What Is a Nail Buffer?
A nail buffer is a cosmetic beauty tool that can be used to give the fingernails or toenails a high gloss shine. By rubbing the surface of clean and dry nails with successively finer grit buffers, the nails can appear as if they have had clear gloss applied. Buffing also rids the nail surface of jagged edges and unsightly ridges. Many people even say that buffing stimulates blood circulation and thus the growth of healthier nails.
A manual nail buffer looks like cross between a thick nail file and a Styrofoam block and can be purchased from any beauty supply store. The various buffers are often labeled with numbers or letters to help distinguish them from each other. To buff the nail, start with the roughest side and smooth away all surface scratches. Buff with the medium grit to further shape the nail, then use the finest part of the nail buffer for shining and smoothing. If you want a bit of extra shine on your buffed nails, you can apply a bit of beeswax with a soft chamois cloth.
Electric nail buffers are more expensive than their manual counterparts, but they provide a more professional look. It is quicker to buff your nails with an electric buffer and the shine is more evenly distributed. These gadgets come with detachable buffing pads of various grits. The pads will need to be replaced on a regular basis, however, since they are similar to the grit of a manual buffer and will eventually wear down.
Since buffed nails can't chip or show other obvious signs of wear, this type of manicure is fairly low maintenance. Generally, nail buffing is safe to do once per month. Buffing more often than this can wear away the surface of the nail. Remember to always buff in one direction and to use a gentle touch. In addition to damaging the surface of the nail, vigorous use of a nail buffer can be rather painful.
One interesting point to consider about using a nail buffer is that this practice is becoming increasingly common among men. While it's not considered appropriate for a man to wear nail polish in most social circles, buffing the nails provides a clean and well-groomed looked that is very natural. Buffing also lasts longer than a manicure with traditional polish, which makes it appealing to those who don't have the time to mess with beauty treatments that require complicated upkeep.
Written by Dana Hinders
