Tools for home manicure. Tools for manicure description with photos What devices are needed for manicure

A home manicure kit can vary greatly depending on the method of nail treatment. Each professional has a special case in which he selects tools that are convenient for himself and his clients. Accordingly, at home, the sets may vary. Let's see below what tools are needed for manicure in various cases.

European manicure

Which is quite enough for well-groomed hands with fair skin and thin cuticles. In this case, the cuticle grows slowly and looks neat even without trimming. Moreover, circumcision may even be contraindicated in these cases, since cutting the skin close to the capillaries forces the epithelium to activate protective reserves and, therefore, grow faster. So, what is needed for a European manicure:

Trim manicure

What do you need for this type of manicure? The set is almost the same; you will need everything the same as in the list above, only additionally:

Hardware manicure

It is not necessary to follow the list above and, according to it, select everything you need for a manicure. Tools can be replaced with one device. For hardware you will need:

• Apparatus for nail treatment. This device is rarely seen at home, but there are affordable devices that are easy to use.
• Antiseptic. Treatment of nails and cuticles with the device is carried out only on dry skin, so for preliminary preparation of nails it is better to use a quickly evaporating alcohol-based product.

For the home, choose a device with a speed of up to 15 thousand per second, lightweight, compact and affordable. The attachments can then be purchased separately. The following models are suitable: Vital System from Zepter, SPA VT-2209 from Vitek, MP-7010 F0 from Rowenta, machines from Victory, Strong.

Coating with regular varnish

The cuticle is processed, the nails are ready for applying a decorative coating. In order for regular polish to stick well and for a manicure not to take too much time, you should approach the issue wisely. You will need:

• Base.
• Decorative varnish.
• Top dry.

What you need for a gel polish manicure - read below.

The sequence of performing a manicure with regular varnish

Manicure with regular varnish is performed as follows:

Manicure with gel polish

What do you need for a gel polish manicure? The list below:

• A set of coatings (more about it below).
• Ultraviolet lamp 36 W (4 bulbs each 8 W).
• Files or buffs.
• Liquid for removing the sticky layer (cleanser).
• Lint-free wipes.
• Gel polish remover.
• Foil.

To treat the cuticle, you can use any of the products listed above, that is, the list is compiled individually.

Gel polish manicure set

Gel polish manicure set

• Rev.
• Bond.
• Base.
• Gel polish.

This is perhaps the most important thing you need for a home gel manicure, besides a lamp. You should be especially careful when choosing such a varnish (everything else is chosen from products of the same brand to avoid conflicting products).

Brief overview of gel polishes

Professional varnishes are expensive (the price of a 15 ml bottle is from 700 to 1500 rubles), putting together an impressive palette at home will be expensive, but you should keep in mind that the difference between gel varnishes of different price categories can be huge. This will be noticeable in durability, obedience, safety for nails, even brightness and color saturation.

Many craftsmen consider Shellace from CND to be the best, although there are also negative reviews: the varnish does not adhere very well and flies off unsightly. However, in most cases it is praised: thick, rich color, even, thin but dense application, resistance to chips and scratches, durability on nails. A 7.3 ml bottle is enough for 15-20 manicures.

In’Garden So naturally is a controversial option. The gel polish of this brand has excellent bright colors, durability, and caring properties, but it is not easy to remove - a mechanical option is preferable, but not every hand will be able to remove gel polish without damaging the nail plate. In addition, there are reviews about yellowing of nails after this product.

Color Couture is an interesting, although not very common gel polish. Pros: very good consistency, huge palette (140 shades), longevity (three weeks of flawless appearance), carefully designed brush and convenient bottle. This varnish allows you to create a high-quality manicure very quickly.

Sherilyn is rare and mainly among professionals; there are few reviews about it from ordinary customers, but this brand with true German quality is worthy of attention. Plastic and durable, it is perfectly fixed on the nail plate and maintains a fresh and neat appearance throughout the entire process of wearing.

Ways to save

It is not necessary to buy everything you need for a gel polish manicure in professional stores. There are opportunities to replace these materials and therefore save:

• You may come across a recommendation to use it exclusively, as if it prevents small debris from getting on your nails, but with the same success you can use ordinary paper napkins; anyway, when moistened with liquid, any lint will be crushed. You can use regular cotton handkerchiefs.
• Regular food foil is suitable; a roll is inexpensive and will last a long time.
• If the gel polish is single-phase, base and top are not needed.
• Also, a teacher is not always needed. It is intended for degreasing the nail plate and is a fairly strong product.
• Instead of a special remover, you can use regular nail polish remover.
• The liquid to remove the sticky layer can be replaced with alcohol.

How to perform a manicure with gel polish

We've looked at what you need for a gel polish manicure, but how to use all these products?

1. Treat the cuticle using one of the methods above.
2. Grinding the surface of the plate. This ensures better adhesion of the coating to the nail. Do this with very light movements, the plate should only become rough, and not thinner.
3. Apply the prep with light, very fast movements. One brush is enough to treat all nails.
4. A bonding bond is a kind of glue that will allow the coating to adhere better to the nail. It is usually applied to the ends. But you can also treat the area near the cuticle if the polishes on your nails generally do not stick well.
5. Applying the base - drying in a lamp for 2 minutes.
6. First layer of gel polish - dry for 2 minutes. The number of layers depends solely on the varnish itself; in some cases, one will be enough. Gel polish has a slightly different consistency than regular polish, so if you don’t have enough experience, it’s better to apply thin layers. A thick layer can easily creep unsightly.
7. Apply the following layers, drying each one.
8. Apply top coat - dry for 2 minutes.
9. Removing the sticky layer.

It is better to treat your hands one at a time: while one hand is in the lamp, varnish is applied to the other. But even if you have everything you need for a manicure at home, step-by-step processing is rarely possible, so be prepared for the fact that gel polish will take longer than in the salon.

Manicure is divided into two types - edged and European (unedged). They require different manicure tools. When performing an unedged manicure, you do not need scissors, tweezers or nippers. For a classic edged manicure, these accessories are key. What tools are needed for manicure first:

• Scissors;
• Tweezers or nippers;
• Nail files;
• Cuticle pusher or orange stick;
• Grinder (buff) for polishing;
• Brush for removing nail dust.

What else is in the manicure set?

The specified set is a standard list of devices that are included in a simple manicure kit. You can buy a set that includes equipment for manicure and pedicure - there will be more of them. To make painless and high-quality nail care at home, you will need additional materials. Among them may be a trimmer for removing cuticles, dotters, and brushes. To make a design with patterns, you will need stencils, tapes, thin and wide brushes, and nail polishes. Let's take a closer look at what else should be included in a manicure set:

1. Dotter (dots) is a device for applying dots and circles with varnish.
2. Thin brushes for applying fine designs, and wide brushes for creating streaks and shifting colors.
3. Acrylic brushes – for acrylic painting.
4. Stamping kit – for making designs with complex images.
5. Needles or toothpicks for applying varnish to wet material.
6. A set of stencils for French or lunar design at home.

All manicure tools must be individual and not shared with other people. If someone else uses it, all nail files, brushes, and cutting instruments must be treated with a disinfectant solution (Bacilol) to avoid infection.

How to choose a nail file and sander

Files are one of the most important tools for correcting nails at home. A set may contain 1-2 files in total; for a professional design you will need more. Files have their own abrasiveness (grit). For natural nails, low-grit files are used; for extended nails, rough and abrasive ones are used.

Medium abrasive files can be used for toenails and used during pedicures. Very rough material of the device can cause injuries and splitting of the nail plate. The thicker the nail, the less likely it is that rough material will harm it.

If the file has an abrasiveness of 900-1200 grit, then it can be used as a polishing tool. With a file of 400-900 grit you can work on thin and weakened nails. A 200-400 grit file can be used to finish the nail treatment, eliminating minor roughness and snags. If the abrasiveness of the tool is only 180 grit or lower, it can be used to process artificial nails, or to prepare your nails for the extension procedure. Professionals use 3-4 files of different nails, because it is impossible to perform all stages of nail correction with one material.

See how to choose a nail file.

It is easier to choose a grinder (buff) for polishing the nail plate. On sale there are buffs with four sides, which have a soft base, and four types of polishing. Each side of the abrasiveness has its own markings, which indicate in what sequence to use the sander. You should polish your nails no more than once every 7 days, otherwise they will peel.

Devices that remove cuticles

What devices and products should I use to remove cuticles at home? This part of the nail is very thin and sensitive, it is easy to damage, which can cause a wound and bleeding. In a trimmed manicure, the cuticle is not removed, or is removed using a product (remover) based on fruit acid or alkali. The method is safer and does not injure the cuticle area. However, when applying the composition, it is important that it does not get on the nails and periungual ridges, otherwise a burn will occur. The products should be applied to the cuticle, leaving them for 2-8 minutes, after which the peeled skin should be carefully removed with an orange stick.

A trimmed manicure involves the use of treated cutting tools such as a trimmer, scissors, tweezers or nippers. A trimmer is a device that has a V-shaped shape, pointed at a narrowing point. He trims the cuticle or periungual sockets. To learn how to use a trimmer, you need to carry out several procedures.

In addition to the trimmer, the cuticle is removed by a pusher. The tool looks like a spatula, which removes the skin from the nail plate. After this, it can be cut off or removed with a remover. The pusher can be oval or rectangular, the first is suitable for the straight base of the nail, the second for round nails.

See how to push back cuticles using a pusher.

Other tools, blade processing

Nail scissors should be sharpened and have an elongated and thin blade. Some professionals are used to working with scissors with curved blades, others with straight blades. It is not recommended to use scissors to remove cuticles and hangnails as they can easily cut the skin. If you do a manicure on your right hand, the risk of cuts increases. If you can't cut your nails on your right hand, consult a professional.

A manicure set cannot be considered standard if it does not contain a spear - a pointed, narrow spatula for removing dirt from under the nails. The spear also cleanses the epithelium of dead cells and nail dust residues after filing. The edge of the shoulder blade is rounded so that the procedure does not damage the skin. When used correctly, the risk of injury is low.

All manicure tools with cutting blades require periodic sharpening. They can be sharpened manually or by machine. A machine-sharpened set will last about 20 procedures. After this, it is not recommended to use it again, otherwise the soft metal of the device may be deformed.

To ensure that your hands always remain well-groomed, it is enough to devote half an hour a week to a manicure. However, even the best specialist finds it quite difficult to perform a manicure procedure using poor tools. How to choose tools for manicure?

You can purchase a ready-made manicure set. As a rule, it already contains everything you need for a good manicure.

Scissors

The right choice of scissors is the key to a beautiful manicure. After all, the impression of your nails depends on the cuticle and the shape of the nail.

Nail scissors can be divided into 2 types:

• Scissors designed to cut the free edge of the nail;
• Scissors designed for cutting cuticles.

Scissors come in different sizes, however, what they have in common is that they are very different from ordinary office scissors.

Rules

When going to the store for a new tool, you should study the rules for purchasing manicure scissors:

• The cutting base of the scissors should be very thin. It is also of particular importance that when closed there were no gaps or cracks between their halves;
• Scissors should be made only from honey. alloy By choosing models with plastic handles, you yourself shorten the service life of the scissors;
• An important factor when choosing scissors is the sharpness of the blade. In addition, the instrument should be comfortable to hold;
• Focus on the company. On the Internet, users, as a rule, share their impressions of a particular company. Look and compare the advantages.

By following simple rules, you can choose exactly the scissors you need.

Files

Files come in different shapes and they can even be made of different materials, however, they are all needed for filing nails.

Choice

Metal files should be avoided because... They contribute to brittle nails.

When choosing a file, rely on the condition of your nails. If they are very sensitive, then feel free to buy a crystal file. A glass file is suitable for both artificial and natural nails. In addition, it is also important to consider:

• Abrasiveness. Particular attention should be paid to the numbers indicated on the files. For example, a file with an abrasiveness of 900-1200 grit is suitable for natural nails, and with 140-180 grit for extended nails;
• According to the shape of the nail plate. If your nails are long, then it is better to choose an oval file. For other forms, any nail file will do.

Trimer

This tool has sharp edges so care must be taken.

A trimmer is a manicure tool that is necessary for removing cuticles and hangnails. The working part of the device looks more like the letter “V”.

Choice

Under no circumstances buy a cheap tool, because... it will become dull very quickly and begin to tear the skin!

• Quality. Expensive models, as a rule, are made only from high-quality materials;
• Plastic, on the other hand, can crack under strong pressure and then you will have to get rid of such a tool.

By purchasing a high-quality trimmer, you save yourself from going to the store again 1-2 weeks later.

Scraper

In order to make the right choice of scraper, you first need to understand why it is needed? So, the scraper is intended:

• To push back the cuticle;
• To remove ptegirium, this is a procedure that reduces the appearance of hangnails.

Rules

If you decide to do a manicure at home, then you should remember the rules for choosing a tool such as a scraper.

• The choice of scraper should be based on the shape of the nail;
• It is important to pay attention to the quality of the tool itself. The handle should be even and smooth. The cutting part should not leave marks on the nail;
• Before buying a device, you should lightly walk the working surface over the brush. If the tool does not leave scratches on the skin, then it is of high quality and can be purchased.

Wire cutters

Nail clippers are not suitable for pedicures.

Nippers are needed to process the cuticle. Selection rules:

• Quality. They must be made from honey. alloy;
• The tool should not diverge poorly or freely;
• Sharpening quality. The tool must be sharp.

Buying quality tools is half the battle; it is also important to properly care for them.

In order to perform a high-quality manicure at home, you need to purchase a number of tools.

Your nails will always remain in perfect condition if you have only high-quality tools in your arsenal.

Hardware manicure is an excellent alternative to the classic edged manicure. A simple procedure allows you to professionally treat the nail plate and cuticle.

The difference between a home hardware pedicure and a professional one

In beauty salons, specialists offer various nail care procedures, including manicures and pedicures. But it is also possible to perform professional treatment at home. Manufacturers of beauty and health products offer a manicure machine for beginners. Even if you are used to making do with a small set of tools, you will appreciate its benefits from the first use.

Since professional manicures and pedicures are regular treatments, trips to the salon can be costly. A high-quality device for your home will quickly pay for itself, and you will always have equipment at hand to maintain a well-groomed appearance of your nails.

To get the “salon effect” from home devices for beginners, study the technique of performing manicure and pedicure, as well as information about attachments (cutters). With the right approach, even sensitive nails can be treated professionally without discomfort.

Hardware cosmetology is hygienic and does not injure the surface of the skin. But well-groomed nails are not everything. The skin of the feet also needs treatment at any time of the year. Conventional mechanical treatment with pumice and brushes does not always give the desired effect. But professional electric pedicure files will cope with any problems. The harsh abrasive surface will gently remove dead skin cells, eliminating those pesky, rough calluses.

Rules for choosing a device for manicure

The cost of beginner devices for home use varies greatly. It depends on the characteristics and the brand. What do you really need to pay attention to when wondering: manicure machine - how to choose the best one?

When purchasing any professional device, buyers want to get the maximum effect without overpaying for unnecessary functions. A household device for manicure and pedicure at home has less power compared to a salon device designed to serve a large number of clients. Therefore, relying only on performance characteristics is also wrong.

Professional manicure devices should be compact and easy to use. For a comfortable procedure, choose a lightweight, ergonomic body. The optimal rotation speed of the cutter is 3500-4000 rpm. More powerful professional devices are recommended for servicing clients at home. But for manicure on problematic and sensitive nails, 1500 revolutions is quite enough.

The contents of each model may vary greatly. Devices intended only for manicure have attachments only for treating hand nails. Pedicure devices are cutters designed for the skin of the feet. Professional universal electric devices cope with any care tasks. The nozzles for them differ in several parameters:

Material. Diamond manicure cutters do an excellent job of processing natural and artificial nails. Professional bits made of hard alloys have a long service life. Ceramic (corundum) - ideal for finishing polishing, giving nails a healthy, well-groomed appearance. For polishing, silicone and “natural” attachments (felt, cotton) are used.

Shape and size. For the convenience of each stage of manicure and pedicure procedures, choose attachments that are suitable in shape and diameter. For professional devices, they can be divided into the following types: cone, ball, cylinder, disk, needle. Thin nozzles perform a targeted effect, large ones treat large surfaces.

Abrasiveness/hardness. The rougher the processing is to be done, the higher the abrasiveness of the professional attachment should be.

Rules for using and caring for the machine

Now you know what professional manicure and pedicure machines are and how to choose the best option. In addition to the instruction manual, for quality care of hands and feet, it is useful for beginners to know what recommendations experts give. A hardware manicure is performed as follows:

1. Hands are cleaned and dried well. The nail plate should be without varnish, degreased with nail polish remover and dried.
2. Push back the cuticle and prepare it for removal using a professional fine-grit cutter. Remove the cuticle with a suitable attachment from the kit at an angle of 45 degrees, without touching the nail plate. If there are rough areas of skin, additionally use appropriate gentle manicure attachments.
3. Give your nails the desired shape by finishing the edges with a disc tip.
4. At the end of the manicure, professional hardware polishing is carried out, for example, with a felt disc.

After gaining the skills, the processing process with a professional machine will take you no more than half an hour. The effect of this manicure lasts up to three weeks.

A hardware pedicure can begin with the treatment of nails and the removal of corns and calluses. The skin of your feet should be clean and dry. After preparation, the following actions are carried out:

1. Use a large-diameter cutter to process the foot. The abrasiveness is selected based on the present condition. In difficult cases, it is recommended to first soften rough skin with a special solution or gel. After removing the peeling, sand the surface of the foot.
2. Model your nail shape using the device. If necessary, remove the length with a professional cone nozzle.
3. Treat your fingers and skin around your nails. Use a ball bur and a needle cutter to smooth out the cuticle. Do not try to file or erase it. The periungual skin is very sensitive, and at high speed it can be damaged.
4. At the end of the pedicure, provide professional grinding and polishing of the cuticle and nail plate. This is followed by the application of moisturizing cosmetics and, if necessary, varnish.

The rules for using professional devices are specified in the instructions for each model. But it’s worth dwelling on the following nuances of manicure, which will be useful for beginners:

• Fix the device comfortably in your hand. When using it for the first time, carry out the procedure at low speeds.
• Do not press the cutters too hard against the nail plate and skin. When performing a manicure, try to work with the side edge of the nozzle, and not the end.
• It is better to move the professional apparatus in the direction from the center to the edge, without stopping in one place.
• Don't forget to change the attachments for each stage of the procedure.

Caring for professional manicure and pedicure machines is very simple. It mainly involves cleaning the nozzles and disinfecting them. Replace discs without using force; the mounting may be damaged.

It’s quite easy to master professional home manicure machines. They are designed to work even with zero use experience. More details about the session can be found. In the videos you will once again become familiar with manicure attachments and the features of their use at home. The information will help you decide which device to choose for yourself.

In modern society, an idea of ​​a person can be formed at the first glance at his hands. Well-groomed fingers with a neat manicure speak of neatness, a responsible approach to business, and can even tell about social status. Conversely, unevenly cut nails with cuticles and hangnails create a repulsive impression. This applies to both women and the stronger sex.

You can successfully make your hands flawless and create a high-quality manicure at home, with a minimum set of necessary tools. This will take very little time.

What tools are needed for a manicure at home?

The arsenal for performing manicures in modern salons is impressive. There is everything here, from the simplest devices such as spatulas to the latest equipment. At home, you can get by with a minimum of available materials, but get an excellent result. You should not rely on a ready-made manicure set, since individual devices will remain unclaimed. In addition, it will still have to be replenished with separate tools. It is much more convenient to create your own cosmetics bag by individually selecting suitable devices for your nails.

List of tools with description, photo and method of use

To make a good manicure according to all the rules at home, you will need the following set of tools:

• several files (one for correcting the length of natural nails, the other for polishing);
• penza or ceramic file;
• scissors with straight and rounded ends (for trimming nails and removing cuticles);
• trimmer();
• wooden spatula sticks (orange or bamboo);
• miniature nippers or skin tweezers (will help remove hangnails).

For those who plan to use the device at home, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to choosing a router.

As auxiliary devices and materials you will need:

• liquid for removing varnish residues;
• cotton pads;
• mat (backing) made of silicone;
• disposable wipes (or a small soft towel);
• a medium-depth bowl filled with warm water with the addition of essential oils, liquid soap or aromatic salt;
• special cuticle remover;
• moisturizing hand cream (applied at the end of the procedure).

In terms of time, the classic trimmed manicure procedure takes from 30 to 60 minutes. It all depends on the degree of neglect of the nails, as well as on the availability of work skills.

Features of selecting a router

A milling cutter is a compact device that makes manicure easier and faster. It can be powered by electricity or batteries. The device has:

• cord;
• frame;
• a device equipped with various attachments.

The milling cutter minimizes trauma to the skin around the fingers and also relieves pain. This is comparable to a salon procedure at home.

When choosing a device, pay attention to the following parameters:

• tip rotation speed (from 15 to 25 thousand rpm);
• power consumption (maximum up to 50 W);
• hull strength;
• aesthetic appearance;
• the presence of protection against overheating (thanks to an autonomous cooling system);
• handle weight (150–200 g), absence of vibration during operation;
• the presence of a collet clamp on the handle (prevents the attachments from falling out during operation);
• number and functions of attachments included in the kit;
• cost (up to 150 USD);
• warranty periods;
• availability of post-warranty service.

The device must come with at least three types of attachments:

• a diamond cap with a coarse abrasive (helps in correcting the length of nails and removing rough skin);
• rounded diamond tip with fine-grained abrasive (designed to remove cuticles and make nail cuts smooth);
• a ceramic or rubber tip with a fine-grained abrasive (used for polishing).

If desired, you can purchase additional attachments for the router.

Why do we need wooden sticks (orange)

Not everyone can carefully cut the cuticle on each nail at home. There is a high risk of injury or infection here. Professionals recommend using special cuticle removers made in the form of oil or gel. They are sold in specialized stores, packaged in small bottles, equipped with brushes, just like nail polishes.

To painlessly remove the cuticle, a special product (remover) is applied to it, left for 7-10 minutes to soften, and then gently pushed towards the body with a small wooden stick (“hoof”).

The ends of the sticks are pointed and spatula-shaped, so even a beginner can master the skills of working with such a device. Special types of wood (orange wood, bamboo) are used to produce sticks. They have several advantages:

• have a dense structure, therefore they retain their original shape for a long time;
• well lift and push back the thin skin of the roller that has grown on the nail plate;
• do not damage the cuticle, thereby eliminating the possibility of infection;
• do not leave behind burrs.

Metal cuticle spatulas are used mainly in salons. Due to the lack of skills in working with them, it is very easy to damage the thin skin around the nail. But this tool can be used at home to clean the area under your nails.

Rules for working with nail and cuticle nippers

The formation of hangnails occurs as a result of drying out of the skin ridges surrounding the nail. There are many reasons for this, but the result is truly depressing: hands lose their attractiveness and neatness.

Nippers are used to remove (“bite off”) hangnails, as well as to correct minor nail defects. Depending on the purpose, tweezers are:

• with straight and beveled edges;
• with pointed or triangular ends.

For removing burrs, rounded triangular nippers are suitable, which are positioned strictly perpendicular to the body. They ensure a tight fit of the cutting surface to the skin.

It is necessary to separate nail and cuticle clippers and not confuse them with each other.

It is unacceptable to pull off hangnails when removing them with nippers, as this leads to painful abscesses.

The instrument must be disinfected before starting work and at the end of the procedure. Once every 3–6 months, the nippers must be replaced with new ones.

Basic set for a beginner nail extension artist:

The principles for choosing tweezers and nail scissors are the same: high-quality material and sharp hand-sharpened blades.

Types of nail files and their purpose

The choice of file plays a huge role in manicure. After all, this is the main tool necessary for working with nails. There are several simple rules for selecting files:

• weakened, brittle, thin nails will require a fine-grained, semicircular tool with a special buffer;
• healthy, dense, strong nails are treated with sand or sapphire-coated tools.

When purchasing a nail file, you need to “test” it for friction. To do this, use the pad of your finger without pressing hard on its working surface. A high-quality instrument will not scratch the delicate skin of your finger; its surface is uniform and rough to the touch. If roughness is felt on the surface, it is intended for the correction of artificial nails (acrylic, gel).

Files can only be used on completely dry nails. After the bath, the plate softens and therefore peels off easily. All movements of the file should be directed in the same direction (from the edge to the middle of the nail).

Manicure files are often selected according to the degree of abrasiveness (number of grits):

• up to 180 grit - suitable only for gel and acrylic nails;
• from 181 to 240 grit - for brittle, thin nails;
• from 241 to 400 grit - suitable for ordinary nails, helping to make the edge perfectly even and smooth, eliminating small snags on the cut;
• from 401 to 900 grit - intended for grinding and polishing;
• from 901 to 1200 grit - give nails a glossy shine.

It is unacceptable to hold the file perpendicular to the nails: this leads to delamination.

Abrasive is divided into two types, depending on the shape and size of the grains:

• natural (pumice, diamond or sapphire chips, corundum);
• artificial (silicon carbide obtained from synthetic diamonds).

In addition to abrasiveness, the type of base (hard, soft) and material are important for the file.

Previously, metal tools were mainly used. However, now manicurists prefer other materials, rightly believing that metal harms the nail plate (it delaminates, crumbles, etc.). The basis of modern nail files can be:

• glass (has a gentle effect on nails);
• plastic (inexpensive and practical);
• metal;
• cardboard;
• ceramic (has the effect of sealing sections).

Photo: types of nail files

Paper-based files are either single-use or reusable. They should not be soaked in disinfectant. Foam plastic files are very soft and gentle. They are ideal for natural nails. Metal files are strong and durable. Glass files are gentle on nails. Their main drawback is fragility. If the nail peels off or cracks, then use a ceramic file, which perfectly sands the surface of the nail plate.

The most expensive, but at the same time the highest quality, is a file on a wooden base with garnet coating. In second place in cost is the crystal option, which can be used to file off the nail plate and rough skin (calluses) around.

An sandpaper model is suitable for filing sensitive, delicate nails.

Auxiliary files

The sanding file is flexible and soft; its base is usually cardboard. It is intended for:

• aligning the outer edge of the nail;
• smoothing out irregularities left after rough abrasive;
• removing deeply ingrained varnish or pigment spots.

A special polishing file with several working surfaces (4–6) will help to give your nails a pleasant shine. Each of them has a different degree of abrasive grain size.

Nail polishing is performed once every 25–30 days. This allows you to level their surface and at the same time avoid damage to the nail plate.

Buffs (buffs) are special suede strips and bars needed at the final stage of manicure. Unlike other tools, buffs cannot be disinfected. Therefore, they will have to be changed regularly.

For a complete manicure, you need at least 3-4 files with various abrasive coatings. Polishing models are often sold in sets (3–4 pieces). Each of them is marked with a number indicating the polishing stage (primary, intermediate, finishing).

Using a Curette

A manicure curette is a special tool. It is able to effectively remove dead skin particles that accumulate in the tiny gap between the nail plate and the cuticle. A curette is useful for people with ingrown toenails.

In appearance, an alloy steel curette is a cross between a nail file and a spatula. The tool is equipped with a special rounded tip, resembling a spoon, up to 1.5 mm thick. Notches are applied to the handle to prevent the metal from slipping in the hand.

Single- and double-sided curette models are available. They are selected individually, according to the thickness of the instrument, which ideally should match the width of the nail bed of the little fingers.

Silicone mat - for comfortable work

An unusual mat made of soft silicone, which has an original square layout, is found in many salons and manicure shops. However, such an accessory will also be useful for home manicure. Its functions include:

• protection of the table surface from contamination;
• the ability to sample varnishes (convenient for nail art);
• eliminating possible mistakes when painting nails (the design is first tried on a mat, and then easily transferred to the desired nail).

It is easy to mix different shades of varnish on the surface of the rug, creating new, unique colors. The remaining varnish after the experiments is removed at one time, like a film, or removed with a cotton swab dipped in remover.

Scissors

There are several types of nail scissors. With their help you can:

• shorten an overly long nail to the desired length;
• remove cuticle;
• cut off burrs.

Despite the similarity of functions, it is not possible to completely replace scissors with wire cutters (or vice versa). Both tools should be in your home arsenal.

It takes a lot of time to file down overgrown nails. Alternatively, they can be cut with straight or rounded scissors to the desired length, and then cut into the desired shape with nail files and sand the edges.

To remove cuticles and hangnails, you need miniature scissors with edges curved inward.

A good tool has several differences:

• made of high-quality stainless (alloy, medical) steel, the packaging may indicate the grade of the material;
• manual sharpening, thanks to which the blades remain sharp for a long time;
• perfect fit of the blades, without visible gaps.

Using the ends of scissors to push back cuticles or clean nails, as well as for needlework, is unacceptable.

Manicure pencil

A capillary pencil for manicure is a modern invention, the purpose of which is to painlessly remove the cuticle. It is easy to work with, and a positive result is obtained much faster than using a special product and sticks.

A high-quality pencil not only softens, makes the cuticle more flexible and pliable. It also cares for the skin and slows down its growth.

In addition to the cuticle pencil, there is also a French pencil. They are often confused with each other. The pencil for French manicure has a classic white lead. It allows you to do without patterns and stencils when applying a decorative strip. Unlike varnish, which is applied on top of the nail plate, a pencil is used to draw underneath it.

Another type of manicure pencil is a correction stick. He will help:

• carefully remove traces of varnish remaining after the decorative coating;
• simplify the execution of the French.

In appearance, such a pencil is similar to a felt-tip pen with a dispenser end cut off obliquely. There is nail polish remover inside. For beginners who are unusual in applying a bright decorative coating to their nails, especially with their left hand on their right, the corrector will be indispensable. You will have to start eliminating the mistakes made immediately, before the varnish has time to harden.

The main advantage of the corrective stick is its non-traumatic effect on the skin of the hands and nails.

Other manicure tools

The category of other tools for performing manicure at home includes a trimmer. They can replace scissors when cutting the cuticle, and also quickly process the pre-nail hole. The working part of the trimmer is made in the shape of the letter “V”; in the recess it is sharper than at the edges.

Unlike scissors, cutting yourself with a trimmer is much more difficult. Therefore, experts recommend this tool to fans of trimmed manicure.

Scrapers are an indispensable tool designed for scraping. Sometimes it is called a manicure spatula or pusher.

Pushers made of plastic or metal are more affordable analogues of wooden sticks. They are sticks with tips of different shapes (rectangular, oval). The tool also performs the function of displacing the cuticle. If the spatula has a pointed end, it can be used to clean out the space under the nails.

Performing a manicure at home should be done once every 7–14 days. The frequency of the procedure depends on the rate of nail growth, regular hand care and a balanced diet.

A high-quality manicure can be done not only in a salon, but also at home. Success and speed of work largely depend on the correct selection of tools. You can create a set for manicure procedures yourself by carefully selecting files and scissors, taking into account the type and condition of your nails. For those who want to get by with a minimum of time and effort, it is recommended to purchase a router. Professionals recommend removing cuticles at home not with cutting tools, but with removers and wooden sticks. In this case, the risk of getting an infection or abscess on the finger is reduced.