11 Best Nail Buffers For Healthy And Shiny Nails – 2024 Update
Make friends with nail buffers to get manicure-perfect nails whenever, wherever!
Barbara Ritzman is a beauty and skin care specialist and the founder of Barbie's Beauty Bits. With over 16 years of hands-on experience as a beauty editor, she has collaborated with a multitude of makeup, skin care, and cosmetic brands. Barbara’s expertise has been showcased on major media platforms like ABC, NBC, Vogue, Entrepreneur, Roku, and Allure.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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Your nails require extra TLC. But we do not always get the time to visit the salon for a proper manicure. However, the best nail buffer for shiny nails ensures proper growth and health. Buffing your natural nails is very much like trimming split ends of your hair. It protects your nails against further peeling or breakage. Regular use of a good-quality nail buffer can help exfoliate the surface of your nails and keep them neat and clean. It promotes blood circulation and improves the texture of the nails.
Nail buffs create a perfect canvas to experiment with nail colors and art patterns. They also ensure an even application of nail polish. You can easily remove the stains and jagged edges with these nail buffs. They improve the growth of the nails by enhancing blood circulation. Nail shine buffers are available in various designs – a four-sided block design, two sides, and three-sided designs. The different levels of abrasion designed on each side of the nail care buffers allow you to exfoliate according to your requirements. They leave your nails with a beautiful and glossy shine.
Our article lists the 11 nail buffers that have the best reviews. Swipe up to check them out.
In This Article
11 Best Nail Buffers For Healthy And Shiny Nails
1. Best Lightweight:Maryton Nail Buffer
The Maryton Nail Buffer is ideal for both home mani/pedi prep and professional use and for DIY acrylic nails too. It effectively puffs and grinds your natural nails without hurting your skin. They can be used to shape uneven nails for a smooth UV gel and acrylic application and also to get nail glue or gel off your nails with ease. The nail buffer for gel nails is super lightweight and measures 3.7 × 1.18 × 0.98 inches each. Durable and washable, this nail shine enhancer works great for buffing acrylic nails, powder dipped nails, and false nails.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Convenient to use
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Washable
- Value for money
- Sturdy
Cons
- Might cause irritation
"This nail buffer block is great for everyday use. I use it to maintain my fingernails and cuticles. It offers a smooth finish without creating any messes. Overall, it is gentle on my nails and does not make them coarse."
2. Best For Artificial Nails:Soft ‘N Style 4 Step Buffing Block
This four-step buffing block by Soft ‘N Style is made of professional quality material that is super durable. Each side of this high-quality nail buffer has a different level of abrasiveness – step one for filing, step two for removing ridges, step three for buffing, and step four to polish and shine. This nail buffing and shining tool has a medium course range of sanding and is ideal for both natural and artificial nails. This product has garnered a long list of positive reviews that vouch for its quick chipping properties that remove rough edges and smoothen the cuticles.
Pros
- Complete nail treatment
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Value for money
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
"This nail buffer works great on my yellowish nails. I use it to make my nails look polished. It gives my nails a healthy shine without making them appear messy. Now, my nails look better when I apply a colored polish or a clear one."
Pro Tip3. Best For Blood Circulation:Onsen Secret Japanese Nail Buffer
This professional nail buffer by Onsen Secret instantly strengthens and restores weak and damaged nails for immediate visible results. The nail buffer has three differently colored sides – gray to smooth and even out edges, green to stimulate growth, and white to shine and protect. It is designed with carefully chosen minerals from Japanese hot springs that provide healing benefits to your nails. The premium quality block improves blood circulation and leaves your nails healthy. With this salon-grade nail buffer, you get a shine that can last up to 10 days!
Pros
- Stimulates growth
- Replaceable pad strips
- No harsh chemicals
- Long-lasting
- Instant visible results
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Value for money
Cons
- Not very durable
"This nail buffer smooths out the ridges effortlessly. It leaves a great shine and makes my nails look healthier. They look as good as when I go for a professional manicure. I apply a clear coat to make my nails look refreshed."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 5,819 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Maryton Nail Buffer Best Lightweight | Soft ‘N Style 4 Step Buffing Block Best For Artificial Nails | Onsen Secret Japanese Nail Buffer Best For Blood Circulation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic | - | Mineral |
| Color | Black Purple 60/100 Grit | 1pcs | Green & White |
| Dimensions | - | 3.54"L x 1.34"W | 3.5 x 1.2 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 0.81 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 16,031 | 8,505 | 5,819 |
| Price | $6.99 | $3.99 | $19.95 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Durable:Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator Nail Buffer
The Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator Nail Buffer features 4 sides with different fabrics that will effortlessly cater to all your nail needs. From gently buffing nails and smoothing the nail bed to providing shine, it can give your nails a complete makeover. Whether you are a beauty enthusiast or someone who simply likes to maintain their nails to perfection, this product is what will make the game easier for you.
Pros
- Complete nail treatment
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Unisex
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not rough enough
5. Best For Multipurpose Use:Revlon Shape ‘N’ Buff Nail Buffer
The Revlon Shape ‘N’ Buffer has four abrasive sides – side one to even out, side two to smooth, side three to buff, and step four to induce shiny surface. This professional-grade nail buffer effectively makes the nail surface smoother and shapes and polishes your nails with ease. This nail buffing stick is also lightweight and sleek in design which makes it ideal for convenient storage and travel.
Pros
- Glossy finish
- Versatile nail buffer
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Lightweight
- Affordable option
Cons
- Very coarse for brittle nails
"This nail file files, smooths, and buffs my nails. It gives me a salon-fresh finish. It offers a professional manicure and makes my nails appear elegant. I also maintain my buffed nails by trimming them every weekend and soaking them in warm olive oil."
6. Best For Glossy Nail Finish:Orly Nail Buffer
The Orly Nail Buffer is a professional-grade nail tool designed to give you smooth and shiny nails. It imparts a high-gloss finish to your nails. It is easy to use with minimal effort and durable. It is perfect for use at home or in a professional setting. Plus, the buffer is compact and portable.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Smooth finish
- Gentle
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This nail file is great for gentle manicuring. It does not scratch my fingers or make them look dull. It gives them a healthy shine without any messes. I like how it fine-tunes my nails and refreshes them instantly."
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 4.7 ratings from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
7. Best For Shine:Tropical Shine Mini 4-Way Nail Buffer
The Tropical Shine Mini 4-Way Nail Buffer comes in a set of 2 that has four-sided buffers. Each of the side is color-coded and of a different abrasive nature – blue to file the nail edge, pink to remove ridges, white to smoothen the surface, and grey to induce a glossy shine. It also has a cuticle protection edge to ensure safety. Reviewers’ experiences with using this nail buffer claim that it lasts through multiple uses and works well in grooming the nails.
Pros
- Washable
- Can be disinfected
- Value for money
- Easy to use
- Compact in size
Cons
- Not durable
"This nail buffer is such a multitasker. It simplifies my manicure process. It works well for filing, smoothening, and adding shine to my nails. It is a great tool to have for touch-ups between salon visits."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 2,231 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
8. Best Long-Lasting:Super Nail Chamois Buffer
The Super Nail Chamois Buffer is created with high-quality materials that promise desired results and durability. It features a tortoiseshell handle that allows for a good grip. The buffer is made of chamois skin that is gentle on the nails yet effectively blurs lines and removes stains. For gorgeous salon-like nails, this product can be a great addition to your nail kit.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Washable
- Easy to use
- Convenient
- Offers salon-quality results
- Suitable for fragile nails
Cons
- May not provide enough shine
"This nail buffer gives my nails a natural shine. I like how durable it is. It buffs the nails without hurting the delicate skin around my nails. It makes my nails look extremely healthy."
9. Best Value For Money:Farxon Nail Buffer Block Set
The Farxon Nail Buffer Block Set comes in a pack of 10. It has three working sides with 60 grit count to scrape off stains and smoothen your nails for a flawless finish. It is lightweight and ergonomically designed to easily and effectively shape and polish your beautiful nails. These buffers are ideal to use with acrylic nails, dip powder nails, and poly gel nails. They are made with soft EVA foam that does not hurt your skin. It is also super soft and bendable which makes it easy to hold and use.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- User-friendly
- Ergonomically designed
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to use
- Can be used on artificial nails
Cons
- Not durable
"This nail buffer set is gentle on my nails and the delicate skin around them. It smooths out my nails and gives them a healthy shine. I like how it makes my nails appear prim and proper. Moreover, the products inside the kit are easy to use and do not create any messy situations."
Quick tip10. Best Portable:Tacci Belle Super Shine Buffer
The Tweezerman Neon 4-in- File is perfect for anyone looking for a handy and travel-friendly buffer. The block consists of 4 sides that are labeled and color-coded so you don’t have to keep guessing which side solves what purpose. It is super convenient to use and easy to clean post-using. Whether you wish to simply file your nails, buff, smooth, or add a subtle shine, this versatile buffer easily gets the job done.
Pros
- Color-coded
- Easy to use
- Travel-friendly
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not rough enough
"This nail buffer block is great for everyday use. I use it to maintain my fingernails and cuticles. It offers a smooth finish without creating any messes. Overall, it is gentle on my nails and does not make them coarse."
11. Best For Artificial Nails:Teenitor Nail File Buffer
The Teenitor Nail File Buffer comes in a set of 6 that instantly transform your nails from dull and brittle to well-shaped and neat. All six buffers are clearly labeled to help you find the right one for the job and follow the right steps of filing, buffing, and polishing. The set can help you achieve perfectly manicured nails from the comfort of your home, significantly minimizing the number of salon trips. This one is quite a favorite among reviewers who absolutely love its premium quality construction and easy-to-use functioning that works wonders in gel polish removal as well!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Suitable for false nails
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Not durable
"My new nail buffer is great for my weak nails. I love how it has made them shinier and healthier. It is simple to use and does not make my nails look coarse or scratched. I use it every weekend for gentle buffing and no complaints so far!"
Nail buffers polish the nails neatly and help you achieve beautiful results for nail art. They can also help you remove a thin layer of the nail surface to make it polished and shiny. However, consider the following factors when purchasing a nail buffer to get hold of the right product. Scroll down to know more.
Things To Consider Before Buying Nail Buffers For Healthy And Shiny Nails
- Grit Size: The grit size is the particle size we find in nail buffers. Most nail buffers come in varying grit sizes – from coarse to ultra-fine. Your choice of grit size should depend on the purpose of use. For instance, if you’re looking for a manicured look, opt for an ultra-fine nail buffer. These types of nail buffers impart your nails a smooth finish without any scratches or roughness. On the other hand, lower grits are coarser and ideal for shaping and removing ridges, while higher grits are finer and perfect for smoothing and shining. The best nail buffer is one with a medium grit size of 180 to 240 that helps achieve perfect manicure. It’s recommended to avoid nail buffers with grit sizes above 240.
- Quality: Ensure that you purchase a nail buffer of good quality that’s tested beforehand for effective future use. Each side should have a different abrasiveness for filing, removing ridges, buffing, and polishing. You can go for nail buffers with EVA foam, creating a perfect canvas for applying nail polish and suitable for sensitive nails.
- Ergonomic Design: Nail buffers should be lightweight and ergonomically designed to easily shape and polish your nails. Choose lightweight nail buffers that can be carried easily in your bag. Also, go for a nail buffer that is durable enough to serve you for years and is easy to clean.
- Multipurpose Usage: Opt for a multipurpose nail buffer for different kinds of nails like acrylic nails, powder-dipped nails, and false nails. This saves your money since you do not have to purchase different nail buffers for each type.
Infographic: 4 Tips On How To Choose The Best Nail Buffers
Your nails are like hand accessories. Without proper care and grooming, they can steal all the beauty from your hands. So, you can invest in nail buffers to give your nails a clean finish and gripping texture to hold on to your manicure right. Check out the infographic below to find out how to choose the best ones for your nail care routine.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
In order to get flawless-looking smooth nails, buffing your nails every once in a while is recommended. The Maryton Nail Buffer is lightweight, durable, and user-friendly, while the Onsen Secret Japanese Nail Buffer is cruelty-free and chemical-free. For a compact, washable option, consider the Tropical Shine Mini 4-Way Nail Buffer. Get strong and shiny nails with the nail buffers from the list above. Make your purchase now! Additionally, it is best recommended to check some product reviews and invest in professional-grade products for the best results.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care coach who knows that if you don’t take care of your nails, it could lead to nail and skin issues. She recommends using the above-listed buffers to keep your nails polished and healthy. She extensively researched each of these products, their benefits, and reviews on multiple forums to curate this list. There are many benefits that the listed nail buffers offer, such as they are easy to clean, durable, lightweight, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you buff your nails?
Buffing should be done gently and not more than once a month. Too much buffing can cause friction and build-up heat that can weaken your nails.
What is the difference between a nail file and a nail buffer?
While nail buffers are great for cleaning the surface of your nails and cuticles, nail files help polish down long or broken nails.
How can I naturally buff my nails?
Soak your nails in warm water and a few drops of olive oil. After a while, gently massage your cuticles and nails with warm olive oil. Follow the procedure every day to achieve shiny nails.
Can you smooth your lips with a nail buffer?
No, you cannot use a nail buffer to smooth your lips.
Does buffing weaken the nails?
No. But too often or forcefully buffing can weaken the nails.
How long do nail buffers last?
A nail buffer made of premium-quality material can be used roughly 20 times before being replaced.
Can I use a nail file as a buffer?
No, a nail file cannot be used as a buffer.
Read full bio of Barbara Ritzman
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