Nail files and buffing blocks
When you enter a nail product store, you'll be surprised to see a large quantity of different nail files, sanding blocks, and buffing blocks. But what are they all for? Do you need all of them? Find the answer below!
Nail files
You are probably used to cardboard or metal nail files and have never paid attention to the grit type of your file. In the professional world, you will find nail files with grit ranging from 80 to 240, and even dual-grit files.
80-grit nail file
80-grit is a very coarse grit. It is mainly used for filing resin, gel, or acrylic nail enhancements. It is used to file the surface of the nail to remove false nails or to file off excess enhancement. Do not try to file the natural nail contour with this coarse grit. Excessive filing with this grit, even on an enhancement, can damage your nails.
100-grit nail file
100-grit is also very coarse, but slightly less so than 80-grit. It is also used to file enhancements during application to make them smooth and perfect the nail shape.
180-grit nail file
This grit is moderately coarse. It can be used to file toenails and to make your enhancement more transparent. You can also use it to file the contour of your natural nails if they are thick, but it is generally recommended to use 240-grit for natural nails.
240-grit nail file
240-grit is the finest grit. Ideal for filing the contour of your natural nails and for filing the top of the nail as a finishing touch for an enhancement. This last filing step will make your enhancement more transparent and remove any marks left by filing with coarser grits.
Sanding blocks
There are several types of grit, just like for nail files, ranging from 80 to 220. They can replace files. Sanding blocks are softer than files, allowing easier access into grooves without injury. The most commonly used blocks are white and yellow blocks for preparing the nail before an enhancement. If you have natural nails and do not plan to apply a resin, acrylic, or UV gel enhancement, you do not need to use the white or yellow blocks.
The white block
Its grit is moderately coarse, and it is used in nail preparation for an enhancement. It helps to remove all the shine from the nail and any minor imperfections.
The yellow block
Its grit is softer (220), and it is used as the second step in nail preparation. It helps to remove filing marks from other files and blocks.
The buffing block or buffing file
This buffing block, as its name suggests, will buff your nail and make it shiny. It is the ideal tool when you want to keep your natural nails without nail polish or enhancements. Your nails will have a shiny finish and a naturally beautiful appearance. The shape, block or file, depends on your preferences. Often these blocks have several different sides for multi-stage buffing.
