Smooth, shiny nails have become a beauty trend, and buffing seems like an easy shortcut to achieve that glossy, salon-finished look. It's cheap, fast, and no polish is required. But hold on, over-buffing your nails can cause more damage than it does good. Occasional buffing is not a problem, but incorporating it as a standard feature in your nail care routine can cause considerable damage to your nails.
What Is Nail Buffing and Why Do People Do It?
Buffing means rubbing a fine-grit buffer on the surface of the nail to soften ridges, eliminate discolouration, and produce a natural shine. Most individuals opt for buffing to achieve that polished, healthy look without polish on their nails. Some even think it makes products stick better. Technically, this is true to some degree, but the issue is how frequently and hard you buff.
Also Read: Did You Know Rice Water is Good For Your Nails Too? Here Are 7 Ways It Promotes Stronger Nails
Why Over-Buffing Can Be Harmful
Your nails consist of keratin, the same as your hair, and they both possess several layers of protection. If you buff too much, you gradually chip away these layers, causing weakening of the nails and rendering them more prone to breaking. Here's what occurs with too much buffing:
Thinning of the Nail Plate
The nail plate is the protective coating of your nail. Buffing too frequently wears away these layers, making your nails weak and more prone to split or peel.
Increased Sensitivity
Once the nail is thinned, even gentle pressure causes pain or sensitivity. Your nails become sensitive when doing simple daily activities.
Higher Risk of Infections
Over-buffing leaves the surface of the nail scratched up with micro-abrasions, making it simpler for bacteria or fungi to penetrate and cause infection.
Weaker Growth
Thin nails break easily, which stops normal growth and results in progressively shorter, uneven nails. It is advised to engage in nail buffing no more than every 3–4 weeks, and only if needed. According to a 2017 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology study, excessive nail grooming behaviors, such as repeated buffing, greatly raise the chances of developing nail dystrophies, including onychoschizia (splitting) and surface irregularities.
Signs You’re Buffing Your Nails Too Much
- Your nails feel paper-thin or bend easily.
- You notice peeling or cracking at the tips.
- There’s a persistent sensitivity on the nail surface.
- Your nails lose their natural pink tone and look dull.
If you spot these signs, stop buffing immediately and allow your nails to recover.
Also Read: Why Your Fingernails Peel More In Humid Weather And How To Strengthen Them
Healthier Alternatives to Frequent Buffing
- Apply a Ridge-Filling Base Coat: Instead of filing down the ridges, use a ridge-filling polish to create a smooth surface.
- Moisturise Your Nails: Dry nails look dull. Applying cuticle oil or nail cream regularly helps maintain a healthy shine.
- Gentle Buffing Only When Needed: If buffing is unavoidable, a high-grit buffer must be used and restricted to light strokes once a month.
- Adopt a Nutritious Diet: A diet high in protein, biotin, and omega-3s naturally strengthens nails.
Bottomline
Buffing your nails once in a while isn’t harmful, but turning it into a regular habit will erode your nails' natural defenses and expose them to harm. If you can't resist the shine, choose gentler alternatives, such as ridge fillers or moisturising oils. Keep in mind that healthy nails don't require regular buffing and filing, healthy nails require care, moisture, and patience.