The History of Glass Nail Files

Glass nail files were invented in the Czech Republic in 1997. From there, they became popular across Europe before crossing over to North America, where many nail brands have since launched their own versions of the product. In some cases, glass nail files are referred to as crystal files, but all glass nail files are typically made of hardened Bohemian glass, which is tempered and thus resistant to breaks. Each file features a slightly gritty texture on one side, which is used for filing. Notably, glass nail files are much gentler than traditional emery boards and can help reduce splitting and breakage. They’re also more sustainable, easier to disinfect, and are designed for longer term use. Today, glass nail files are used in homes and nail salons all over the world.