The Must-Haves for Nail Technicians

Becoming a Nail Technician can be a very rewarding career move. It will enable you to work face-to-face with customers, advise them on products and help deliver the best customer care to them. There are many tools that you will work with; this article summarises the basics to get your started.

1. Fingerbowl
The main purpose of a fingerbowl is to soak the client’s fingers before using antibacterial soap. The fingerbowl can be made of glass, plastic or metal and must be easy to sanitize after each treatment.

2. Disinfection container
These come in a number of shapes and sizes. Disinfection containers should include a lid so the solution doesn’t become contaminated when not in use. The container should also be of sufficient size to completely immerse the implements used for manicure.

3. Cuticle Knife
Used for taking particles of cuticle off nail plate.

4. Heater for paraffin wax treatment
A warm paraffin wax heater is used to performing a paraffin wax treatment during a manicure.

5. Metal cuticle pusher
This is used for pushing back excess cuticle growth. The end of the cuticle pusher is spoon shaped to facilitate the pushing back of the cuticle.

6. Emery board
Used for filing natural nails. An emery board can be doublesided: a course grit side to shape the free edge of the nail, and a fine grit side to bevel or smooth the free edge. Take care to break the emery board in half and dispose of it after treating each client.

7. Cuticle nipper
This is used to trim away excess cuticle at the base of the nail. Nippers are usually made from stainless steel and can be disinfected after every use.

8. Orangewood sticks
Used to loosen cuticles around the base of the nail. Also for cleaning under the nail’s free edge.

9. Chamois buffer
Useful for adding shine to the nail, as well as smoothing out lines and wavy ridges.

10. Fingernail clippers
These are used to shorten nails that are very long. Usually made from stainless steel and easy to disinfect before re-use.

11. Tweezers
Ensure strict sanitation procedures before use on each client.


Materials and containers

Materials are supplies you will use when performing a manicure. They must be replaced after use.
- Lint nail wipes - used for removing nail polish from nails. A small piece of cotton pad is used when removing polish from hard to reach areas on the nails.

- Disposable towels – these are used to cover the client’s cushion before each manicure. Disposable towels are also used to wipe away any spills occurring in proximity of the manicure table and fingerbowl.

- Plastic bags – You should tape or clip a bag to the side of your table to hold used materials discarded during a nail service. Ensure you regularly change these bags during the day.

- Cotton buds - used for removing nail cosmetics (buffing cream etc.) from their containers without causing contamination.
Pedal bin – operated by a foot pedal. The bin should be lined and kept closed when not being used. It should be emptied at the end of each working day at least.

Nail Cosmetic Supplies

Some of the basic nail cosmetics you will use when performing a manicure include:

* Antibacterial liquid soap - for cleaning the nail technician’s hands and the client’s hands before a manicure starts.

* Nail polish remover – this is for dissolving and removing nail polish. Nail polish remover usually contains solvents and acetone.

* Cuticle cream – this lubricates and softens dry cuticle and brittle nails. Cuticle cream contains beeswax, lanolin and petroleum and is ideal for daily use in the salon.

* Cuticle oil - keeps the cuticle soft, helping to prevent rough cuticles. Containing vitamin E, mineral oil and jojoba, cuticle oil gives a special ‘touch’ to your manicure.

* Cuticle remover cream - nail whiteners are applied under the freeedge of the nail to make the nail appear whiter.

* Nail strengtheners/hardener - applied to the natural nail before the base coat. Succeeds in preventing splitting and peeling of the nail.

* Base coat – A colourless substance applied to the natural nail before you apply coloured nail polish on the client. Base coat prevents red or dark polishes from yellowing the nail plate. It provides a better adhesion for the nail polish too.

* Nail polish – available in a variety of colours (including clear). Nail polish adds colour and gloss to the nail. Two coats are usually applied.

* Top coat or sealer - a colourless polish applied over coloured nail polish to prevent chipping. It also adds shine to the finished nail.

* Hand cream and lotion – these soften and smooth the hands after a manicure, making your finished manicure look beautiful!

This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study.

If you want to find out more about Nail Technician or many other distance learning courses please browse their website: Start Learning

Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director – Start Learning
Start Learning