With two convenient locations in Portsmouth, NH, Buff & File Nail Bar is dedicated to providing a modern mani-pedi experience, and the best nail care on the Seacoast. We've designed our nail bar to be a healthy, hygienic, fun, and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy the affordable luxury of a manicure and pedicure.
You'll find our color selection extensive, including brands such as Dazzle Dry, CND, OPI, and Ella + Mila. Our non-toxic polishes are formulated without the most harmful ingredients found in nail products: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Our gel manicures (OPI and Shellac brand gel) will keep your nails perfectly polished for up to two weeks.
You'll find our color selection extensive, including brands such as Dazzle Dry, CND, OPI, and Ella + Mila. Our non-toxic polishes are formulated without the most harmful ingredients found in nail products: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Our gel manicures (OPI and Shellac brand gel) will keep your nails perfectly polished for up to two weeks.
Services
Founded by co-owners Andree Connell and Alex Sirois, Buff & File opened in 2014 and has since grown to a team of 20+. Our nail bar offers a modern mani-pedi experience that strives to be the best nail care on the Seacoast. We offer non-toxic, vegan, and gel nail polish while stocking the widest possible range of colors.
Nail shaping, cleansing soak, cuticle care, sugar scrub exfoliation, hydrating massage, softening mask, and polish. Nail shaping, cuticle care, hydrating massage, and gel polish application. Includes NEXT soak off removal of the gel applied with this manicure, and chip repair within 10 days if needed.
Produces a similar effect to mascara; visibly darkens & thickens the appearance of lashes. Our results-oriented skin care philosophy is to deliver maximum benefit in minimum time. Buff + File's Flash Facials are designed to allow time-starved clientele to have a professional skin treatment without all the fuss.
We love a good party. From bridal parties to bachelorette parties, from birthdays of all ages to corporate groups, and from girls getaway weekends to moms-on-the-go mani dates, Buff + File will strike the perfect balance between celebration and relaxation for your group. We suggest that groups book appointments in advance to ensure that guests can be accommodated at one time.
Buff & File is looking for talented individuals who are passionate about nails, beauty, and customer service to join our team! We are a very busy natural nail salon. Come join a great team and make great money! New hires can expect to make $200+/day, full time employees regularly earn $1000+/week. With 2 locations in Portsmouth, our Downtown salon offers manicures, pedicures, facials, tinting and waxing.
Reviews (29)
Shannon Morrissette
Dec 12, 2021
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Buff + File was one of the best mani/pedi experiences I have ever had. The salon was clean and modern. The staff was friendly, and even though they were busy it was a relaxed atmosphere. Lucas, my nail tech, was meticulous. Amazing experience and highly recommend Buff + File to anyone in the Portsmouth area. It's worth driving to if you're from out of town!
Victoria F.
Oct 21, 2021
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Beth Ferreira
Oct 14, 2021
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Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality
Hands down the best gel manicure and pedicure I’ve received, not just in the area, but in all of the states we’ve lived in so far! Highly highly recommend!! I will only be going here to get my nails done :)
Services: Gel manicure, Pedicures
Hands down the best gel manicure and pedicure I’ve received, not just in the area, but in all of the states we’ve lived in so far! Highly highly recommend!! I will only be going here to get my nails done :)
Services: Gel manicure, Pedicures
Kelly R.
Aug 30, 2021
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Avoid this place like it's the next pandemic!!! I went to Buff and File after work with two of my coworkers one night. We all ended up disappointed. First of all, this place doesn't even do dip powder, and they also don't offer tips. I had grown out all my nails evenly, but one of them broke the day before. I didn't want to cut them all down just for that one nail so it ended up looking really weird because of the one short nail. What kind of nail salon doesn't offer tips?? My tech was very nice and made sure I was happy with the color. But one of my coworkers left with
Cindy E.
Jul 23, 2021
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The staff here is plain rude - the online booking system is a mess and will put the wrong date on your reservation. I was completely put off by the attitude of the woman checking people in when I arrived for the time I'd signed up for. I left wondering if I was just dumb, only to get a walk in at another salon and find out that the woman sitting next to me had the same problem!! I tried to give them another shot but again the people working the phones on the day of my appointment were so off putting that I just decided to have them charge my card to skip my appointment. I can't speak
Jenna Ranauro
Jul 22, 2021
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I visit Buff + File frequently and am always pleased with my experience. All the nails techs have clean workspaces and tools; I love that the salon does not smell like acetone or chemicals. The staff ALWAYS make me feel welcome and refer to me by name, which is a nice touch. This level of professionalism is what takes regular everyday customer service to CLIENT services. The prices they charge are comparable to other facilities in the area. Many colors and brands are offered in their nail polish selection. There is certainly something for everyone! If you haven't experienced Buff + File yet I suggest
Victoria B.
Jul 10, 2021
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This is my favorite nail salon in the area! It's a little more pricey and you should always make an appointment but the quality and staff is worth it! My only complaint is parking. If you're coming to the downtown location, then give yourself at least 15 minutes to navigate the parking situation. They have a second location that is much easier to get to and park in my opinion. They only do natural nails-no acrylic. They do gel- no dip. They have a ton of OPI which is my favorite. The best part- if you get the full manicure you get a free 10 day chip repair! This is a lifesaver in my opinion
Caby L.
Jun 24, 2021
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Do not recommend Had my nails done for my daughter's wedding. They lasted two days. When I got back from the four day weekend. I called booked an appointment for a repolish (Monday day 6 of original polish). They have a 10 day warranty for their product. I made an appointment for that Wednesday right after work. Which is day eight of my original manicure. When I arrived the girls were real rude and told me that they would only repair two of the four chipped nails beacuse they closed at seven and it was 6:30 PM. Why do they make a 630 appointment to repair warranty work when they close at
Gina P.
Jun 19, 2021
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I'm visiting Portsmouth and wanted to get my brows done. I was able to make a next day appointment with Charlene (I think that was her name). She was very friendly, explained everything she was doing, and checked in with me to make sure I liked her progress. My brows turned out great, the place was clean, and the price reasonable. I would recommend!
Patrick Sullivan
Apr 17, 2021
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Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Made an appointment for me and a buddy to get sport pedicures before our big game. My nail technician, Andie, was on time, professional and did an amazing job. My feet have never felt better. The salon was super clean and I will definitely be back.
Service:Â Pedicures
Made an appointment for me and a buddy to get sport pedicures before our big game. My nail technician, Andie, was on time, professional and did an amazing job. My feet have never felt better. The salon was super clean and I will definitely be back.
Service:Â Pedicures
Jordan Zywien
Mar 28, 2021
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Âœ¨If you're looking for the holy-grail of professional nail salons look no further!!✨
Everyone is friendly, professional, and committed to hygenic practices in their immaculately clean salon! We had the ✨BEST✨ manis&pedis by Lucas and Gabriel, who's care and attention is unmatched💕The hardest decision was choosing a color...the easiest decision was choosing Buff+File!! We cannot wait to try all of the treatments!💅
Everyone is friendly, professional, and committed to hygenic practices in their immaculately clean salon! We had the ✨BEST✨ manis&pedis by Lucas and Gabriel, who's care and attention is unmatched💕The hardest decision was choosing a color...the easiest decision was choosing Buff+File!! We cannot wait to try all of the treatments!💅
Jessica Kelley
Feb 13, 2021
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I have been in the industry since I was 18, now at 48 having been a nail tech, an instructor, a licensed colorist/ stylist, and demonstrator for multiple brands. So within 30 years of experiences I have been to a lot of places. Yesterday, I had one of the all time best experiences at a nail salon. Also I think that term is not efficient enough of a title. This is so
Much more than a salon. From its tasteful decor, welcoming staff, extensive yet not overwhelming polish selection, to its offering of services and it’s knowledgeable staff! Legit, this place is worth the visit! 2 locations in Portsmouth
Much more than a salon. From its tasteful decor, welcoming staff, extensive yet not overwhelming polish selection, to its offering of services and it’s knowledgeable staff! Legit, this place is worth the visit! 2 locations in Portsmouth
Allie Payne
Oct 27, 2020
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I’ve been going to Buff & File regularly for the past 2 years and have always had a great experience. The nail techs are always personable, welcoming and amazingly talented! I’ve treated myself to a few special manicures for my own wedding and a friend’s wedding and the nail art was just stunning. If you like statement nails, you’re in good hands - they listen to you and understand your vision so you go home happy (and then you can’t stop staring at your nails 😆). With covid presenting new challenges, the team at Buff & File practices proper precautions to keep their doors open. I
Blake Weldon
Oct 09, 2020
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Very pleasant experience. I got there and Tasha helped me immediately and did a very good job and she was also very friendly and conversational. I got there a little late because I had trouble finding the place, but they accommodated me. My phone also was constantly losing its charge, and they helped me by giving me an extra charger during my pedicure. Overall I recommend if you are looking to get your nails done.
Joanna Knapp Witchery
Sep 25, 2020
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Johnny K.
Sep 16, 2020
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Ella E.
Jun 26, 2020
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Jennifer C.
Mar 03, 2020
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Kelsey R.
Jan 03, 2020
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Cliff C.
Nov 24, 2019
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Micho P.
Sep 27, 2019
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I went to Buff & File with several members of my bridal party the day before my wedding. They took incredible care of us! The new space is gorgeous and very clean. Every technician we worked with was kind and engaging. I especially appreciated mine as I was incredibly indecisive on color. My gel mani and pedi lasted weeks and weeks. I can't recommend enough!
Lisa L.
Jun 17, 2019
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I love the location and the clean, modern evironment. Staff is friendly and seem capable. I've come twice: first time for a gel manicure; second time for a gel mani plus pedi. The first gel mani started peeling around the edges after 8 or 9 days. The second one peeled after only 7 days. The prices are a bit on the high side - my mani pedi totalled $100 - which I'd be fine to pay if I felt like I got a great quality product. I've been getting regular gel manicures (at another salon) for about 10 years and they regularly last 2 weeks, rarely peeling at all. I'd love this to
Kathryn S.
Feb 21, 2019
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Marie C.
Dec 19, 2018
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One of the best pedicures I had in 10 years. I was visiting for an overnight trip in Portsmouth and passed this place in my walk about around the town. I popped in to see the availability for a pedicure. The team there was welcoming and found a way to get me in. Service was excellent. I feel like I have new toes. Thank you.
Candace Lord
Dec 10, 2018
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I went in to have acrylic nails removed and they were awesome! They did it fast and then gave me a gel manicure with an extra layer of Polish just to make sure my nails stayed strong. I mentioned I was running an obstacle course race and they told me that if I got a chip within 10 days they would fix it regardless of what I was doing. I just finished a 14 mile Spartan beast at Mount Killington and I don't have one chip on my nails! I would highly recommend them!
Meghan G.
Aug 18, 2018
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Emily is lifesaver! Two days before my wedding, my usual salon totally botched my gel manicure. In a panic, my bridesmaid started to look around for me and found Buff and File. Emily went above and beyond and did the most beautiful job. My nails still look fabulous and I have gotten a few compliments out and about! I may just have to treat myself again!
Holly G.
Oct 20, 2017
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Great quality pedi (express) at really reasonable price. Chair was brutally uncomfortable though- just a hard wooden chair at a weird angle with a throw pillow. I have been more comfortable in the middle seat on an airplane. Don't know if I can come back for that reason alone, which is too bad because otherwise the service was great. But if you can't be physically comfortable and relax, nothing else really matters.
Invest in quality chairs for your services- massage chairs would be a big plus!
Invest in quality chairs for your services- massage chairs would be a big plus!
Kate E.
Sep 23, 2015
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This was the first time I have had a gel manicure that chipped after one day! In addition, the staff was rude and belittling to the party I was there with for my wedding and offered "express" services but charged me the full prices. I was also told we would be provided with a pitcher of mimosas when I made my reservation, but that didn't happen.
Definitely wont be back.
Definitely wont be back.
Yuk L.
Apr 07, 2015
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If this nail spa was open in May 2012, we would have had my friend's bridal party here. My girlfriend and I took a day off from life and drove up to Kittery for a big of spring shopping and decided to get a little spa treatment to start our trip. We found this joint online and made reservations! It's a really cute and simple space with great service. We both had pedicures, the one with massage and extras. They have cool buffing machines for callouses (no need for razors) and my callouses were definitely softer. We liked it so much that we plan to make this a periodic little getaway
