Nail buffing is the act of polishing the nail using buffers of successively finer grit in order to make nails look more consistent and shiny. A paste is used to fill ridges on nail surfaces. Buffing is also done prior to the application of nail products or artificial nails to help the product adhere to the nail. However, excessive buffing should be avoided

Technique

* The emery board nail file should not be used to buff the surface of the nails. They are meant only to shape them from the side. * The medium grit can be used to smooth ridges and surface irregularities. This can be done before applying

nail polish Nail polish (also known as nail varnish in British English or nail enamel) is a lacquer that can be applied to the human Nail (anatomy), fingernails or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formula has been revised repeatedly t ...

or as a first step before finer buffing. * The fine-grained buff is used to smooth the nail to a matte surface. * The finest finishing grit gives the nails a glossy shine. Traditionally, a buffing cream and chamois skin have been used. Modern instruments are much more efficient and are similar in appearance to a large rubber

eraser An eraser (also known as a rubber in some Commonwealth countries, including South Africa from which the material first used got its name) is an article of stationery that is used for removing marks from paper or skin (e.g. parchment or vellu ...

, with different sides for different levels of coarseness. As buffing is gentle surface abrasion, it should not be performed too strongly or too often or thinning of the nail may result. In a

manicure A manicure is a mostly Cosmetics, cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and Hand, hands performed at home or in a nail salon. A manicure usually consists of Nail file, filing and shaping the free edge of nails, pushing and clipping ( ...

, nail buffing is an alternative to chemical nail polish.

In gel manicures

Buffing is used prior to the application of gel nail polish to help the polish adhere better to the nail. For best adhesion results after buffing, the nail technician should remove any excess buffing oil before polishing.

Safety

Applying excessive pressure while buffing can generate heat and pain and could possibly lead to infection. Excessive buffing for prolonged periods of time can also wear down the nail plate. While buffing, only 5% of the nail plate thickness should be removed.

References

{{Cosmetics Cosmetics Nail care