To buff or not to buff…that is the question?!?!?!?
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Here at Dipology our #1 focus is nail health and we aim to provide you with the most accurate information because ultimately the decision to buff or not buff is up to you. Our stance though is that if nail health and growing out/strengthening your natural nails are your end goal we don’t recommend it because it’s not necessary for your manicure to last 2+ weeks and it can be counterproductive to your nail goals💅💅🏻💅🏼💅🏽💅🏾💅🏿.
Buffing your nails can have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on how it's done and the condition of your nails.
Buffing your nails can lead to:
Thinning the nail: Excessive buffing or using a coarse buffer can remove layers of the nail's surface, making them thinner and more susceptible to damage. Over time, this can weaken the nails and lead to brittleness.
Nail damage: Buffing can potentially cause small cracks or splits in the nails, especially if done too aggressively. These fissures can serve as entry points for bacteria or fungi, leading to nail infections or weak areas that can turn into breaks or splits in the future as the nail grows to the free edge.
Loss of natural oils: The natural oils in your nails help keep them hydrated and healthy. Buffing can strip away these oils, leaving your nails dry, brittle, and prone to peeling. We promote dehydration over buffing.
Despite these potential drawbacks, nail buffing can be done safely in moderation and can have benefits like smoothing the nail's surface & improving adhesion (who wants the same nails for more than 2 weeks anyway 😂).
If you choose to buff your nails, here are some tips to minimize the risks:
Use a fine-grit buffer (240 grit or finer - the higher the number the finer the grit) to gently smooth the nail's surface
Buff in one direction and avoid excessive back-and-forth motion
Limit buffing to once every few weeks
Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly to maintain their natural oils
Clean and disinfect your buffing tools before each use
