Nail Files & Buffers

Get your nails in shape with files and buffers

A flawless Gel Polish application starts with the right nail preparation. Here you’ll find a selection of nail files and buffers that help you shape, prep, and finish your nails when working with Gel Polish, Builder Gel, or Polygel.

Whether you need to shorten your nails, remove gel products, or achieve a smooth surface, you’ll find a file or buffer to suit your needs.

Understanding grit on your nail file

The grit number on a nail file tells you how coarse or fine the file is. A lower grit number means a coarser file, while a higher number indicates a finer file. Choosing the right grit is important for protecting the natural nail and achieving a great result with your gel products.

Which grit nail file should you use for gel nails?

When working with gel products, it’s important to choose the right grit for the task:

• 100/180 grit: This coarse file is ideal for shaping and shortening artificial nails, such as Nail Tips, Polygel, or Builder Gel. It can also be used to gently file down the top layer of Gel Polish or Builder Gel during removal. Always be careful not to file into the natural nail.
• 180/220 grit: This medium-coarse file is great for shaping the natural nail and lightly roughening the surface before applying Base Coat. It is also suitable for filing down Gel Polish if you need a less aggressive file.
• 400/600 grit: A very fine file, often called a polishing file. It is used to smooth and polish the surface of natural nails or artificial nails.

Nail file and buffer: Know the difference

Although both nail files and buffers are used when working on the nails, they have different functions. Knowing the difference helps you achieve the desired result.

What is the difference between a nail file and a buffer?

A nail file is primarily used to shape and shorten the nails. It has a more abrasive surface (grit) and is designed to remove material efficiently. You use a nail file when you want to change the nail’s length or overall shape.

A buffer has a finer grit and is used to even out the nail surface and create a matte finish. It does not remove large amounts of material, but creates a smooth, even base that Gel Polish or other gel products can adhere to more effectively. A buffer helps your gel products last longer.

Choose the right shape for your nail file

Nail files come in different shapes, and your choice can make a difference to how easy it is to work with your nails, especially when shaping gel products. Try them out to find your favourite:

• Straight nail file: The classic straight file is versatile and great for general shaping of both natural nails and gel nails. It is easy to control and effective for creating straight edges.
• Banana nail file: With its curved shape, the Banana file is ideal for filing along the cuticles and sidewalls without catching the skin. It is especially good for creating a round or oval shape on your gel nails.
• Mini nail file: The small, compact Mini nail files are ideal for precision work and for taking with you on the go. They are practical for minor adjustments and for reaching hard-to-access areas.

Replace your files and buffers regularly

Your nail files and buffers are tools that wear out over time, so it is important to replace them regularly to ensure both efficiency and good hygiene. Old, worn files lose their grit and become less effective, which can make the process more difficult and lead to a less even result.

How often should you replace your nail file?

How often you should replace your nail file depends on how often you use it. As a general rule, you should replace your file:

• When it feels smooth and no longer files effectively.
• If it has become dirty or clogged with product residue that cannot be cleaned off.
• Regularly for hygienic reasons, especially if you share equipment. Consider buying files in 10-packs, so you always have clean, sharp files on hand.