Understanding the different grits used for manicures is key to achieving flawless nail finishes. From ultra-fine buffers to coarse shapers, each grit serves a unique purpose in creating stunning nails that clients will love. But what exactly does 'grit' mean, and how does it impact your manicuring process? Let's file down to the basics and explore the different grits you should know!
4000 Grit: The Glass-Like Shine
Use: Ultra-fine buffing for creating an intense, glass-like shine on natural nails. This is typically the final step in a manicure or pedicure, especially for clients who prefer a natural look without nail polish.
3000 Grit: Superfine Buffing
Use: Superfine buffing to smooth and shine the nail surface after previous buffing steps. Often used before the 4000 grit for a high-gloss finish.
2400 Grit: Fine Polishing
Use: Fine polishing to smooth the nail surface and prepare it for the final shine. This grit is gentle enough for natural nails and is often used in the final stages of buffing.
2000 Grit: Smoothing Out Imperfections
Use: Fine buffing to remove minor ridges and create a smooth surface. It's also used as a pre-polish step to enhance the shine of the nails.
1500 Grit: Pre-Polish Smoothing
Use: Buffing to smooth the surface and eliminate any small imperfections on the nail plate. It can also be used to enhance the shine before moving to higher grits.
1000 Grit: Preparing for Finer Buffing
Use: Smoothing out the surface after shaping the nails with a lower grit. It helps in preparing the nails for finer buffing or polishing.
800 Grit: Refining the Surface
Use: Smoothing and refining the nail surface. This grit is often used before final buffing or for removing fine scratches after shaping the nails.
600 Grit: Intermediate Buffing
Use: Buffing to remove minor scratches and even out the nail surface. It's gentle enough for natural nails and is often used in the intermediate stages of a manicure or pedicure.
400 Grit: Light Smoothing
Use: Light smoothing and buffing of the nail surface. Ideal for preparing the nails for a higher grit buff or for lightly removing surface imperfections.
320 Grit: Fine Shaping
Use: Fine shaping and smoothing of the nail edges. It can also be used to prepare the nail surface for buffing or gel polish application.
240 Grit: Refining Shape
Use: Shaping the edges of natural nails and gently smoothing the surface. It's often used for refining the shape of the nail after using coarser grits.
180 Grit: Prepping for Enhancements
Use: Shaping natural nails and smoothing the surface of acrylic or gel nails. It's effective for prepping the nail before applying enhancements or polish.
150 Grit: Shaping Acrylics
Use: Shaping and refining the edges of artificial nails, such as acrylics or gels. It's too harsh for natural nails but useful for reducing thickness in enhancements.
120 Grit: Coarse Shaping
Use: Coarse shaping of acrylic or gel nails. It's used to remove bulk and create the desired shape in artificial nails.
100 Grit: Aggressive Shaping
Use: Aggressive shaping and thinning of acrylic or gel nails. It's often used in the initial shaping stages and is not recommended for natural nails.
80 Grit: Heavy-Duty Shaping
Use: Very coarse filing for heavy-duty shaping and removal of length from acrylic or gel nails. It's typically used in the early stages of nail enhancement applications.
In manicures and pedicures, starting with coarser grits (such as 80-180) is common for shaping and reducing the bulk of artificial nails, while finer grits (240 and above) are used for refining, smoothing, and polishing. The finer the grit, the less abrasive the file or buffer, making it suitable for delicate work, especially on natural nails. Choosing the right grit for the job ensures a smooth finish and beautiful results, whether your clients are looking for bold artificial nails or a natural, polished look.