How to Buff Nails: Guide + Tips

If you think you should skip buffing your nails, think again. Buffing comes with a slew of benefits for your nails, from overall health to a better bond for nail polish application.

But how do you do it?

You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn how to buff nails the right way.

Today, we are taking a closer look at the proper way to buff nails for the best results.

Don’t worry; it’s a cinch, and I’m going to walk you through the whole thing.

Why Buff Nails?

Okay, before we dive into how to buff your nails, we need to know why it’s so important.

After all, plenty of women do not even bother purchasing a nail buffer, thinking it’s not precisely “necessary.” I’m here to tell you otherwise.

• Increases blood circulation. And that is good because..? Two words, one goal: longer nails. With an increase in circulation on the nail plate, you can grow longer nails faster. Yay!
• Smooth surface to let nail polish adhere better. Nail polish requires a nice silky area and a smooth side for the best adhesion.
• Desirable sheen. Nail buffers can create a gorgeous extra shine on your nail. So much so that you might not even need to apply polish.
• Less chipping. Do we really need to go into further detail about how beneficial that is? If you want to ditch brittle nails and achieve strong nails that won’t break, nail buffing is the answer.
• Fewer surface stains. If you’re someone who has struggled with irremovable stains, you might give nail buffing a try. Sayonara, stains! Hello, gorgeous nails!

How to Buff Nails

Your beloved nail tech might make it look easy. And, well, that’s because it is.

I recommend using a three-sided nail buffer or a four-sided buffer block. That way, you have all the essential surfaces to create stunning nails.

Besides the preferred nail buffer, you will also need a nail file to achieve the perfect appearance.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Remove Any Nail Polish Using a Nail Polish Remover

Before you start nail buffing, it’s vital to get rid of any polish hanging around.

Use your preferred polish remover to remove nail polish, dirt, grime, and other undesirables that may stand in the way of a perfect nail buffing treatment.

2. Trim With Nail Clippers and File

Next, you will want to create the designed shape and length of your nails.

Start by clipping your nails with your nail clipper.

Don’t worry if there are any jagged edges. We will get rid of those while filing with the nail file.

Once you have reached your desired length, whip out your nail file and get rid of those rough edges.

If desired, now is the time to focus on creating a shape.

You can easily file your nails to a lovely round shape, oval shape, or squared-off design.

3. Start Buffing with the Rough Side

Regardless of what you’re using to buff your nails (buffer block, emery board, etc.), one side of the buffer will have a finer grit than the others (it feels like fine-grade sand paper).

You will start with the roughest side.

Hold the nail buffer at an angle and gently make swipes in one direction using an X shape pattern.

Start from the nail base and gently buff toward the tip of the nail.

Wipe off any “dust” as it arrives while buffing.

Note: Make sure you use strokes with the X shape rather than buffing from side to side. That type of sawing motion causes a kind of friction with an unpleasant burning sensation.

4. Polish With the Fine Grit Side

Now, you will want to use the side with less grit (although it will still have a fine grit. It just won’t be as rough as the other side of the buffer).

Follow the same X pattern as above to polish your nails gently.

Note: Do not over buff your nails. Too much buffing can strip the top layer of the nails, leaving them weak, fragile, and lackluster.

5. Finish With the Smooth Side

Last but not least, you will want to use the smooth portion of the nail buffer or emery board to make circulation motions across your nails. Think of it almost like a “massage” for your fingertips.

Use small, fine strokes. The goal is to create a smoother surface with your nail buffer that’s perfectly shiny and pristine.

6. Apply Cuticle Oil or Nail Paint

When you’re finished buffing, and your nails look flawless, it’s time to decide whether or not you’re going to apply polish and/or nail art.

If you’re planning to add nail paint and nail art, do not apply cuticle oil. Polish will not adhere to “wet nails” from cuticle oil.

If using cuticle-specific oil for a low-maintenance look, make sure to rub it generously into the cuticles and surrounding skin.

On the other hand, if you want to dress up your nails with a colorful manicure, you can do that now. A clear coat can also look fab on freshly buffed nails!

You may want to wash your hands with warm soapy water before applying.

The buffer block will likely leave some residue behind that will stand in the way of the polish bond.

Dry your hands thoroughly with a soft cotton cloth before applying polish to the nail bed. Dry nails are critical for your manicure, so be precise when drying hands.

FAQs

What can I use to buff my nails at home?

If you don’t have a buffer at home, you can still remove ridges and achieve shiny nails. Items such as a piece of paper, denim, or chamois cloth, will work just fine.

How can I buff my nails without damaging them?

As long as you do not use a side-to-side motion or overdo it, buffing should not damage your fingernail whatsoever. If it does, use a moisturizing hand cream or lotion afterward.