How To Clean A Glass File

I've always been somewhat ~intense~ about my nails, which means I have unfortunately participated in some very bad nail behavior in the past (removing my own acrylics, trimming my cuticles, peeling and picking off my gel nail polish...). But my worst offense? My filing habits. I truly thought that if I couldn't see an avalanche of nail dust falling off my nails while filing, it wasn't "working." In reality, I was actually just causing major damage to my already-brittle nails—that is, until I switched to a glass nail file.

If you're new, glass nail files are the gentler, longer-lasting, and—let's be honest—prettier way of filing your nails with way less damage. Because, heads up: Not only does sawing an emery board back and forth across your nails cause them to fray at the ends (file in one direction only, ppl), but the super-coarse grit is way too harsh and can even leave your manicure more susceptible to breakage.

But before I made the official switch (it's going great, thanks for asking), I had to seriously educate myself on what a glass nail file even is. So if your nails also need an upgrade (spoiler: they do), scroll ahead to learn all the benefits—and the best glass nail files to grab rn.

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What is a glass nail file?

I'll get your first question out of the way: Nope, crystal nail files aren't little shards of glass that poke and cut up your fingers as you're filing (that would be...hell). They're chemically treated and tempered pieces of glass—meaning the entire piece is heated up until it's sturdy and smooth—so it feels like a dense piece of plastic rather than a fragile strip of glass in your hands.

What's the difference between a glass nail file and a crystal nail file?

Plot twist: There's no difference. "Glass nail file" and "crystal nail file" can be used interchangeably, and they both mean very gentle, tempered glass, with a gritty surface that will be much kinder to your nails.

Are glass nail files better?

If you've ever used an emery nail file, you know they be a little rough on your nails. That's because the super-gritty texture of the cardboard or plastic can shred, rip, and tear the edges of your nails—even if they look smooth—leaving them susceptible to flakes and cracks later on.

While glass files still have grit, they tend to be much gentler than emery boards, thanks to the fact that they're—again—firm but smooth versus gritty and flimsy. Basically, the grit on glass files is super finely sanded down, so you're able to create a clean, smooth, "sealed" edge on your nails rather than a jagged, torn edge, which means less peeling and chipping for your manicure.

4 glass nail files to shop right now:

Bona Fide Beauty Glass Nail File in Case

Nail Tek Crystal Nail File With Fuchsia Case

Do glass nail files strengthen nails?

Tl;dr, no glass nail files won't actually strengthen your nails. For that, you'll need to invest in a nail strengthener (my personal faves are Ella + Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener and OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener for Dry & Brittle Nails). But glass nail files will help prevent the tip of your nail from fraying and splintering like it can with emery boards, thanks to their super-fine grit. Less fraying means less breaking, which ultimately leads to stronger, healthier nails in the end.

4 nail-strengthening treatments to try:

Côte Strengthening Base & Top

Tenoverten The Foundation Nail Strengthening Base Coat

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener Original Formula

Nash + Pino Hydrate Cuticle Oil

What is the best glass nail file?

When it comes to picking out a glass nail file, there isn't too much criteria to consider. You'll want to choose a file that feels lightweight and comfortable in your hands—i.e., you should be able to maneuver it fairly easily. Also, looking for a file that's aesthetically pleasing doesn't hurt either, since (spoiler) you're going to have it for the long haul. The four top-rated glass nail files below are a great place to start.

The best glass nail files on Amazon:

Bona Fide Beauty Glass Nail File Manicure Set

Malva Belle Crystal Glass Nail File and Protective Travel Case

G. Liane Crystal Glass Nail File

Mont Bleu Premium Set of 2 Crystal Nail Files

How long will a glass nail file last?

One of the coolest things about crystal nail files is that they don't really dull. Unlike traditional emery boards—which peel, bend, and dull the more you use them—glass nail files can last up to one year if taken care of properly (more on that in a bit). So if you're someone who regularly files and shapes their nails, you should definitely consider switching to a long-lasting glass nail file.

The cutest glass nail files to try rn:

Londontown Glass Nail File

Mischo Beauty Glass Nail File

Pear Nova Glass Nail File

How do you clean a glass nail file?

If you're trying to make your glass nail file last as long as possible (and, uh, why wouldn't you?!), you'll want to wash it with soap and water after each use. If you notice any oils or debris, you can also use a soft sponge or brush to help you out in the cleaning process. Dry off your file with a towel, then store it back in its case when you're done.

Hot tip: Some—but not all!—glass nail files are dishwasher safe, which is great for monthly cleaning or whenever your file feels especially dirty. And by the way, if you're letting a friend borrow your glass nail file, just spritz it with a disinfectant before and after you lend it (which, fun fact, is why glass files are a hygienic alternative to the single-use files and buffers you typically find in salons).

Need some new polish? These colors are c-u-t-e

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Lady Is a Tramp

Pear Nova Gel Lacquer in Tipsy Tea Party

Base Coat Breathable & Halal Nail Polish in Black Dahlia

Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer in Vibrato

How do you use a glass nail file?

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If you know how to use a classic nail file, you already know how to use a glass one. The only real difference in technique is that glass nail files can be used in any direction, whereas emery files are supposed to be moved in only one direction (as I mentioned, sawing back and forth can lead to that dreaded breaking and peeling). For a quick refresher on how to file your nails like a pro, check out the easy-to-follow tutorial above.

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So, should I start using a glass nail file?

At the end of the day, whether you use an emery or a glass file is totally up to you and your nail preferences. That said, if you're worried about your nail health, you want your manicure to last longer, or you're looking for a more sustainable option, glass nail files are definitely the move. The only caveat? It might take you a hot sec to get used to the sound, which, although it doesn't quite bother me, has been described by friends as "similar to nails on a chalkboard." Do with that information what you will.

Sami Roberts Sami is a beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan.

Ruby Buddemeyer Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital.

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