, and be easy to use. All of the options we highlighted meet those criteria, but some offer distinct advantages over others. For example, G. Liane’s nail file is great for folks with a mobile lifestyle because its protective case is built to withstand the rigors of travel. But if you just want the best of the best, Mont Bleu’s nail files win gold. But Bona Fide Beauty, a big name in this market, comes in second place with its Czech glass nail file. To learn more about these and others, keep on reading.
Mont Bleu Crystal Glass Nail Files (Set of 3)
Make no bones about it
Looking for a nail file? Wrong. You’re looking for three nail files. With this three-pack in your nail care arsenal, you’ll never find yourself in a crisis where your nail file is nowhere to be found. Stick one in your office drawer, one in your bathroom, and one in your purse and you’ll have one for every scenario. As far as their quality goes, suffice it to say that they’re handmade in the EU from Czech glass alloy, then double-tempered to harden them. Thanks to this, these will last you a long time. Practicality aside, what we love perhaps more than anything else is the wide range of color options Mont Blue offers. You can buy your three-pack in a sleek monochrome colorway or opt for more colorful options such as Magenta Blue.
Pros:
- Extra-strong build makes them great for those with thick nails
- Handmade in the Czech Republic
- Double-tempered construction ensures their longevity
Cons:
- The texture of the glass rubbing against your nails may feel strange and potentially irritate those who are sensitive to such sensations
Bona Fide Beauty Premium Glass Nail File
Elegant and effective
Czech glass nail files are often deemed one of the most essential beauty tools to keep on hand simply because of how well they work. With its gorgeous, handcrafted design and its Czech ‘Bohemian’ tempered glass, this one from Bona Fide Beauty is no exception. This wear- and water-resistant glass is built to last, and to ensure that it’s protected from the elements, this one comes with a case, too.
Pros:
- Czech glass of the highest quality
- Glass is rust-, water-, and wear-resistant, so you’ll have this file for a long time
- Very easy to clean
Cons:
- A bit costly, but we think it’s a worthy investment
G. Liane Crystal Glass Nail File
Tools of the trade
What is it, exactly, that makes G. Liane’s nail file so popular? Is it the slim, sleek design that feels elegant without being fragile? Or perhaps this nail file’s many fans love how easy it is to clean, in part due to its nonporous surface, which has no crevices for nasty bacteria to grow. Could it be the ultra-affordable price? All those things play a role, sure, but the standout feature on this file is its included case. Whether you want to keep it in your purse on the daily or travel with it, the included case adds a lot in the name of convenience. It also makes this file a great option for traveling, as you can throw it in your toiletry bag without worrying about it breaking in transit.
Pros:
- Grit is strong enough to get the job done easily without being overkill
- Lovely packaging would make it a nice gift
Cons:
- It’s not the most sturdy, so it could break if you’re not diligent about putting it in the case
EAONE Glass Nail Files, 3-Pack
Classy and affordable
If you’re a bit less picky when it comes to which nail file you buy and you’re more interested in having a decent-looking file that gets the job done at a reasonable price, this is your pick. Sold as a three-pack, each with its own case, this set’s nail files are double-sided to maximize the control you have while you’re filing. Aside from being supremely affordable, what sets them apart from the competition is their eye-catching gradient color design — one in blue, one in purple, and one in red.
Pros:
- Very lightweight, even with the case
- Ideal for budget-minded shoppers
- Gradient design is unique
Cons:
- Can make a shrill squeaking noise when they catch a bad angle, but this is rare
SixVector Premium Glass Nail File
The gift of giving
This one from SixVector comes in a case that couldn’t be prettier. The gleaming, stylish, chrome-plated case comes in a wide range of elegant colors, so it’ll make a lovely and affordable gift for someone you care about. Of course, this SixVector file doesn’t just run on looks alone; it works like a charm when it comes to shaping, polishing, and smoothing nails. The fine nano-technology sculpture ridges on each side of the file work to deliver truly salon-grade nails. It’s small and compact enough to fit in any handbag or purse. Simply put, it’s both pretty and practical, making it an ideal present to give someone.
Pros:
- Fine nano-technology ridges on both sides of the file
- Small, compact, and lightweight
- The case is extra-glamorous, and it’s available in a dozen elegant designs
Cons:
- Doesn’t get under the nail super easily
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use my glass nail file?
As the name suggests, glass nail files are used to shape and shorten your nails. But as opposed to traditional emery nail files, you can use a glass nail file in any direction, not just in one direction. Glass files tend to be much gentler on the nails than traditional nail files or metal files.
Do I have to worry about my glass nail file breaking?
As long as you take proper care of your glass nail file, it shouldn’t break. That’s because the glass has been chemically treated and is therefore very durable, not at all like a normal, breakable piece of glass. That being said, it can break, so handle it with care.
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