A proper manicure requires more than just a nail file and a bottle of polish. Whether you've been doing home manicures for years or are just entering the world of DIY nail art, the right tools make all the difference. However, simply having an array of high-quality implements laid out before you isn't enough. You need to know what each tool is, what it's used for, and the proper techniques to get the most out of it.
What's the difference between nail clippers and nail nippers? How can you tell a high-quality nail brush from one that will fall apart after a few manicures? Learn all about these and other crucial manicure best practices with this guide to understanding how to use common nail manicure tools.
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are the most common nail cutting tool around. Whether you're prepping for a manicure or not, clippers are the easiest and most popular way to trim your nails. The biggest trick with nail clippers is learning how to achieve the shape you want. There are straight-edged and curved nail clippers; choosing the right one for your desired look will make it easier to perfect the edge of your nail. Choose stainless steel clippers for a tough, durable implement that is easy to clean and maintain.
Nail Scissors
Another way to trim and shape your nails is with nail scissors. These are a special type of scissors that offer more precision, giving you more control over the shape and look of your nails. Nail scissors are also gentler than clippers, making them the ideal choice for more fragile or delicate nails.
Many nail scissors feature slightly curved blades to better match the natural edge of your nails. You can also find left-handed nail scissors that offer a better grip, a cleaner cut, and more control for left-handed users.
Nail Files
Trimming helps shape your nails, but filing is the key to creating a smooth and flawless look. The right nail file prevents rough or jagged nails and helps you create a beautiful, uniform look on every finger. There are different types of nail files you can use depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
Cardboard emery boards are best for finely shaping your nails, but they are less durable than other files. You also can't sanitize emery boards, which means you should never share them with others. Stainless steel files are stronger and more durable than emery boards, which means you can also use them to shorten and shape your nails with greater precision than clippers or scissors.
If you want a stronger file that can help you shorten and shape your nails, an electric nail file or nail drill is the way to go. These are powerful files that are more efficient than manual options. However, they require a steady, experienced hand. They're also not good for navigating finer details. Use electric files if you want to trim or shape your nails or if you want to exfoliate or buff the nail before an acrylic manicure.
Cuticle Care Tools
Cuticle care is important both for prepping your nails before a manicure and for maintaining an overall healthy nail bed. Low-quality cuticle care tools can do more harm than good, though. It's crucial to have the right tools and the right knowledge so that you can avoid damaging your cuticles and nails during the manicure process.
Cuticle Pushers
Cuticle pushers help gently push back the skin that grows over the base of your nails. This preparation step creates a clean and even canvas for your polish or acrylic. When using your cuticle pushers, always keep the tool at a 45-degree angle to your nails. Push slowly and gently; moving too harshly can lead to you pushing your cuticles back too far, which is both painful and can lead to problems like infections.
There are different types of cuticle pushers. Stainless steel pushers are clean and durable. They're easy to sanitize between uses, making them a safe and healthy choice for your nails. However, you can also use orange cuticle sticks, which are wooden implements that are cheap and lightweight. These cuticle pushers aren't reusable, though, and you should dispose of them after use to prevent infections.
Cuticle Nippers
Cuticle nippers are a plier-like tool that helps you remove tough cuticles, take care of hangnails, and maintain other parts of the skin around your nails. Cuticle nippers feature two slim, sharp blades that are effective at cutting through hardened skin around the nails.
However, it's important not to overuse your cuticle nippers. Cutting off too much of the cuticle or otherwise handling your cuticles roughly can leave the nail and the skin around it exposed, making the area more vulnerable to infections and inflammation.
Cuticle Scissors
Cuticle scissors look and function a lot like nail scissors, but they have smaller, slimmer blades that allow for more delicate touches when working with the skin around your nails. When you cut your cuticles, you need ultimate control and precision. The smaller, more pointed blades of cuticle scissors make it easier to work around your cuticles and cut off dead skin without damaging healthy parts of the cuticle and nail.
Nail Brushes
When learning how to use common nail manicure tools,it's also important to learn how to choose the right nail brush. Brushes play a vital role in acrylic manicures. Low-quality brushes make it harder to grab and mix your acrylic powder and liquid monomer. The wrong brush can also lose bristles during the application process, creating sticky, messy results for your nails. An acrylic brush that consists of 100 percent Kolinsky hair offers a cleaner and more durable alternative.
If you want to experiment with more detailed nail art, it's also important to invest in nail art brushes. These feature finer points that allow you to create more intricate designs. Whether you're creating clean, crisp lines or precise polka dots, having a range of nail art brushes on hand makes every look more beautiful.
Tweezers and Pinchers
Tweezers, pinchers, and other similar nail tools help you handle small or delicate materials, such as rhinestones or sequins for nail art. Pinchers can also help shape acrylics, allowing you to create the exact tool that you want. The Mia Secret Magic Curve tool acts as tweezers, pinchers, and a cuticle pincher all in one. The ergonomic design makes it easy and comfortable to use even when you're working with fine, precise materials.
Mia Secret is your go-to place for any and all manicure tools. In addition to high-quality nail implements, we have an incredible range of professional colored acrylic powders to take your nail art to the next level. Stock up on everything you need for your at-home manicure when you visit Mia Secret today.
