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Since we are doing a lot more DIY pampering at home these days, it can’t hurt to stock up on some essentials to help get you through.
Below are some professional-quality nail buffers and file sets that will give you salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. The nail files will help get and maintain your real or artificial nails into any desired shape while the buffers are the next step to smooth out the tips and ridges for smooth polish application.
These nail buffers can be used for the fingers and toes, and can also be used to grind off any leftover glue from acrylic and gel nails. We have also included four-way buffer blocks that will provide all the components to help buff, clean, and smooth dull and damaged nails into healthy, shiny ones.
Premier Nail Buffers in 2024
TsMADDTs Nail Files and Buffer — Best Overall
This professional nail file and buffer set come with six nail files and six buffer blocks that can help create all kinds of nail shapes. These emory board files are double-sided with one side made for natural nails and the other for artificial nails which will help to create and smooth out your perfect nail. In addition to fingernails, these tools are also suitable for toenails, acrylic, and gel nails
Pros
- This set can be used for your pet as well
Cons
- The buffers are not made to make your nails shine
Tweezerman Nail File — Runner Up
This 4-in-1 buffer block lets you file, buff, smooth, and shine nails to perfection. Easy to use and identify, this block also comes with four peel-off replacement pads for each side that can be easily removed and replaced. The sides are gentle on the nails yet fast and effective to shape and smooth to the perfect sheen.
Pros
- The neon pads are color-coded and labeled
Cons
- Pads should be replaced regularly
Morgles Nail Files and Buffer — Honorable Mention
This complete nail tool set comes with everything you need to DIY your own beautiful nails. This set comes with six nail files and buffers, and two nail scrubbing brushes that are easy to use and good for creating any nail shape. The nail files have a double-sided grit that works for fast filing of natural and acrylic nails and the buffers have four medium-grit surface sides.
Pros
- The nail scrubbers can also be used to scrub fruits and vegetables
Cons
- If you need a rough buffer another option might be better
Maryton Nail Buffer — Excellent Value
This set of buffer sanding blocks includes 10 pieces that are great for home or professional use. These buffers are lightweight and convenient, durable, and perfect for doing acrylic, dip powder, and gel nails. In addition to buffing and sanding, these buffers are great for getting the nail gel or glue off which will help save money in the long term.
Pros
- This set comes with four mini nail buffers as well
Cons
- These may feel very abrasive initially
Tachibelle Buffing Block — Great Quality
Get super shiny, smooth finger and toenails with this salon-quality buffer. This four-sided buffer block has two coarse sides, a smoothing side, and a silky side for a flawless gloss finish all in under 15 seconds. It has a very fine grit and can be used without polish for insanely shiny nails that look like they have been polished or to smooth out the nail bed prior to polish.
Pros
- Five seconds on each side is all that is required
Cons
- This buffer is not meant to file your nails
Soft 'N Style Buffer Block — Good Ratings
Another great buffing block option is this professional-quality one with four simple steps to your best nails ever. This is a medium-coarse block that is suitable for removing nail ridges and smoothing out the nail bed for the ultimate in shiny nails.
Pros
- This buffer works on both natural, gel, and artificial nails
Cons
- If you have a lot of nail ridges, you may need a coarser buffer
Onwon Nail Polisher — Also Consider
This set of 10 sanding buffers are lightweight and convenient to use. Use this handy buffer to buff and shape up any uneven nail surfaces on the hands or feet, remove ridges, smooth and shine. This set can easily be used for home or professional use and comes with enough blocks to share with friends and keep in every room in the house so you are never without.
Pros
- These are a medium-grit buffer
Cons
- If you have artificial or gel nails, a higher grit may be necessary
Buying Guide: Nail Buffers
When it comes to nail buffers, there are dozens of options available, which can make the buying process difficult. We've prepared this handy guide with all the information related to nail buffers so you can make an informed buying decision.
Why Should You Use a Nail Buffer?
For many people, the appearance of one's nails is often a sign of personal hygiene. However, when it comes to nail care products, most people think of nail paint or nail polish remover, but there are other products available that can help keep your nails neat and healthy. One such product is the nail buffer. A nail buffer is a cylindrical abrasive block that is used to smooth out the fingernails and/or toenails. They are designed to keep your nails looking manicured and sparkly, but the function of a nail buffer goes beyond this. Nail buffers can be used for a variety of reasons, including:
- Removing unsightly ridges and bumps from your nails
- Preventing chipping and breaking of nails
- Refining uneven or rough edges
- Smoothing out chips in the nail surface that appear due to everyday wear and tear
- Sculpting and contouring the tips of your nails for an overall polished appearance
How to Choose the Right Nail Buffer?
Material
There are two different types of nail buffers: coarse and fine grit. A coarse buffer helps you get rid of flaking and provides immediate shine while still being gentle on your nails. On the other hand, a fine grit buffer is best for all-natural nails and works its magic without damaging any of your hard-earned growth. Always choose the nail buffer according to your grooming needs.
Shape
Whether you just want to buff away rough edges or you're looking for a serious nail grooming session, there's a buffer out there designed just for your nails. The most commonly used ones are oval, straight, banana, buffer block, and half-moon. All these shapes have different purposes, so you have to choose according to your need and personal preference.
- Oval – This is the most commonly used nail buffer at home. It comes with round edges along with a rough and smooth side. It is an excellent choice for shaping and adding shine to your nail. The best part about this particular shape is that it's more compact than its counterparts, making it more convenient for storage purposes.
- Buffer block - Buffer blocks serve as an alternative to nail files or emery boards and help you get rid of rough skin as well as shape your nails properly. Most nail buffer blocks are made of a soft material like fabric or sponge and have different textures for buffing nails into shape and taking a shine to a whole new level.
- Straight - The straight type of nail buffer is generally used to shape the edges of your nails after they are buffed with rounded nail buffers (banana or oval). It is also used for clearing stripes on the nails.
- Banana – This nail buffer is flat on one end, with a curved edge on the other end. The flat end is used to gently push back the cuticles while removing any excess polish around your nails. The curved edge is used for buffing your nails for a smooth and shiny look. It is also used for rounding out your nails before applying a coat of nail polish.
- Half-moon – This nail buffer is a combination of straight and banana shapes and is used solely to clean the dirt under your nails and remove the dead skin around the cuticles. It also helps you achieve the perfect square shape of your nails.
Washability
Since the nail buffer comes in contact with dead skin cells, they can also develop bacteria and fungus over time if not washed properly. Choose a nail buffer that is easy to clean and maintain for optimum hygiene.
Handle
Next, you have to check whether a nail buffer has a handle or not. Many people prefer a handle that fits easily in their hand and has grooves to ensure proper grip. Nail buffer with handles also helps in buffing away the thick layers of dead skin cells that have accumulated around the cuticles area with ease.
Additional accessories
Some nail buffers come with additional accessories such as files and a cuticle pusher to help you achieve perfect nails faster than using the buffer alone. If you're going to be using your nail buffer regularly, then these additional accessories might add value to your purchase.
How Often Should You Replace a Nail Buffer?
As a nail buffer ages, the quality of its abrasive surface decreases. This is normal, but it means that you won't be able to achieve the same kinds of results as you would with a newer buffer. If your nail buffer is not producing the same level of shine as it once did, or if it is creating jagged edges on your nails instead of smooth ones, then it's time for a new one. As a general rule, you should replace it every 4-5 months to save time and effort while buffing your nails.
How To Sanitize and Clean a Nail Buffer
Health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking to avoid contact with germs and bacteria, especially while they are manicuring their nails. An uncleaned nail buffer can cause infections and permanent damage to your natural nails. Follow these instructions to keep your nail buffer clean and effective.
Sanitization
- Soak it in a mixture of 1 part water to 10 parts isopropyl alcohol for at least 30 minutes.
- Brush the buffer with a plastic toothbrush and wipe down the excess solution with tissue paper.
- After cleaning and drying, rub a small amount of mineral oil or jojoba oil onto the buffer to keep it from drying out.
Cleaning
- Dip it into some acetone-based polish remover.
- Gently rub the surface of the buffer against a paper towel to remove dirt and debris.
- Rinse well and dry with a clean paper towel before using the buffer.
