How to Have Shiny Nails Without Using Nail Polish

Co-authored by Mia Rubie

Last Updated: January 2, 2025

Everyone wants to have shiny nails—but how are you supposed to get them without applying a ton of different polishes? We've got your back. Keep reading for a quick and easy tutorial that'll get your nails looking naturally buffed and shiny in no time.

1

Cover each nail with cuticle oil or jojoba oil.

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Cuticle oil moisturizes your nails and promotes their overall health.

2

File your nails with the coarse side of a buffer.

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3

Buff your nails with the next coarsest side.

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It also helps remove the stained surface layer if you have yellowed nails.

4

Go over the nail quickly with a finer buffer.

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5

Buff the nail with the smoothest side of the buffer.

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6

Follow the same steps for the second hand.

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Community Q&A

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Question

Will olive oil work?

Community Answer

It will work, as it is very healthy for your cuticles, but cuticle oil is preferred. You can find it at nail care and polish stores and is very cheap.

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Can I use coconut oil to shine my nails?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

How can I buff my nails without a buffer pad?

Community Answer

You can use jeans or other rough cotton materials, but it will take longer to buff your nails this way.

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Tips

Buffing too much might make your nails weaker so be careful.

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Never buff with file ( the coarsest side )

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Apply a new layer of cuticle oil whenever it has been buffed off.

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Warnings

Cuticle oil can stain clothing.

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Buffing your nails too often will thin them, leading to splitting and other not so fun stuff.

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Things You'll Need

3 or 4 way mini buffer, available at many beauty supply stores or discount stores such as Walmart or Target.
- Recommended 3 way buffer: Tropical Shine brand
- Recommended 4 way buffer: Mambi or Dead Sea Spa
Cuticle oil
- Recommended brand: Sally Hansen or OPI