For every beautiful nail art whether it is simple or extravagant it may be, you need a set of healthy nails. Nail buffing has always been a necessity in keeping your nails healthy and strong. It also helps in making it the perfect foundation to set your nails for lacquer, art, and more.
How does nail buffing work?
Nail buffing is the act of polishing your nails to make them appear shinier using layers of grit. Aside from making your nails appear shinier this procedure also has different benefits on your nail’s health even more on its growth rate.
Nail buffing is actually different from nail filing, the two are commonly associated with each other but are quite different. Nail filing focuses mainly on the shape of the fingertips but nail buffing works most on the surface of your nails.
Types of Nail buffer
There are three main types of nail buffers commonly used by nail beauty enthusiasts. The three different types are Buffing blocks, Buffing discs, and a 3-in-1 buffer board.
Buffing blocks
This is actually the most common type of nail buffer used in salons, It varies on the number of sides it may have three or four surfaces wherein each surface has different levels of coarseness depending on its purpose. Usually, numbers are put on each grit as well as its purpose to serve as a guide in usage.
Buffing discs
Buffing discs or wheels basically have the same purpose as a buffing block, but it is limited to only one surface. This only has a fine grit on one side which is commonly used for polishing the nail bed to make it appear shiny.
3-in-1 buffer board
As the name already suggests, the 3-in-1 buffer board has three different parts: a buffer, an emery board, and a polisher. It practically replaces the rest of your nail buffing tools as it offers multipurpose use. It is mostly in an elongated oval shape or with various sizes and lengths.
Benefits of buffing your nails
There are different advantages you may gain just by buffing your nails. Some of these are the following
Improves blood circulation
Buffing your nails increases the blood circulation in your nail bed. It stimulates the blood supply in the said part making it a lot healthier and stronger since weak blood circulation on your nail beds may be the main reason if you find your nails easily damaged, chipped off, and the sort.
Smoothens surface
A smooth nail surface is necessary before putting any type of product. Although dents and small lumps may be hidden by coats and polish, it is always better to fix the problem by removing these mounts instead of just covering them up. A smoother surface will make nail polish easier to apply.
Bonds polish on natural nails
Buffing your nails make its surfaces appear and look healthier, therefore making the surfaces bond with the product of your choice and makes it long-lasting since it also improves the longevity of the polish as buffing allows it to adhere better by buffing off the ridges.
Increases growth rate
It has been proven by professional manicurists and some customers claim that buffing their nails makes it grow long at a faster rate. This is also a result of the improvement of blood circulation as mentioned earlier.
Prevents yellow nails
When using or putting vibrant colors on your nails, it is likely that it leaves a stain. Which is why buffing is also important since it fixes up the surfaces of your nails preventing it from staining as it polishes and leaves a smoother surface.
How to buff nails properly
Like everything else, there is a need to follow certain steps in buffing your nails to prevent any type of damage and to achieve whatever you want it to be, a smooth surface, a polished one, and better circulations as mentioned in the benefits. Here are some steps you should follow:
Prepare nails
When you prepare your nails, make sure they are clean and dry. You can and should remove any type of excess product on the surfaces which may be done through a basic manicure. Also, you can cut it at your desired length using a nail clipper.
File your nails
Usually, this is already numbered on a buffing block. Use the appropriate side to shape your nails however you want it to look. You should do it only through short but sharp strokes, and only file in one direction. The most common mistake is that some choose to file it back and forth, but doing the filing in a sawing motion will only produce weak and brittle nails. To file it in one direction, lift the file part, and then stroke it again.
Buff your nails
The second one is to buff your nails. Position your hand onto a grip or like a tight letter E sign language, With its surface facing at a 45 degree angle. You can either let your hand adjust at this angle or you’ll be the one to adjust the buffer, it’s basically your choice. Slowly and carefully buff it in only one direction just like filing, but, instead of doing it in a horizontal manner, buff your nails as if you’re making a letter X. Repeat this for six to eight strokes in every nail.
Polish your nail
This is now the third surface of the buffing block, or the last of a board, This has a similar buffing rate like the previous step. Moving the buffer in small circular shapes to enhance and bring out the shine of your nails. Keep this going until the gloss and shine becomes noticeable, and do this step one nail at a time.
How often should you buff your nails?
You can only buff your nails at least once a month. You don’t have to do it every time you have a manicure or you want to change the polish of your nails. It is wrong to buff your nails excessively since it may have negative results instead of strengthening your nails.
Best Nail Buffer in 2024
TsMADDTs Nail Files and Buffer
Have the perfect prep and finish with the use of this nail file and buffer. The nail buffer is a sponge with a sand surface of 120 grit and is suitable for salon or home use. It has 6 differently colored pieces, namely purple, yellow, orange, pink, blue, and green.
Onsen Professional Nail Buffer
Enhance your nails’ quality by using this Onsen nail buffer. It is a 3-side block, with each side having a specific purpose and are reusable with its replacement pad strips. It has a silver side which evens out your nails’ surface, a colored side which polishes your nails, and a white side which buffs your nail and gives it that glossy finish.
MARYTON Nail Buffer Sanding Block Polisher
The 3-way block of this product will suit all nail care needs. It has a 60/60/100 grit that is applicable for buffing nails like acrylic nails, powder dipped nails, and false nails. These nail buffers are also lightweight and are handy to use since they are easily washable and are very durable.
HNYYZL Nail File and Buffer
Aside from the nail buffer, this product set has other tools to help you make that beautiful nail. But still, its nail buffer is a 4-step multi-function sponge block that polishes your nails and gives it that smooth and shiny finish. All the other tools included in it will make it worth the money.
Tweezerman Neon Hot 4-in-1 File
With each side having a different use, the quadruple sides of this nail buffer will complete your nail session. It has a pink side which files your nail, an orange side which buffs, a green side which smooths out your nails, and a yellow side which gives it the perfect shine.
Karlash Nail Mini Orange Buffer
The cute and tiny pieces of these nail buffers will be great to use by a group but can be convenient for individual use too. It has 130 small orange blocks that are designed to use before applying nail lacquer and nail polish to make them last longer while smoothing out any rough edges.
Sanluba Acrylic Nail Files and Buffer Set
Perfect your nails with the help of this nail file and buffer set. With its nail buffer having 3 sides of an 80/100/100 grit, it can easily be used for acrylic nails, fake nails, and natural nails. They are also made with lightweight materials that can effortlessly smooth the ridges on your nails.
QAWETI Professional Nail Files and Buffer Set
This nail file and buffer set is another all-in product that may help you start on your nail design journey. All the other products aside, this set contains 7 differently-surfaced buffer blocks, each of their own colors, numbers, and levels of smoothness to guide you on the different functions of each surface.
Tropical Shine Mini 4-way Nail Buffer Block
With a pack of 2 buffer blocks, this product may be a convenient solution for you. Each block comes in a 4-way buffer that files your nails, removes any ridges, and gives your nails great shine and smoothness. In addition, it has an edge that protects your cuticles and keeps them safe.
ITAY Mineral Cosmetics 4 Way Nail Buffer and Shine Kit
Keep your nails healthy and beautiful with the help of this product. Each side is designed to do a certain job, and when combined, leaves your nails shiny. It also removes stain from your nails, whether it’s dirt, or leftover products from previous nail application, it ensures your nail would also stay healthy.
AB Nail Buffers
Made with high quality sandpaper and sponge, this nail buffer will be a great addition to your nail kit. It contains 6 pieces of nail buffing blocks of 100/100/120 grit. Also, this product is very lightweight, which makes it great for travel, but it can also be used for home and professional use.
Easkep Sanding Buffing Block
With a 60/180 grit, this product is good and grinding your nails, but is safe enough not to damage your skin. It has a widespread application including acrylic nails, powder dip nails, false nails, and can also be used to remove nail gel or nail glue. It is also lightweight, durable, and washable.
Dr. Dakota Nail Buffer Set
This is a quality product that can be used by both professionals and beginners, and is very convenient for travel. It contains 6 pieces of nail buffers, each of them marked for different grits which makes for a wider product application. Made with high quality Emery, this product is also very durable and can withstand being tossed around.
A-Viva Beauty 4 Way Shine Nail Buffer Block
Not only does this nail buffer block help in creating shiny and glossy nails, it can also help strengthen weak, brittle, or thin nails. It comes in 3 blocks with the sides of each having different grits that when done correctly will leave a salon-like quality finish to your nails.
Keiby Citcom Nail Files and Buffers
The unique shape of this product makes it easier to buff your nails and more convenient to hold. This nail buffer is ideal to be used for acrylic nail, fake nails, and natural fingernails and toenails. It is made with a durable plastic case that is also convenient for travel.
Senkary Nail Buffer
With 12 pieces of 4 sided buffer, this product can really last you for a long time. Each side of every block has a 150 grit that can be applied to both fake and natural nails. While it may be made with a dense sponge, it is lightweight and is very convenient for travel.
Our Pick
We highly recommend you pick the MARYTON Nail Buffer Sanding Block Polisher. This product is really effective and lasts for a very long time, and since it comes in a pack of 10, it is worth the money. The TsMADDTs Nail Files and Buffer is also another highly recommended pick since it is also highly effective and has many different grits that can refine your nails.
