Q&A for How to Buff Your Nails

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is buffing good for my nails?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Buffing is good for your nails, as long as it is done correctly and in moderation. Don't do it more than once a week, or the top layer of your nail could be stripped down.
  • Question
    What happens if I over-buff my nails?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    When you buff you are removing layers of your nail. Therefore, over-buffing can result in weak, thin nails that break/split easily.
  • Question
    Are nail buffers reusable?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use your buffer for about 20 times before it should be replaced.
  • Question
    I used the hardest side first and it scratched my nails badly.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The best buffers are the ones where the roughest part is also the finest. Make sure to buff gently.
  • Question
    What does a nail buffer do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It gives your nails a smoother surface to paint over. If your nails have scratches or cracks, you will need to use a nail buffer to get the best results.
  • Question
    How do I know when I'm done with a step?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You'll know when your nail ridges have become a little bit smoother, and that side of the buffer is no longer effective.
  • Question
    Can I use Shea butter instead of cuticle oil?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Of course you can! Shea butter is an amazing moisturizer.
  • Question
    What should I do if I buff too deep? That part of the nail is soft and sore.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Let it grow out and do not buff that nail any further. If it is really sore you can protect it by using a cute plaster or other safe material suitable for the purpose.
  • Question
    Should you file, buff, then smooth your nails before polishing them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You may if you want to give yourself a full manicure.
  • Question
    How do I make my nails look good after biting them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    First off, do not bite your nails. Your nails could become badly damaged if you do so, and your hands might also be unclean, so you shouldn't put them in your mouth. Use a nail file to shape your nails. Simply rub the rough part of the file back and forth across the nail. Do NOT try to file the tops of your nails.
  • Question
    Isn't it wrong to file your nails back and forth as shown in step 2?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, it's better to file in one direction only.
  • Question
    Are you sure you need to file a nail in a back and forth sawing motion?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, you can move the file in one direction only.
  • Question
    How do I wash or clean my buffer? And how do I know when to replace it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary to clean your nail buffer. You can use it until it gets very worn (about 50 times).
  • Question
    Even after using cuticle oil, moisturizing lotions, creams and healing ointments, the skin on either side of my nails is very dry and I have hangnails. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It may be time to visit a professional at a nail salon; they're experienced in dealing with these issues and will be able to help with the problem, as well as providing advice specific to you to prevent hangnails in the future.
  • Question
    Can I wash my hands after buffing my natural nails?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, your nails will be fine if you wash your hands afterward.
  • Question
    Why are tips of my nails always have snags even after filing them?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Some nails are thinner. What worked for me with thinner nails is to use nail oil and always have nail polish on (nail polish will act as a protector). Make sure you file them neatly, as even the tiniest snag can make a big mess.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have horizontal slots and splitting, specifically on the sides of my thumbs?
    Anushka Palamaneri Rathnagiri
    Anushka Palamaneri Rathnagiri
    Community Answer
    You may have brittle nail syndrome, or a horizontal split, which is also called onychoschizia. If so, it means you have iron deficiency, or is often caused by repeatedly wetting and drying the nails, nails cosmetics, injury or skin diseases like lichen planus and psoriasis.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

Return to Full Article