Nail buffer

Nail Buffer

• A nail buffer is a block, stick, or pad covered with multiple grit surfaces (from coarse to very fine) designed to polish and refine the nail plate (the flat top surface of the nail). 
  * Its main job is *not to shape or shorten the nail edges (that’s what a nail file is for), but to even out ridges, smooth irregularities, and give a natural shine** or prepare the nail surface for polish. 
  * Buffing also helps with adhesion — before applying nail polish, gel, or artificial nails, buffing can improve how well they stick to the nail. 

Types/ desgin

Nail buffers come in a few common types and designs:

Block / 4-way buffers: These are rectangular blocks with four sides, each side having a different grit (coarse → medium → fine → ultra-fine / shine). 
Sponge or cushion buffers: These are more flexible and gentle — good for light smoothing. 
Glass / crystal buffers: Made of glass with an abrasive surface — they tend to last longer, be easy to clean, and give a fine polish without damaging the nail 
Sanding buffers: More abrasive, used sometimes when thicker or tougher smoothing is needed (e.g. on artificial nails). 

The buffer’s surfaces (grits) are ordered from coarser to finer. You start with the coarser side to correct major ridges, then move gradually to finer sides to polish. 

1. Clean & prep the nails
   Remove any polish, wash hands, make sure nails are dry and free of oils. 

2. Use the coarser side first
   Lightly buff over ridges or uneven spots. Don’t press hard — use gentle strokes. 

3. Move to finer grits / smoothing sides
   As the nail surface becomes more even, switch to finer grit sides to flatten any remaining texture. 

4. Finish with the finest / “shine” 
   This gives the nail a glossy, polished appearance (natural shine). 

5. Moisturize 
   Buffing can slightly dry out nails, so applying cuticle oil or hand cream helps restore moisture.

Benefits:

* Smooths out ridges and surface imperfections, improving the look and feel of nail
 Gives a natural shine without needing polish. 
 Helps polish, gels, or artificial enhancements adhere better by creating a refined surface. 
 Stimulates slight blood flow to the nail bed (gentle buffing) which may aid nail health.