For every girl, beautiful and well-groomed nails are the key to a good mood and a source of positive emotions. There are many types of manicure, but each of them ends with an important and responsible step - applying a color coating, which will be discussed further.
The most common are varnish coatings, but I stopped being friends with them several years ago. If initially the polish stayed on my nails for a week, then later it lasted two or three days. And even all kinds of fixatives did not help to increase the period of its wearing. I got tired of repainting my nails so often and stopped using polish. But the desire to have a beautiful manicure forced me to look for other ways, since simply polished nails were not enough for me.
It would seem that everything is simple - get your nails done at a nail salon and go for corrections every two weeks. But I never tried this option; I didn’t take the risk because of my tendency to allergies.
Fortunately, they appeared gel polishes, and I decided to go to the salon to see a manicurist. It turned out that gel polish can be worn for two weeks, and besides, my naturally brittle nails do not break so quickly under it, which allows me to grow them. I was completely satisfied with the gel polish.
And then I wanted purchase a set of gel polishes with a lamp for manicure, which would save on a trip to the nail salon. Exactly a year ago, I took up this issue closely, having previously studied all the available information, including on the Internet, on this topic. In addition, during that period I received an additional bonus, which I spent on the entire required minimum set, which is not cheap.

The first and most important thing is a lamp for drying the varnish.
There are two types of lamps: UV and LED. The main criterion for a UV lamp is power, which determines the time required to dry the layer. For gel polishes you need a lamp with a minimum power of 36 W. In this case, the drying time for one layer is 2 minutes. A lower power lamp increases drying time. I chose a UV lamp with a power of 36 W, since it was cheaper than an LED lamp with the same power, and it was the price that became the determining factor for me. But I want to note that now I would choose an LED lamp. With an LED lamp, the time of painting nails is significantly reduced - the drying time of one layer is only 30 seconds. You also need to take into account that the power of the UV lamp decreases over time, and a couple of months later it takes 3-4 minutes to dry one layer. I made the following conclusion for myself: a UV lamp saves money, and an LED lamp saves time.

The second point was the choice of the manufacturer and the purchase of the necessary types of gel polishes
I used it in nail salons gel polishes from CND Shellac and Gelish. Moreover, if I was completely satisfied with the first ones, then the second ones performed poorly (the varnish coating cracked even in the first week of wearing), so I decided to give preference to one of the most expensive, but tested by me in terms of quality, gel polishes CND Shellac. I needed a base (starter coat), color (gel polish) and top coat (finish coat). In the process of using gel polishes at home, I came across samples from the KOTO company, which turned out to be unstable - they only lasted about a week on the nails, which is very short for a gel polish coating. This only confirmed the correctness of my initial choice of the manufacturer.

The third is additional, but no less significant, materials and tools.
I was faced with the task of determining what I had and what I needed to buy or what could replace it.

• 1. Buffer block (buff) - a tool that is used for polishing and grinding nails. Buffs have different abrasiveness: 60-240 grit is used for grinding, 360-1000 grit is used for polishing. We need a buff with an abrasiveness of 180-240, but 240 grit is better.
• 2. A lint-free napkin that does not leave behind small hairs.
• 3. A product for degreasing the surface of the nail plate - a preparator or degreaser, different manufacturers call it differently. It performs the functions of degreasing, disinfecting and dehydrating nails. I use rubbing alcohol instead.
• 4. A product for removing the residual dispersion layer remaining after polymerization of gel polishes in UV lamps. I also replaced it with medical alcohol.
• 5. To remove gel polish, I use ordinary acetone-containing nail polish remover (instead of gel polish and biogel remover) with cotton pads and foil.
• 6. Wooden sticks.
• 7. For additional accessories, I purchased special thin brushes for French manicure or painting, pebbles for decoration, and the like.

So, the necessary set has already been assembled, and it’s time to begin the application process itself.
At the beginning getting a manicure- shape the nails, remove or push back the cuticle. If you do a manicure for yourself, then it is better to do all the following steps first on one hand, and only then on the second.
Lightly go over the nails with a buff for removing the top layer of the nail. The main thing here is not to overdo it; you can easily and completely pointlessly thin the nail plate.
Wet a lint-free cloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe nails (degrease), after which we try not to touch the nail plate. If during the application of any of the layers you accidentally catch a nail, you need to wipe it with a lint-free cloth with alcohol. This is certainly not very good, but it is not fatal either.
Apply base to nails and dry in a UV lamp for 2 minutes. Next, apply the first layer of color, dry again for 2 minutes. We repeat the application procedure followed by drying for the second layer of color. At the end apply top coat and dry again for 2 minutes. When applying a second layer of color and a layer of top coat, be sure to seal the end and sides of the free edge of the nail.
After applying the top, remove the sticky layer that forms during drying with a lint-free cloth moistened with medical alcohol. The last point is rubbing cuticle oil.

When applying each layer you need Be careful not to get the gel polish on your skin. Lack of proper adhesion to the nail reduces the wear time of the gel polish coating. If this does happen, you need to carefully remove the base, color or top coat from the skin with a wooden stick.
Gel polish, as the manufacturers say, should last two weeks. If it’s less, it means it’s a bad gel polish. If I did everything correctly during application (I didn’t allow any defects), I wear a gel polish coating for two to four weeks. Although I must admit that after two weeks of wearing gel polish, the nails grow back and a strip without coverage appears near the cuticle, which does not look very beautiful, especially with a bright and dark manicure, French or moonlight looks a little better.

Separately, it is worth mentioning an important stage - removing gel polish
First, you need to remove the shine of the gel coating with a nail file or buff. Apply nail polish remover with acetone to a cotton pad and apply to the surface of the nail, wrap each nail tightly with foil. The gel polish coating under the foil warms up a little - this is normal. After 10-15 minutes, remove the foil and cotton pad. Using a wooden stick or metal spatula, remove the softened gel polish. At the end, take a buff and polish the nail with it.

Generally, the purchase of a set of gel polishes with a lamp was completely worth it. The money I spent on purchasing it has long since paid off. Now I only occasionally buy colors I like. Before purchasing the set, I couldn’t afford to go to a nail salon once or twice a month, but now I can give myself a quality manicure at any time convenient for me. A personal manicure set not only saves money, but also gives you the opportunity to always have a beautiful manicure.

Finally, I would like to give one more piece of advice. If you still decide to buy manicure set for gel polish coating, then before applying it yourself for the first time, be sure to watch several videos on this topic. One good thing is that there are plenty of them on the Internet.

I hope my article will be useful to you. I wish everyone good luck!

This article will examine in detail what a nail buffer is, how to use it with gel polish, we will analyze the types of abrasiveness of a manicure tool and offer alternatives. If you have long wanted to try using a buff, then this article is just for you.

Buffs in their general essence

In order to achieve the perfect manicure, you need to use professional and high-quality equipment. In addition to ordinary nail files, every girl’s manicure set should contain a buff.

So what is a buff? The word is borrowed from English. The literal translation means “to polish.” Not many people now know what a nail buff is, because this newfangled file has come into our everyday life quite recently. Let's take a closer look at this issue.

A buff is a certain type of nail file made in the shape of a parallelepiped. Both natural and extended nails are treated with buff.

Applying buffs

Buffs are used in the detailed treatment of a nail, whether artificial or not. The natural nail is also filed before adding an artificial one. This is done to remove roughness and irregularities on the native nail.

What is a buff? Manicurists know more about this newfangled thing. This is a universal nail file that is used both in beauty salons and at home. It can be used by both a professional and an ordinary person. In beauty salons, professionals use disposable buffs to treat the nail plate, but progress does not stand still, and now buffs are made from more expensive materials that can be disinfected in the usual way and to which masters are accustomed.

Buff and gel polish

Many masters who do manicures based on gel polish also use buffs.

How to choose a buffer for gel polish? This is exactly the question asked by girls who come to a professional for a manicure for the first time. Experienced clients know that with careful polishing of the nail, the gel polish will adhere more firmly and, accordingly, will last longer. As for choosing a buff, look at your own nails; the thinner the nail plate, the softer the buff should be.

Buff and abrasiveness

We have already figured out what a buff is, now we need to understand how to choose it.

This newfangled file is distinguished from ordinary ones by the material from which it is made. Usually it has soft sides that do not irritate the nail plate. The composition of the tool may include fabric, sand, glass, wood or even plastic.

Abrasiveness is a criterion that determines the rigidity of the buffer composition. Our file has certain pores or, as professionals call them, grits. The abrasiveness depends on them. There are different types of abrasiveness that you need to pay attention to when purchasing. Now we will figure out how to choose a nail buffer based on abrasiveness.

If the buff has 60-80 grit, then it is used when polishing artificial nails on the hands. It can also be used for pedicures. Buffs with this amount of grit are considered hard and quite rude.

If it has 100-150 grit, then it is used to correct extended artificial nails. Can also be used before applying gel polish in both manicure and pedicure.

If it has 150-240 grit, then it is used in minor work on artificial nails, and natural nails are also filed with this buff.

If 300-450 grit, then such a buff is used in very delicate work on real nails. Professionals use them to thoroughly polish their nails.

Now you know how to choose a nail buffer based on composition and abrasiveness.

Using buffs

So, we figured out what a buff is. It remains to understand how to use it. It is worth remembering that you cannot resort to it often.

The wide side of the buff is applied to the nail, covering it as much as possible. The movements should be long, the tool should handle the same area as little as possible. It is very easy for an inexperienced person to damage a nail. When filing and polishing a nail, the movements cannot be changed. The buff can only be moved in two directions: right and left. To avoid the risk of damage to the nail plate, polishing your nails should be done no more than once a week, so as not to worsen their condition.

Use various strengthening products such as cuticle oils after application. This will strengthen the nail and seal the cuticle. If the buff is used incorrectly, it can lead to deformation of the top layer of the nail plate, and, accordingly, to pain. That is why it is worth remembering the rules for using the buff and not ignoring them.

Alternative files

At the moment, craftsmen are just learning about what a buff is, trying to find it, and this is creating an increasing demand, which, unfortunately, many tool sellers have decided not to respond to. If you want to file your nails, it is worth remembering that even the most delicate file will not be suitable for such a procedure, so you should go around several stores in search of this thing. If you still don’t have a buff at hand, then instead of a nail file you should use a rough piece of fabric.

At the moment, buffs are produced completely different; they differ in shape, shades, colors, patterns. You can choose exactly the one you need.

To summarize, we can say that a buff is a soft file for polishing nails and removing the top layer. This procedure leads to the loss of roughness and unevenness of the nails, which provides a better connection with varnish, gel or artificial nails. In turn, a high-quality connection will ensure a more durable and long-term wear of the manicure.

The polishing file is designed for polishing the coating, leveling the natural plate and smoothing out irregularities on the surface of the nail. Read more about the tool, its features, and application below.

Description of the tool, its application

Polishing files have been present in the arsenal of masters for a long time; their presence is mandatory in home manicure sets. Problems of natural nails in the form of detachments, brittleness, pain and weakness very often depend not on the general indicator of health, but on care.

Polishing tools are divided into several types:

soft buffs;

flat files on a soft base;

glass polishing files;

metal professional.

When working with a tool, it is important to know that polishing a natural plate and an artificial coating are radically different. When polishing a natural nail, the goal of the process is to add shine and smooth out slight irregularities and grooves. To do this, you need to use a foam-based polishing file so that the tool interacts with the plate as gently as possible. Polishing and sanding the coating (gel, acrylic) before applying a decorative color layer allows the use of durable files.

Polishing files have a hardness rating of over 400 grit; such a tool is capable of removing a small layer of unevenness and adjusting the length. Files with a grain size of more than 1000 grit are used only to add shine to natural nails.

Selection rules

The polishing tool has a number of nuances during operation. Soft files are very difficult to clean and disinfect; some types do not require sterilization at all. For example, a buff to add shine has a special spray structure or working sides with a suede coating. Such a tool cannot be washed or treated with heat, so it is best to use the buff individually. Manicurists are advised to purchase disposable polishing files, or have separate ones for each client. To polish the coating, you can purchase a metal, glass or ceramic nail file. Other parameters (color, shape, size) are not of fundamental importance in the work; they are chosen based on individual preferences.

Tips for use

When polishing natural nails, before starting work, it is recommended to lubricate the plate with a special cream for hands and nails, as a result the surface will be perfectly smooth and shiny.

To disinfect soft files and buffs, you can treat the tool with alcohol-based cleaning sprays and wait until completely dry.

Using a polishing file, you can remove pigment spots from natural nails after a poor-quality color coating.

You can grind a natural plate no more than once every 1-2 months.

When processing the free edge, it is recommended to run a polishing file over the nail, which will help smooth out the nicks and prevent the nails from splitting.

A buff is a special file that is used to polish nails. It looks like a small volumetric rectangle. The buff is suitable for both natural and artificial nails.

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“Don’t cut your toenails, they promised ice!” (Author unknown)

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Types of buffs

The very first ones were buffs made from suede. Nowadays, those completely made of this material are not found; nowadays it is a wooden block, covered with suede on one side. Since they are inconvenient to disinfect, this causes them to quickly lose their attractive appearance and deteriorate; it is used only at home. They are ideal for rubbing essential and vegetable oils into the nail. To do this, you just need to drop a couple of drops onto the buff. This procedure can be done once or twice a week.

Fabric buffs are more flexible and soft, and those made of polyethylene foam are extremely wear-resistant and durable. Fabric buffs are the most expensive. They are good for polishing natural nails.

How to use a buff correctly?

The buff is used to remove unevenness from the nail and prepare it for the application of modeling gel or regular polish. After all, good polishing is the key to a high-quality and beautiful manicure.

All buffs are divided among themselves by abrasiveness, that is, by the number of “pores” on its surface. To work with a natural nail, it is better to choose one with a large number of grits (pores). If you have thin nails and just need to give them shine, then choose at least 500. If you decide to get a pedicure, then it is better to take an abrasiveness of 60-80 grit. They're pretty rude about it. It can also be used for artificial nails.

Buffs are also good for “sealing” nails. If they constantly flake, you can drop a little essential oil on them and rub with the softest side. This procedure should be done every week.

It is necessary to apply the buffer to the nail with the largest side so that it covers as much area of ​​the nail as possible. In order not to damage the nail plate, there is no need to work too hard, a few movements are enough.

Try not to change the direction of the cut. Movements should be made from side to side.

And finally...

You should not use a nail buffer more than once a week, otherwise the nail may become excessively depleted. There is a risk of injury in the future. You should also not use it on thin, wavy or damaged nails.

Article editor: Svetlana Prikhodko

A magic wand really does exist, at least in manicure. This is a buff, as everyone affectionately calls it, it is vital if you want to have beautiful, well-groomed hands. A good manicure without a buff is simply impossible; this universal file performs many functions in manicure for natural and extended nails. The right buff and using it according to all the rules will prepare your nails for any luxurious coating. Why do you need a nail buffer, why is it so good, and why should it be in any fashionista’s manicure set? Let’s find out right now.

Advantages of a unique nail file

The secret of the buff is that it is usually a block, each edge of which performs a specific task, and this depends on the different abrasiveness of the edges.

What is each edge needed for?

• the first side is a regular file to create the desired shape of nails, they can be shortened and trimmed;
• the second side is used to remove irregularities on the plate - burrs, roughness;
• a third party sands and removes minor imperfections;
• the fourth side polishes the plates, giving them a natural shine.

Manufacturers offer

The range of buffs is significant, they differ:

• by form;
• by material;
• by appointment;
• by degree of abrasiveness;
• according to its functions.

Let's look at the main characteristics of buffs

What materials can buffs be made from?

The base is usually made of plastic, wood, silk and other fabrics.

Working surfaces can be:

• polyethylene foam (plastic) - popular, cheap, durable. They can be sterilized;
• silicone can also be washed and disinfected, durable, inexpensive;
• The suede buff may have handles, the quality is average, it is impossible to disinfect;
• a fabric buff is of good quality, suitable for natural nails, elastic, but the cost is higher, especially for a silk-coated buff, and cannot be sterilized.

About the form

The most common form of buff is in the form of a bar, in which all sides (or 2) are abrasive. A more convenient and functional four-sided buff. There are also other forms of the instrument, for example, in the form of a boomerang.

Main functions

A file with 4 edges is universal, each edge performs a specific function, and as a result, complete preparation is made for applying gel polish.

Important. Manufacturers already produce disposable nail buffs; in this case, there are no problems with caring for them.

How to use it correctly

If the buff is used incorrectly, the nail plate may become deformed and pain may appear, so you must adhere to the rules.

We provide step-by-step instructions on how to use a nail buff when preparing for a manicure:

• apply a buffer to the nail so as to cover the entire surface of the nail plate;
• It is advisable to make a minimum of clicks;
• carefully, in the same direction, make long movements, trying not to stop in the same place;
• you cannot change the direction of movement;
• You cannot constantly use a buff; polishing must be done once a week, otherwise the nail plate will weaken and become fragile;
• The final procedure after polishing is sealing the nails. To do this, add one drop of tea tree oil and spread it over the entire surface of the edge, rubbing lightly. This will prevent your nails from peeling and make them strong;
• The instrument is reusable and requires care and disinfection.

Video

All about abrasiveness

The different functionality of the edges is explained by different degrees of abrasiveness, that is, the size of the grains (pores) on the surface of the buff. Abrasiveness determines the hardness of each edge and is measured in grit. Let's consider the classification of abrasiveness and the functionality of the edges:

• 60-80 gr. These are hard buffs for rough polishing of extended and artificial nails and performing pedicures;
• 100-150 gr. Suitable for correcting extended nails before applying gel polish; you can correct fingernails and toenails extended with acrylic or gel plates;
• 150-240 gr. You can file down natural and artificial nails, file the tips of natural nails, polish artificial nails;
• 300-450 gr. This is a buff for natural nails, for delicate work with them. The grain size is fine, soft polishing of the surface of natural plates is possible.

Mini nail buffs

Important. Which buff to choose depends on the purpose of the tool. For thin and weakened nails, a buff with maximum abrasiveness is suitable - above 300 g. The best material is suede, which acts gently and is gentle on nails.

Instrument care

Gradually, dirt and bacteria may accumulate in the bar, so it must be sterilized after each use.

Nail buffs

It is better to choose a tool with easy maintenance:

• fabric products allow water to pass through, so they are simply replaced with new ones, but can be cleaned with a brush soaked in a disinfectant;
• plastic buffs are easy to disinfect and can be washed in a warm soapy solution;
• The ideal option is to purchase several bars with different abrasiveness, from different materials and change as needed; this is an option for those who do not have to save.

Alternative

Buff is not sold on every shelf in every store, however, it is better to find and purchase it, since there is simply nothing to replace it. A buff and a nail file differ in the quality of processing; a simple file has a rather low quality. If, nevertheless, there is an urgent need for a manicure, but there is no buff, the solution is as follows:

• any file with an abrasiveness of more than 300 gr. can help out temporarily;
• polishing, elimination of defects and irregularities can be done with any rough material, for example a piece of rough, harsh fabric.

Results. A good quality buff will help to thoroughly polish your nails for gel polish coating; it will lie firmly on the nail. The life of the gel polish will be significantly extended, but you need to take into account the condition of the nail plates - if they are thin, you need to choose a softer buff.