Nail Buffing: A Comprehensive Guide to Healthy, Smooth Nails

While most of us are more focussed towards creating that perfect face and hair look, one key area that we many times tend to miss out is our nails. From chipped nails to chewed nails to nails that aren’t in shape – there are many nail disasters we end up committing. While manicures and nail paints are a great way to ‘make-up’ your nails, one of the most basic and important technique by which you can ensure your nails will be in great shape is nail buffing.

What Is Nail Buffing?

Nail buffing means polishing or rubbing your nails with a buffer board (nail buffer) that’s made of fine grit. This leaves your nails looking more consistent and shiny.

Various Nail polishing and Buffing Tools In The Market:

1. Emery Board:

These are rectangular in shape with rounded edges are used to bring sheen to the surface of your nails. These can also help shape your nails to some extent.

2. Nail Buffer Board:

These are generally made of fine-grade sand-paper and help smoothen out any rough edges on nails.

3. Cute Nail Buffers in Various Shapes:

These are generally smaller than the regular boards, can be popped inside your tote and are easy to use.

4. Nail Buffing Blocks:

These are 3-dimensional buffing blocks that are rectangular in shape and come with a different texture on both sides to help smoothen out rough edges and bring a shine on the nails.

5. Nail Buffer Strips:

These are more like papery strips made of sand-paper and do the same work as the emery board or nail buff, but are used more as a replacement in case you’re not carrying those around with you. Great for travel.

How often To Buff Nails?

You should ideally buff your nails about once a month, but in case your nails aren’t rough, or if you often wear a coloured nail polish and do not really need that extra shine on nails, you can take a longer time in between buffing.

How To Buff Nails At Home?

• Make sure your nails are dry and clean – wet nails can break or chip easily
• Use a nail polish remover to remove any traces of nail paint
• Trim your nails to a desired length
• File your nails in a shape that you want – round, square or whatever suits you.
• Get a nail buffer – this can either be an emery board or a buffing board, and will have different textures on the sides.
• Using the roughest side of the buffer, buff your nails gently, moving the buffer from side-to-side.
• Try and remove the roughness from your nails first.
• Take a soft cotton cloth to wipe off the extracts
• Now take the texture that’s a little less rough and repeat the steps in a gentle, side-to-side motion.
• Take the smoothest part of the buffer and buff your nails until they look shiny – as if you’ve applied a clear coat.
• Wipe off your nails with the cotton cloth

Does Nail Buffing Increase Hair Growth?

There is no concrete proof that nail buffing increases hair growth. However, it is a proven fact that rubbing the nails of your left and right hand together can actually lead to hair growth.

A few things to keep in mind about Nail Buffing:

• Rubbing thumbnails will increase growth of facial hairs, so don’t rub your thumbs
• Do not rub your nails during pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions and lead to high blood pressure
• Avoid during surgical conditions
• Avoid in case of any skin infections
• Avoid if nails are brittle
• Avoid if you are currently suffering, or have suffered in the past from hypertension, as this can lead to increased blood pressure
• Do not overdo, as it can harm nails
• Do this only for 5-10 minutes a day, twice a day for better results, but not more

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