Rosa nagelfil med grit 180 och 240 grit.

What is grit? – Everything you need to know about nail file grit

When working with nails, you often come across the term "grit" in connection with nail files. But what does grit actually mean, and why is it so important to understand the difference between different grit sizes? Here's a simple explanation and tips on how to choose the right grit for your needs.

1. What does grit mean?

Grit is a unit of measurement that indicates how coarse or fine a nail file is. It refers to the number of grains per square inch of the file's surface. The higher the grit number, the finer the file. A low grit means the file is coarse and removes material more quickly.

2. Common grit levels and their uses

  • 80 grit: Very coarse, used for filing down art materials such as acrylic.

  • 100 grit: Coarse, perfect for shaping and shortening gel and acrylic nails.

  • 150 grit: Medium coarse, good for smoothing the nail surface and sanding artificial nails.

  • 180 grit: Fine, ideal for shaping natural nails and smoothing the surface.

  • 240 grit and above: Very fine, used to polish and give a smooth finish to natural nails.

3. Why is grit important?

Choosing the right grit is crucial to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting result. A file that is too coarse can damage your natural nails, while a file that is too fine can make it take unnecessarily long to shape the nail or remove material.

4. Tips for choosing the right grit

  • For natural nails: 180-240 grit.

  • For gel and acrylic nails: 100-150 grit.

  • For polishing and finishing: 240 grit or higher.

5. How to extend the life of your nail files

  • Replace the file between each client. Or clean and disinfect the file thoroughly before the same client returns, however, we recommend replacing the file after each use.

  • Avoid using the same file for both natural and artificial nails.

  • Replace worn files to avoid damaging the nail surface.

Conclusion

Grit is an important factor to consider when choosing a nail file. By understanding what grit means and how different grit sizes affect your work, you can create both beautiful and durable nails in a gentle way.

Do you have any questions about grit or nail files? Feel free to share them in the comments!

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