Different Types of Manicure Tools

There are various kinds of manicures, each offering their own set of advantages and drawbacks. From long-wearing polishes to sculpted manicures, there’s sure to be one perfect for you.

No matter your project, there are certain essential tools you must keep on hand for daily tasks. To assist, we gathered together some of the top nail tools you should keep at home.

Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are an essential nail tool used for trimming nails and maintaining good hygiene. These handheld tools typically come equipped with either a straight or curved cutting edge to accommodate various nail shapes and preferences.

The best nail clippers are constructed of stainless steel, making them durable and rust-proof. Before trimming your nails, it is recommended that they are soaked to soften and make cutting them easier. Also, all tools used such as clippers, tweezers, and cuticle pushers should be disinfected both prior to and post use to minimize infection risks.

Nail scissors can also be an invaluable asset when it comes to trimming your nails, offering more control than traditional clippers and scissors. Their precise cuts tend to provide smoother results for all lengths and thicknesses of nails.

Cuticle Pushers

Cuticle pushers are simple nail tools designed to remove excess skin at the base of each nail and prevent hangnails, leaving your nails looking neat and tidy.

Cuticle pushers typically feature two ends–one with a rounded end and the other with either a pointed or sharp end. The rounded end can be used for pushing back cuticles while the pointed or sharp end scrapes glue off of nails and cleans under nails.

Many nail technicians prefer metal or stainless steel cuticle pushers over wooden ones as they tend to be rust-proof and last longer. Furthermore, metal/stainless steel cuticle pushers tend to be easier to sterilize and less likely to compromise your nail color or cause contamination issues.

Cuticle Nippers

Cuticle nippers are sharp, precise instruments designed to trim away excess skin around the base of your nails, trimming loose hangnails as well as encouraging healthy nail growth.

Care should be taken when using cuticle nippers as they increase the risk of infection and can damage cuticles causing discomfort, darkening or becoming uneven in appearance. Damaged cuticles may become dark, ragged or uneven over time.

Professional-grade cuticle nippers can be purchased both individually or as part of a manicure set that contains everything you need for at-home treatments. When using them, always follow their instructions for optimal use and adhere to them exactly.

Before using your nippers to trim or push back eponychiums, for an injury-free experience, soak your fingertips in warm water to soften and loosen any build-up of eponychium and make pushing back and trimming easier. This step also reduces irritation caused by use of sharp tools.

Nail Files

Nail files are essential tools in creating a polished and professional finish on natural nails, providing them with shape, thickness and polish. Available in many shapes and materials such as padded cushion files, glass, mylar and ceramic; it is important to understand each type of file so you can select the best option for yourself and clients.

Avoid metal nail files as they can be too harsh on the nails and cause damage. Glass and ceramic files provide safer options that still provide precise precision like metal.

Most nail files feature an index number to denote their grit value, with the most popular and versatile choice being a combination 100/180 silicon carbide file that works great for shaping acrylic nails, taking down length, and eliminating ridges on natural nails.

Nail Polish Remover

Most nail polish removers contain acetone, which works to break down polymer molecules that compose nail polish to effectively dissolve them and remove it. However, several non-acetone liquids also include conditioners to prevent dryness and brittleness of nails.

Nail polish remover can also help you dissolve sticky residues left by stickers and adhesive tape – simply dab some on a cotton ball and rub vigorously to dissolve any remaining sticky bits.

If your patent leather shoes have become dull over time, wipe them with a cloth dampened with nail polish remover to revive them – this technique works particularly well on darker colors.

Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail stylist and founder of a clean polish brand. Once your clothing is clean again, use nail polish remover as usual to wash.