What is the purpose of buffing the nails?

Buffing the nails serves the primary purpose of smoothing the nail surface and enhancing its natural shine. When nails are buffed, any ridges or imperfections are polished away, resulting in a smooth texture. The buffing process often involves a buffer or a fine-grit file that gently abrades the top layer of the nail, improving its appearance and giving it a healthy, glossy finish. This not only makes the nails look more polished but also prepares them for better polish application, should that be the desired next step.

While strengthening the nails or removing dead skin are important aspects of nail care, they are not the primary focus of the buffing process. Strengthening typically requires specific treatments or products designed for that purpose, and dead skin removal is generally addressed through filing or cuticle care techniques. Thus, the correct understanding centers on the aesthetic benefits of buffing, which is to smooth and enhance the shine of the nails.