Manicure Must-Haves: Invest In These Tools For Flawless Nails At Home

The goal of every DIY manicurist is beautifully groomed nails without the high cost of professional nail salon visits. With the right tools, you can achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. DIY nail care has seen tremendous growth recently, with at-home nail polish sales growing over 20% in 2020 alone according to market research firm Kline.¹ This article outlines the must-have tools for flawless at-home manicures.

Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are an essential tool for removing excess length from your fingernails and toenails between manicures (How to trim your nails). Quality nail clippers will make trimming your nails easier and help prevent issues like hangnails and ingrown nails (https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/how-to-trim-nails).

When selecting nail clippers, look for the following features:

• Sturdy, stainless steel construction
• Smooth cutting edges
• Comfortable grip handles
• Built-in nail file
• Sizes for both finger and toenails

Proper technique is important when using nail clippers to avoid damaging nails and surrounding skin:

• Soften nails first by soaking in warm water
• Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails
• Avoid cutting nails too short
• Trim toenails along the natural curve of the toe
• Disinfect clippers after each use

Investing in a quality pair of nail clippers and using proper technique will lead to flawless nails between manicures.

Nail File

A high-quality nail file is a must-have for beautiful, long-lasting manicures. Basic nail files from the drugstore tend to be too coarse and can damage nails, while professional nail files are designed specifically for natural nails. Look for a 100/180 or 180/240 grit crystal nail file, which will smooth nails without being too abrasive.

The grit number refers to the number of abrasive particles per inch on the nail file. Lower grits like 100 are more coarse, while higher grits like 240 are fine. For natural nails, a file with grits in the 100-240 range is ideal. Use the coarser side for shaping nails and the finer side for smoothing.

When filing nails, always file in one direction, from the outside of the nail towards the center. Filing back and forth can weaken nails. Apply light pressure and avoid sawing the file along the nail. Wrap the file around the nail tip to prevent cracks and breaks.

A high quality crystal or glass nail file from a trusted brand will last longer and cause less damage than cheap emery boards. Investing in a proper nail file helps create a flawless manicure and maintains the health of the nails.

Cuticle Remover

Cuticle remover is a crucial product to have for flawless nails at home. Here are some key tools and tips for properly removing cuticles:

Cuticle trimmers are small, precision tools used to gently trim away excess or dead cuticle tissue. Look for trimmers with sharp, curved blades to get close to the nail bed without cutting skin. Swipe the trimmer along the side of the nail in small strokes.

Cuticle scissors can also trim hangnails and cuticles. They have short, pointed blades designed specifically for detailed nail work. Carefully snip away only the loose cuticle tissue.

Cuticle remover liquid breaks down the cuticle so it can be pushed back gently. Apply it evenly around the nail and let it sit for a minute before gently pushing back cuticles with an orangewood stick. Be very careful not to tear the cuticle or over-remove it, as this can damage the nail bed.

Proper cuticle removal prevents hangnails and peeling. But be cautious not to cut skin or remove cuticles too aggressively, as this can lead to infection. Always sterilize tools and moisturize after removing cuticles.

With the right tools and proper technique, cuticle removal can shape nails beautifully. Invest in quality trimmers, scissors, remover, and sticks for safe, effective cuticle care at home.

Cuticle Oil

Cuticle oil is an essential product for maintaining healthy nails and cuticles. The cuticles are the thin skin surrounding the base of the nail, and keeping them hydrated prevents hangnails, infections, and other problems. Using cuticle oil regularly can stimulate circulation and promote nail growth as well.

When shopping for cuticle oil, look for natural oils like jojoba, vitamin E, and essential oils like tea tree. These ingredients will nourish the nail bed and cuticles. Avoid ingredients like mineral oil, which can dry out the nails over time. The best cuticle oils contain a blend of moisturizing oils (Source 1).

To use cuticle oil, apply a small amount to each nail bed and cuticle area daily. Gently massage in using circular motions. This stimulates blood flow to the area. Apply in the morning and evening for best results. Using cuticle oil consistently can transform dry, cracked cuticles into healthy, hydrated ones (Source 2). Softened cuticles help prevent hangnails and infections from occurring.

Overall, cuticle oil is a nail care must-have. Keeping the delicate cuticle area hydrated improves nail health and appearance. Invest in a natural oil and apply it routinely for noticeable results.

Base Coat

A base coat is a critical component of any manicure for protecting the natural nail and maximizing polish longevity. According to Manucurist, base coat creates a barrier between the nail plate and polish, preventing staining, discoloration, and damage to the nail bed. It allows polish to adhere evenly and smoothly to the nail surface. The experts at OPI note base coat has several key benefits:

• Prevents staining from dark polishes
• Helps polish last longer without chipping or peeling
• Reduces need for remover on bare nails
• Evens out texture and ridges in nails
• Optional ridge filling base formulas smooth uneven surfaces

Quality base coats often contain nourishing ingredients like keratin, vitamins, and minerals to improve nail strength and growth underneath the polish. Look for formulas with strengtheners like calcium, biotin, and bamboo to transform thin, brittle nails.

Top Coat

A top coat is a clear nail polish that goes on after your nail polish color. The purpose of a top coat is to protect the underlying nail polish, help it last longer, and give it extra shine and gloss. Some key benefits of using a top coat include:

• Protects the nail polish from chips and scratches
• Prevents the color from fading and dulling over time
• Adds shine and makes the color look richer
• Helps the manicure last longer without chipping
• Can help smooth ridges and fill in imperfections

Many top coats are formulated to dry quickly to a hard, glossy finish. Popular quick-dry top coats include Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat and Essie Good To Go Topcoat. There are also long-lasting top coats that extend the wear for up to two weeks like OPI Infinite Shine.

Top coats come in several finishes:

• Glossy: Adds brilliant shine
• Matte: Gives a velvety, flat finish
• Ridge filling: Smooths ridges and evens out the nail surface
• Gel-like: Provides a durable, high-gloss finish

Applying a quality top coat is one of the most important steps for a great at-home manicure. Investing in the right formula can protect your polish, help it last longer, and make your nails look salon-perfect.

Nail Polish Remover

When it comes to removing nail polish, you have two main options – acetone-based removers and non-acetone removers. Acetone works quickly to break down polish, but it can be quite drying and harsh on the nails. A dermatologist recommends acetone as the most effective at-home option for removing gel polish (source).

Non-acetone removers are gentler, using ingredients like soy, vitamin E, and sunflower oil. Popular gentle options include Cutex Nourishing Polish Remover and Zoya Remove Plus (source). While they take a bit longer to work, non-acetone removers help avoid drying out the nails and skin.

No matter which type you use, be sure to saturate a cotton ball and hold it against each nail for 5-10 seconds before wiping to allow it to penetrate fully. This helps avoid dragging or scraping across the nail surface. Follow up with cuticle oil or moisturizing cream to hydrate the nails and cuticles.

Cuticle Cream

Dry, cracked cuticles can be uncomfortable and unsightly. A nourishing cuticle cream provides intense moisture to restore soft, healthy cuticles.

Look for a cuticle cream formulated with ultra-hydrating ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and dimethicone. These ingredients penetrate deeply to soften brittle, cracked skin and protect against future dryness.

Gently massage the cream into cuticles and nails daily, or as often as needed. Apply a thick layer before bedtime and let the cream soak in overnight under cotton gloves for maximum effectiveness. Over time, this treatment routine will rebuild and revitalize even the most ragged cuticles.

Try the Healthline-recommended CND Solar Oil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner for intensive nourishment. The combination of apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and moisturizing esters repairs dryness and seals in hydration.

With consistent use of a rich cuticle cream, cracked hands and hangnails can be healed. Nails will appear neat and well-manicured.

Conclusion

Having the right tools is essential for achieving beautiful, healthy nails at home. The must-have items include quality nail clippers, files, cuticle remover, cuticle oil, base coat, top coat, nail polish remover, and cuticle cream. Investing in salon-grade products from trusted brands will help you get flawless DIY manicure results.

You can find these top-rated manicure products at beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online retailers like Amazon and Sephora. Read reviews and compare features to select the best options for your budget and needs. With the right prep and care, your at-home mani-pedis can rival those from the professionals.

Be diligent about properly grooming and moisturizing your cuticles and nails between manicures. Apply cuticle oil daily and exfoliate cuticles weekly to maintain healthy nails. Use a high-quality base and top coat each time you polish your nails to lock in color and shine while protecting from chips and scratches. Take the time to care for your nails at home, and they’ll always look fab.