Shining your nails will give you a beautiful, healthy shine. Start by filing your nails into the desired shape. If so, use a multi-sided buffer to buff, polish, and lighten your nails.
Step
Part 1 of 2: File Nails
Step 1. Clean the used nail polish
Nails must be clean and free of nail polish before they can be filed. Dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover. Rub on each nail until all the polish is clean. You may need to wipe again with a clean cotton swab to remove any remaining nail polish around your nails and skin.
Dip the cotton swab back into the cleaner as many times as needed
Step 2. Shorten the nails
If you're starting with a nail that goes past your fingertips, trim it off before filing. This will make it easier to sharpen your nails. Use a nail clipper to trim your nails.
Don't worry if clipping your nails creates sharp corners. You can later smooth it out with a file
Step 3. Place the nail file in the corner of your nail
Slide the file from the corner of the nail to the center of the nail in a unidirectional motion. After that, lift and return the nail file at the corner of the nail, then repeat the previous movement. Do this on both sides of the nail until you get the desired nail shape.
- Try not to file your nails in an alternating motion.
- After filing your nails, there may still be some roughness at the tips of your nails. If you have one, place a file under the tip and use flicking motions to remove the nail file and create a smoother edge.
Step 4. File the nails into an oval shape
Hold the file at a slight angle at the corner of your nail. Slide the file from one corner of the nail to the center of the nail and smooth out the shape. Repeat on the other corner of the nail until you get the shape you want. Apply this process to all your fingernails.
Oval-shaped nails are great for people with short fingers and/or broad nails
Step 5. File the nails into a square shape
Hold the file perpendicular to the nail. Gently slide the file straight along the edge of the nail. Lift and return the file to the starting point and repeat the process until the edges of the nails form a straight line. Smooth the edges of the nails with a light scrub. Apply this process on each fingernail.
Square nails look great on people with long fingers and broad nails
Step 6. File in a round shape
Place the nail file perpendicular to the nail. After that, slightly tilt your nail file. Follow the curve of your nail and slide the file from one corner of the nail to the other in one direction. Lift and return the nail file back to the starting angle. Continue this process until you get the shape you want and repeat on each nail.
- Round nails are easier to care for. So, this model is suitable for people who use their hands a lot for work and those who have to keep their nails short.
- This model is also great for people with long fingers or big hands.
Part 2 of 2: Shine, Polish and Brighten Nails
Step 1. Use the large rough side of the buffer to polish your nails
Hold the buffer parallel to the nail. Place the large rough side of the buffer on your nail. Rub in one direction to polish the nails in an X shape. Make sure you do it gently. A nail polish will help smooth out any bumps or streaks on your nails.
- It's a good idea to scrub only 6-8 times because you can damage your nails if you overdo it.
- Repeat this process for each nail.
Step 2. Use the finer side of the buffer to polish the nails
Hold the buffer parallel to the nail. Place the softer side of the buffer on your nail. As with the polishing process, rub in a circular motion to polish your nails. Polish the nails in an X shape to smooth them out. This process helps to lighten the nails after glossing.
- It's best to scrub only 4-6 times so you don't damage your nails.
- Repeat this process for each nail.
Step 3. Use the softest side of the buffer to lighten the nails
Place the smooth side of the buffer on the nail. Move the buffer in a circular direction with light pressure. Keep scrubbing in circular motions until the nails look shiny, about 4-5 strokes. Brightening your nails will add extra shine without having to use nail polish.
Repeat this process for each nail
Step 4. Use cuticle oil
To give your nails extra shine and moisture, apply cuticle oil after you've finished glossing your nails. Apply the oil on the skin that is in contact with each nail. Once done, massage the oil into your cuticles using your fingers.
Step 5. Apply fresh nail polish so that your nails stand out
If you've recently used cuticle oil, remove any excess oil from your nails. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub it over your nails to remove any excess oil. Apply clear nail polish on each nail and allow it to dry completely. After that, apply two coats of nail polish of your choice of color.
- Since the remaining cuticle oil is no longer on the nails, the nail polish will stick better.
- Make sure the first coat is completely dry before adding the second coat.
Tips
- Use buffer blocks that have labels on each side, in the order in which they are used. You can buy it at a pharmacy or beauty store.
- Some buffers have a nail filing side. If you don't have one, use a regular nail file to smooth your nails.
