What is a nail buff?
Let's start with the basics — what exactly is a nail buffer? It is a file-like tool designed specifically for grinding and polishing the nail plate. It allows you to smooth its surface, remove minor irregularities, and, if necessary, give the plate a natural shine.
Most often, a buff has the shape of an oblong parallelepiped, but there are also square or oval products. The number of working sides can vary (from two to four or more). In multifunctional models, each side is responsible for its own stage of processing. This allows you to go through the entire care process with just one tool.
The main difference between a buff and a regular nail file is its delicacy. Thanks to its soft abrasiveness, it does not damage the nail plate. That is why a buff is considered an indispensable tool in manicure salons in Kyiv and for home care.
Main functions of nail buffers
In fact, not everyone knows why buffs are needed. But they perform a lot of important functions. Firstly, these are:
- Grinding and polishing natural and artificial nails.
- Correction of detachments on natural nails and gentle removal of damaged areas.
- Adjusting the length and polishing the edge of the nail to achieve a neat shape.
- Leveling the surface of the plate when working with artificial materials.
- Preparing the nail before applying gel polish.
- Additional care for the skin around the nail.
Based on this, it can be said that buffing is an indispensable tool for creating the perfect manicure.
Types of buffs
The range of nail buffers is quite diverse. They can vary in shape, number of working sides, material, and level of abrasiveness.
By number of parties
A buff can have two, three, or four working surfaces. Four-sided models are considered the most versatile, as they allow you to complete all stages of nail treatment with just one tool. For convenience, such buffs have numbered edges:
- The first side — giving the desired shape;
- Second — elimination of inequalities;
- Third — delicate grinding;
- Fourth — polishing to a shine.
For warehouse
The material of the buff directly affects its characteristics. The most common options are:
- Polyethylene foam — durable, inexpensive, and easy to care for. They can be disinfected without damaging the instrument.
- Suede — have a handle for convenience, well suited for polishing. Difficult to disinfect, as this requires special equipment.
- Fabric — lightweight, flexible, and delicate. Ideal for thin natural nails, but more expensive. They also require special conditions for sterilization.
By grain size (abrasiveness)
The grain size of the buff is measured in grits (the number of abrasive particles per unit area). The higher the value, the gentler the impact of the tool on the nail:
- 60–80 grit — used for pedicures or initial treatment of artificial nails.
- 100–150 grit — suitable for correcting extended nails and smoothing the surface of the nail plate.
- 150–240 grit — used for delicate filing of artificial and natural nails.
- 300–500 grit — suitable for polishing and giving natural nails a healthy shine.
How to use a buff
To get the most out of buffing and avoid damaging your nails, follow a few simple rules when using it:
- Treat as much of the plate as possible. This allows you to achieve an even result and avoid excessive friction on individual areas.
- Minimize the number of movements. Excessive movement can lead to thinning and splitting of the nails.
- Work with the tool in one direction. When polishing, do not change your movements randomly, otherwise you may damage the nail plate.
- Use a protective cream. Before treatment, apply cream to your nails and the surrounding skin to enhance the polishing effect.
- Don't forget about disinfection. After each use, the instrument must be treated with a special disinfectant solution.
A buff is a really cool tool, without which it is difficult to imagine a modern manicure. It makes nails even, smooth, and shiny, and thanks to it, the coating lasts much longer. The main thing is to choose the right buff and use it correctly.