How to file and buff your nails in 9 easy steps:

Step 1: Push your cuticles back.

If you have a cuticle pusher, use that. Otherwise, use an orange stick or a wooden stick wrapped in a cotton pad to push back your cuticles. Be careful not to cut the cuticle tissue.

Step 2: Clip your nails to the shape you want them to be.

Make sure they’re all even and clipped at a length you desire.

Step 3: Use a 180-grit nail file to smooth out any rough edges.

You want to start with a coarser file, like this one, so you can get rid of any big pieces that need to be filed down. Once you’ve done that, move on to the next step.

Step 4: Use a 240-grit nail file to smooth out any remaining rough edges from the previous step and shape your nails further if needed.

Next, move on to an even finer file—like this one—to really make sure your edges are smooth and you get the shape you want for your nails.

Step 5: Use a buffer block on your nails if desired.

A buffer block is going to help smooth out all the

Step 1: File your nails.

To file your nails, start by using a coarse-grit file to remove any excess length or shape your nails how you want them. Then, gently buff your nails with a medium-grit buffer.

Step 2: Apply cuticle oil.

Apply cuticle oil to each nail, then soak your hands in warm water for 5 minutes to soften the dead skin around your nails.

Step 3: Push back your cuticles.

Once you’ve soaked your hands, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back any dead skin around the base of the nail. Then, rub cuticle oil over each nail again and let it sit while you move on to the next step.

Step 4: Buff any ridges or imperfections in the nail bed.

Use a fine-grit buffer to lightly buff any ridges out of the nail bed, taking care not to buff too hard so that you don’t damage the glossy shine of your nails. You can also use this buffer to make sure that all of the dead skin has been removed from around the base of each nail.

Step 5: Use a stronger buffer if needed.

If you have more obvious ridges in your nails,

1. File your nails in one direction only.

2. Use the file to shape your nail edges and create a smooth surface.

3. Use a buffer block to even out your nail bed and buff it for a shiny look.

4. Buffing should be done along the outer edges of your nails with gentle pressure.

5. Clean off any dust from buffing by using polish remover or rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.

1. Before you begin, make sure that your nails are clean.

2. Using a nail file, shape each nail by starting at the corner and filing in one direction only—this will prevent breakage.

3. File until the edges are smooth and even, then repeat on the other hand.

4. To buff your nails, use a four-way buffer or a three-way buffer.

5. Using the roughest side of the buffer first, rub each nail in one direction only to smooth out its surface and remove any ridges.

6. Repeat this step on all your nails.

7. Next, use the medium-grain side of the buffer to give your nails a glossy sheen and an even finish. Rub in one direction only until you’re satisfied with the results; again, be careful not to overdo it!

8. Finally, apply a light layer of clear nail polish or moisturizer to strengthen your nails and keep them looking shiny and healthy (even if they’re not).

9. Sit back and admire your handiwork!

File nails in one direction and keep your file clean and sanitized.

1. Start by filing your nails in one direction.

2. Flip the file to the other side and start filing from the outside edge and move inward toward the center of the nail using the same motion and pressure.

3. Be sure to not apply too much pressure which can cause split ends or weaken your nail.

4. Use a buffer to gently buff your nails. This will create a smooth surface for polish application.

5. Starting with one side of the buffer, gently buff all sides of your nails, being careful not to over buff or you risk weakening your nails.

1.Prepare the Nail

Begin by pushing your cuticles back and removing excess skin from around your nail bed. You can do this with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick. If you don’t have one of those tools, use a nail file to gently push back your cuticles and lightly file away any skin that is hanging off of the sides of your nails.

2.Shape Your Nails

After your cuticles are pushed back and trimmed, it’s time to shape your nails. To do this, use a regular nail file and hold it at a 45 degree angle toward the center of your nail. File in one direction across the top of your nails until they’re all the same length (avoid filing up and down as this weakens the nail). There are many different ways to shape your nails, so pick what works best for you. Some common shapes include square, oval, squoval (square with rounded edges), almond, coffin (also called ballerina), and stiletto. For more information on these shapes, check out our previous blog post: The Right Way to Shape Your Nails (and How It Can Make Your Hands Look Younger).

3.Buff Your Nails

Once you’ve shaped your nails

1. Choose a file that works for your nails and then remove the sharp edges of your nail.

2. It’s tempting to round out the corners, but don’t do it! Instead, square off the tip.

3. Now that you have squarish nails, it’s time to buff them. Start with a coarse buffer, then move on to a finer one.

4. Use a glass file to smooth out any imperfections in the surface of your nails — we’re talking about ridges and other texture, not shape here!

5. Buff again with a fine buffer to make sure everything is perfectly smooth and even.

6. Next you’ll want to take a cuticle pusher (or orange stick), dip it in cuticle oil, and carefully push back your cuticles. This can be messy — just be careful not to push too hard or you’ll hurt yourself!

7. Once you’ve pushed back all of your cuticles and cleaned up any excess oil from around them using acetone-based polish remover or rubbing alcohol (whichever is handy), use an extra-fine buffer to give your nails a glossy finish.