According to the pros, a glass nail file (also called a crystal file) may be just what your fragile nails need. Take a gander below, and perhaps upgrade your mani kit. That’s why glass files are a great option for those with brittle nails looking for some routine upkeep; the boards are gentler on the nails, and they don’t coarsely roughen them up. “Emery boards can shape nails faster, but because of its paper material, your nails can file down a lot without you noticing,” adds Lin. Great for reworking your oval-shaped nails into square tips at the salon; maybe not so great for simple maintenance. In fact, says Lim, “Due to the fine grit of a glass/crystal file, it also closes and seals the keratin layers of the free edge of the nail.” As opposed to the former, which tears the layers open and requires a buff to smooth out the edges after shaping. In short, glass files are gentle, durable boards that are perfect for maintaining weaker nails. “If you need to file your nails or you have brittle nails, crystal files could be a great option,” notes Lin. “If you are looking for a more professional nail-shaping makeover, I would suggest you go with paper (emery board).”
