How to Have Shiny Nails Without Using Nail Polish

Last Updated: June 3, 2022

Everyone wants to have shiny nails—but how are you supposed to get them without applying a ton of different polishes? We've got your back. Keep reading for a quick and easy tutorial that'll get your nails looking naturally buffed and shiny in no time.

1

Cover each nail with cuticle oil.

Be sure to apply the oil in a thin layer.

2

File your nails with the coarse side of a buffer.

Smooth out ridges and other imperfections.

3

Buff your nails with the next coarsest side.

This helps smooth out the buffer marks.

4

Go over the nail quickly with a finer buffer.

Look for a little shine.

5

Buff the nail with the smoothest side of the buffer.

Your nails should appear to be very shiny.

6

Follow the same steps for the second hand.

All of your nails should look beautiful and shiny now.

Community Q&A

Question

Will olive oil work?

Community Answer

It will work, as it is very healthy for your cuticles, but cuticle oil is preferred. You can find it at nail care and polish stores and is very cheap.
Question

Can I use coconut oil to shine my nails?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

How can I buff my nails without a buffer pad?

Community Answer

You can use jeans or other rough cotton materials, but it will take longer to buff your nails this way.

Warnings

Cuticle oil can stain clothing.

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Buffing your nails too often will thin them, leading to splitting and other not so fun stuff.

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Things You'll Need

3 or 4 way mini buffer, available at many beauty supply stores or discount stores such as Walmart or Target.
- Recommended 3 way buffer: Tropical Shine brand
- Recommended 4 way buffer: Mambi or Dead Sea Spa
Cuticle oil
- Recommended brand: Sally Hansen or OPI