1. Hey Felice beauty Babes!
You’ve been sliding into our DMs with one BIG question: what grit nail file is best for removing gel polish without turning your natural nails into a sad, flaky mess? Today we’re breaking it all down step by step – so your gel removal routine gets faster, smoother, and healthier. Grab your Felice beauty sandpaper nail file and let’s get into it!
2. Quick recap: What does “grit” actually mean?
Before we go deep, let’s decode “grit”. Grit refers to the coarseness of a nail file’s surface – the number tells you how many abrasive particles per square inch. So:
- Lower grit numbers = coarser texture (think 80 or 100) – they remove product quickly but can be harsh
- Higher grit numbers = finer texture (like 240 or 320) – these are gentler and ideal for natural nail surfaces
Since gel polish is applied directly on your natural nail, you need to be more gentle than with acrylics or hard gels. That means choosing the right grit for each step is crucial to avoid damaging your nail plate.
3. The safest & most effective grits for removing gel polish
Here’s your go-to grit guide for a flawless, safe gel polish removal:
- 100 grit Sandpaper Nail File → Use this coarse file to break the top coat seal and take off the bulk of the polish fast
- 150–180 grit Sandpaper Nail File → This is the sweet spot for 90% of the removal process – strong enough to do the job, gentle enough to protect your nail
- 240 grit Sandpaper Nail File → Use this ultra-fine grit at the end to remove the last whisper-thin layer and smooth your natural nail surface
Felice beauty offers a wide variety of these grits in our nail file collection. For example, our Professional high quality custom private logo white nail file and emery board comes in grits including 100#, 150#, 180#, and 240# – giving you options tailored to every removal stage.
4. Step-by-step: How to use each grit without damaging your natural nails
Using the right grit is only part of the puzzle – technique matters too! Here’s how to handle each file like a pro:
- 100 grit Sandpaper Nail File → Use short, light bursts in one direction to gently scratch through the top coat and remove most of the color layer. Don’t press too hard – let the grit do the work!
- 180 grit Sandpaper Nail File → Switch to this medium grit and use gentle circular or one-direction strokes until you’re left with just a thin film of product.
- 240 grit Sandpaper Nail File → Finish with this ultra-fine file using feather-light strokes to remove any remaining residue and buff out the surface.
Pro move: always file in ONE direction only – never saw back and forth! This reduces heat, friction, and potential damage to your natural nail layers.
5. What grit should you NEVER use for gel removal?
Yes, some grits are just too aggressive for gel polish removal – especially on natural nails.
- 80 grit and below → These are way too coarse and will shred your natural nails. Save them for shaping acrylics or artificial tips only.
- Anything above 240 grit for main removal → These are too fine for effective removal. You’ll spend hours with minimal progress and likely end up over-filing your natural nails from repetition.
Stick to that 100/180/240 system for best results!
6. Pro tip: Electric file vs hand file for gel removal
Can you use an electric file? Absolutely! But there are guidelines here too.
- E-file: If you’re skilled with an electric file, use sanding bands in the 100–180 grit range at low speeds (10,000–15,000 RPM) for controlled removal.
- Hand files: Perfect for beginners or at-home users, our Professional high quality custom private logo zebra grey nail file and emery board gives you excellent control with salon-level durability.
Felice beauty files are designed for professional salon use but are totally safe and effective for DIYers too!
7. The perfect removal combo we swear by
Want a foolproof kit? Here’s the dream team:
- Start → 100/180 Grit Sandpaper Nail File Duo
This combo gives you power and precision, all in one tool. - Finish → 240 Grit Sandpaper Nail File
Gently smooth everything out and leave your nails looking fresh and healthy.
Our Perfect zebra grey sandpaper sponge nail file for manicure offers a professional finish and is washable, durable, and customizable – ideal for both salons and personal use.
Stock up here: → Felice beauty sandpaper nail file collection
9. Ready to make gel removal fast and safe?
Your dream removal kit is waiting! At Felice beauty, we provide professional high quality custom private logo white nail file and emery board options across grits including 100/180 and 240 – all in stock and ready to ship same day.
Choose Felice beauty, means you choose a professional and reliable partner. As a trusted name in nail tools with OEM/ODM, we offer “HONEST, HIGH QUALITY, FIRST-CLASS SERVICE” across every order. Our files are durable, washable, customizable with low MOQ, and favored by professionals worldwide.
Get yours now from our full Sandpaper Nail File range → Felice beauty Sandpaper Nail Files. Let’s protect those beautiful natural nails while keeping them looking fresh every single time.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best all-in-one Nail file grit if I only want to buy ONE file for gel removal?
A: Go with a 180 grit Sandpaper Nail File. It’s safe enough for natural nails yet still removes gel polish efficiently – perfect for beginners!
Q: Can I reuse the same Nail file grit section after it gets shiny or clogged?
A: Yes! Our Felice beauty Sandpaper Nail Files are washable. Just rinse with warm soapy water, let dry completely, and they’re good to go again.
Q: Will a 100 grit Nail file grit ruin my natural nails forever?
A: Not forever, but it can cause thinning and peeling if overused. Use 100 grit ONLY to break the seal, then immediately switch to 180/240 grit.
Q: How do I know when to replace my Nail file grit?
A: When the surface looks shiny, feels smooth, or stops grabbing the gel – usually after 15–25 full removals, depending on how often you wash it.
