Nail buffing is the act of "polishing" the nail using buffers of successively finer grit in order to make it look more consistent and shiny .

• The Emery board nail file should not be used to buff the surface of the nails. They are meant only to shape them from the side.
• The medium grit can be used to erase ridges and surface irregularities. This can be done before applying nail polish or as a first step before finer buffing.
• The fine-grained buff is used to smooth the nail to a matte surface.
• The finest, finishing grit gives the nails a glossy shine.

Traditionally, a buffing cream and chamois skin has been used. Modern instruments are much more efficient. Similar in appearance to a large plastic eraser, with different sides for different coarseness. As buffing is gentle surface abrasion, it should not be performed too strongly or too often as this may result in thinning of the nail.

In manicure, nail buffing is an alternative to chemical nail polish which may be more socially comfortable for men.