Q&A for How to Buff Your Nails

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.

When you buff you are removing layers of your nail. Therefore, over-buffing can result in weak, thin nails that break/split easily.

Yes, you can use your buffer for about 20 times before it should be replaced.

The best buffers are the ones where the roughest part is also the finest. Make sure to buff gently.

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.

You'll know when your nail ridges have become a little bit smoother, and that side of the buffer is no longer effective.

Of course you can! Shea butter is an amazing moisturizer.

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.

You may if you want to give yourself a full manicure.

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.

Yes, it's better to file in one direction only.

No, you can move the file in one direction only.

It is not necessary to clean your nail buffer. You can use it until it gets very worn (about 50 times).

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.

Yes, your nails will be fine if you wash your hands afterward.

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.

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.