How to Buff Nails for a French Manicure

French manicures are a popular way to keep your nails polished for work and play. It looks classic, clean and stylish. It can be worn for an evening on the town or the next day's business meeting. Buffing correctly gets rid of ridges, and rough, uneven edges.

Instructions

1. Buy a buffer with your nail needs in mind. The more ridges your nail grows with, the grittier the buffer you'll need. You will still need a finer buffer to smooth down the nail to get it ready for your French manicure.

2. Wash, clean and dry your nails. The nails need to be clean on top and underneath. You don't want any grime under a beautiful French manicure.

3. Buff the nail with the fine, slightly gritty part of the filing sponge. This will remove or lessen the ridges of your nail, leaving a smooth surface when you paint them.

4. Start stroking the nail with the grittier side of the buffer block sideways over the nail to get rid of the ridges. Be sure to get the entire nail, from the cuticle to the end. Use gentle, soft strokes all over the nail to get a uniform finish.

5. Use the grittier side of the buffer block to file away rough edges you may have. This rough side is also the side you need to shape the nail. Finger and toe nails that are already shaped need only the soft side of the file or buffing block.

6. Rub the soft part of the buffer block around edge of the nail to achieve a nice sheen and a smooth surface. You can apply beeswax or buffing cream at this stage for added sheen.