Your Natural Nails—Only Better

Is the buff mani-pedi for you? Get tips on pretty, pampered and ‘polished’ nails that don’t require a drop of primer, lacquer, topcoat or remover.

Published October 16, 2024

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For many sisters, getting a fresh mani-pedi is essential to their maintenance and self-care routines. Not only can it make you look and feel more polished, but it can make for an overall relaxing experience—allowing for some much-needed “me time.”

While we can appreciate the extravagant embellishments of acrylic nails and press-ons as well as the durability of a gel manicure, some of us want to be “polished” without the fuss. In other words, some sisters don’t get the urge to splurge on a weekly spa visit. And removing acrylic nails and gel polish with acetone can make aging nails drier and weaker. But there could be other reasons you can’t commit to a regular mani-pedi: Bending down to remove polish from your toes may not be as easy as it used to be. Perhaps your nail bed needs to be exposed to apply topical fungal treatments. You might be into gardening and keeping a manicure isn’t practical. Or maybe you’re simply not a “polish girl.”

If you’re looking for a pretty way to go polish free, consider trying the buff manicure. Low maintenance, quick and easy, this method uses a buffer to polish and groom your nails. “With this technique, your nails are going to give a natural yet shiny finish, minus the trip to a nail technician,” says Stanley Nolan, Ogle School cosmetologist and beauty educator based in Houston.

Buffing benefits

As Nolan points out, buff manicures are not only time and cost effective, but they can help strengthen weak, brittle nails and can reduce discoloration, uneven surfaces and stains. This is especially important considering that aging nails need all the nurturing they can get. “Buffing also stimulates blood circulation to the nail bed, promoting a healthier and more youthful nail appearance,” Nolan says. “Itʼs a simple and effective way to keep nails looking their best with minimal effort.”

Additionally, it’s not uncommon to develop vertical nail ridges after 40. Luckily, buffing can help smooth them out. And you definitely won’t be short on shine, as the buffing technique is known for giving the nails a mirror finish.

Treat yourself to a spa visit…

Polish may not be your preference, but you can still luxuriate in a spa session every now and then. So, if you’re in the mood to be pampered, you can certainly get a buff mani-pedi done professionally while enjoying some of the perks, such as a good hand and foot massage. Good to know: If you don’t see “buff manicure” on the spa menu, ask for a “men’s manicure” or the most basic option and skip the polish.

...Or do it at home

If you don’t mind a little DIY in your beauty routine, Nolan says you can easily do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. She suggests using a four-sided buffer, a tool that includes four different surfaces, typically for filing, buffing, polishing and shining. Using the buffing side, gently swipe the tool back and forth across your nails. “Aim for about two to three passes per nail with minimal pressure.” Nolan also suggests buffing your nails only once a month, as overdoing it can damage your nail bed.

You can also use a chamois buffer, which is made from leather. Using this tool with a small amount of buffing cream can help moisturize your nails and protect them from damage by preventing excess friction. Since chamois buffers can be less abrasive than regular buffers, you might consider this option if you have weaker nails.Just remember that moderation is key.

Three four-sided buffers to try: Soft ’N Style 4 Way Shiny Block (Amazon, $3.99), Tropical Shine 4-Way Large Nail Buffer (SallyBeauty.com, $5.69) and Trim Nail Care 4-Step Color-Coded Buffing Block (Target, $1.99)

Prices are subject to change.

How do you like to care for your nails? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Anissa Gabbara is a Michigan-based freelance writer who enjoys the beauty, health, lifestyle, and pop culture space. In addition to Sisters, she has contributed to Sesi magazine, and Maple City Our Town. She is also an experienced PR and marketing professional.