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Over the pandemic, we all started to do our nails. We brought all of the essential equipment, picked out a range of fun nail polish colors, and had the perfect at-home set-up to get creative with our nail designs.
If you were the same, you may start to think that you want to take your new hobby to the next level and become a nail tech yourself — and why shouldn’t you spread your skills and make some money doing it?!
For those who dream of going freelance and setting up their own nail tech business, here are all the essential items that you’ll need to include in your kit, from essential tools to various products that will set you apart from the competition and help you win lots of clients.
The Basic Tools For A Beginner Nail Technician
These are the things that every nail artist should have in their kits, whether you’re a mobile nail technician or just operating your nail business out of your spare room.
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are a staple tool for trimming and shaping nails. Choose a high-quality pair with sharp blades to ensure clean cuts without causing damage to the nail. Clippers come in various sizes, allowing you to work on both natural and artificial nails with precision.
Nail Files and Buffers
These tools play a crucial role in nail shaping and surface preparation. There are different types of nail files you can choose from; an electric file or manual ones. An electric file can be damaging to a client’s natural nails if not used correctly, but manual files can make the process of prepping the nails a bit longer.
Different grits serve various purposes – coarse files for shaping, medium for refining, and fine buffers for smoothing. Investing in high-quality files and buffers in your professional kit ensures efficient and precise nail work, contributing to the overall quality of your services.
Cuticle Pusher and Clippers
Maintaining cuticle health is essential for a polished look around the cuticle area. A cuticle pusher helps gently push back the cuticles, revealing more of the nail bed. Cuticle clippers come in handy for trimming excess cuticles or hangnails. Opt for stainless steel tools for durability and easy sterilization.
Lint-Free Wipes
These specialized wipes are designed to be free of lint and fibers, providing a clean surface for various nail procedures much better than other nail wipes. This comes in useful when you’re applying and removing polishes as well as when you’re prepping the nails and wiping away nail dust after filing.
Nail Brush
A nail brush is an essential tool for cleaning and prepping natural nails. Use it to remove any debris, oils, or dust from the nail surface before applying polish or enhancements. Look for a brush with soft bristles to avoid causing damage to the natural nail.
Nail Enhancement Products For Building Strong Foundations
Gel and acrylic nails are the most common requests that you’ll get from your clients, and they are slightly more difficult to do than your typical nail polish. Here are some of the foundational tools you’ll need to do the best manicures in the beauty industry.
Acrylic Powders and Liquids
Acrylic systems consist of acrylic powder products and liquids that, when mixed, create a pliable substance for sculpting nail extensions. These products offer durability and strength, making them popular for clients seeking long-lasting nail enhancements. Ensure you have a variety of colors to cater to diverse client preferences.
UV/LED Gel Products
Gel products provide a flexible and natural-looking enhancement. UV/LED gel is perfect for sculpting extensions, nail tips, nail forms or creating gel polish manicures. The advantage lies in the quick curing process, allowing for efficient and timely services. Invest in a range of gel colors, base coats, and top coats for versatility.
Dipping Powder System
Dipping powders offer versatility in abundance compared to traditional acrylic and gel systems which is why they are such a great addition to any nail tech. The process involves dipping the nails into colored powder, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish. Dipping systems are known for their ease of application and removal, making them attractive to clients seeking convenience.
Builder Gels
Builder gels add strength and structure to natural nails that might be a bit fragile after having gel nails for a long time. They are ideal for clients who want enhanced durability without the use of acrylic tips or extensions. High quality builder gels come in various viscosities, allowing you to choose the right one for the desired level of thickness and strength.
modelones Builder Nail Gel
Beetles Gel Nail Polish Builder Nail Gel -Shy Blush Color
IBD Building Gel – Cover Pink
Manicure and Pedicure Essentials
It’s important to have the tools you need for a whole range of nail treatments that your customers will be used to having in a regular nail salon, this means having all the products you need for full gel manicures and pedicures.
Manicure Bowl
A manicure bowl, or dappen dish, is essential for soaking and preparing nails for gel polishes. Choose a bowl that is comfortable for the client and allows easy access to their hands. Warm water with added essential oils, nail cleanser or softening agents can enhance the manicure experience.
Pedicure Kit
A comprehensive pedicure kit includes foot files, callus removers, and toe separators. These tools help in the thorough removal of dead skin and calluses, and provide comfort during pedicure sessions. A well-equipped pedicure kit ensures a professional and satisfying service.
Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil is a vital component for nourishing and moisturizing the cuticles while maintaining healthy nail beds. Regular application promotes healthy nails and prevents dryness and hangnails. Choose a cuticle oil with essential oils for added benefits and a pleasant aroma, you can also get oil pens that are much easier to apply.
Hand and Foot Creams
Hydration is key to maintaining soft and supple skin. Hand and foot creams soothe and moisturize the skin, leaving it refreshed after nail services like manicures and pedicures. Offer a variety of creams with different scents and textures to cater to diverse client preferences.
Supplies to Unleash Your Creativity
If you’ve got a creative flair, you’re going to need the right tools to help you achieve those Pinterest-worthy designs that everyone always seems to want.
Nail Art Brushes
Nail brushes come in various sizes and shapes, allowing you to create intricate designs with precision. Invest in a set of high-quality brushes for detailing, striping, and fine art applications. Different brush types enable versatility in your nail art offerings.
Nail Stamping Kit
Nail stamping kits are a quick and effective way to add detailed patterns to nails. They consist of stamping plates with various designs that can be transferred onto the nail using stamping polish. This tool is a time-efficient option for creating intricate nail art.
Nail Decals and Stickers
Nail decals and stickers offer a simple yet effective way to add flair to nail designs. They come in various themes, colors, and styles, catering to different tastes and occasions. Decals and stickers are especially useful for clients who prefer a quick and trendy nail look.
Glitters and Rhinestones
Adding sparkle and texture to nail designs is easy with glitters and rhinestones. These embellishments can be embedded in gel or acrylic enhancements or applied on top of polish for a dazzling effect. A variety of colors and sizes ensure versatility in your nail art creations.
Sanitization and Hygiene: Prioritizing Client Safety
Once you’re starting to see paying clients as professional nail technicians, you’re going to need to up your game in terms of sanitization and hygiene. Here are some of the things you’ll need to make sure your tools, equipment, and customers are germ-free.
Disinfectants and Sanitizers
Maintaining a clean and sterile working environment is paramount. Disinfectants and sanitizers are essential for sterilizing tools, work area surfaces, and hands. Opt for hospital-grade disinfectants to ensure the highest level of hygiene in your nail studio.
Disposable Gloves
Protect yourself and your clients by wearing disposable gloves during nail services. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and ensures a hygienic working environment. Choose latex-free gloves for clients with allergies.
Barbicide Jar
A barbicide jar is a container specifically designed for soaking and disinfecting metal tools. Immerse tools in a mixture of water and barbicide between clients to eliminate bacteria and viruses effectively.
Disposable Towels and Aprons
Disposable towels and aprons contribute to a hygienic environment by minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Single-use towels and aprons are convenient and ensure a fresh, clean start for each client.
Nail Polish Collection: A Rainbow of Options
You never know what color a customer is going to choose in advance, so you need to make sure that you have a good range of nail color options so that everyone will find a shade that they like. You’ll also need a base and top coats to ensure you achieve that salon-worthy look every time.
Base and Top Coats
A high-quality basecoat provide a smooth surface for polish application, while a good top coat is an essential final step to seal and protect the manicure. Invest in high-quality base and top coats to enhance the longevity of nail polish and prevent chipping.
Beetles 2 Pcs 15ml No Wipe Gel Top Coat and Base Coat Set
modelones No Wipe Clear Glossy Gel Base and Top Coat Set
Vishine No Wipe Top Coat Base Coat Soak off
Diverse Nail Polish Colors
A diverse collection of nail polish colors is essential for meeting the varied preferences and occasions of your clients. Include classic neutrals, vibrant hues, and trendy shades to ensure you can create beautiful nails for any style.
There are lots of different brands to choose from, some of our favorites include Gelish, Beetles, and Bluesky. But, as you start to use the products, you’ll quickly learn which brand is your favorite to use on clients.
Beetles Gel Nail Polish
Gelish Gel Nail Polish
Bluesky Gel Nail Polish
Nail Polish Remover
An acetone-based nail polish remover is essential for efficient polish removal. Ensure it is gentle on the nails while effectively dissolving polish. Consider offering acetone-free options for clients with sensitive nails.
UV/LED Nail Lamps
You may have all the polishes you need, but they’re going to be useless if you don’t have the UV/LED machines to properly cure the polish.
UV/LED Lamp
A UV lamp is indispensable for curing gel products. Choose a lamp with the appropriate wattage and compatibility for the gel products you use. A reliable lamp ensures efficient curing, contributing to the durability and quality of gel enhancements.
Here are three lamps that we love, depending on your budget.
LKE UV LED Nail Lamp
SUNUV Gel Nail Light for Nail Polish 48W
SUNUV SUN3 Professional UV Light for Nails
Timer
Many UV/LED lamps come with built-in timers, but having a separate timer is beneficial for accurate curing times. Follow product recommendations for curing times to achieve optimal results and ensure client
Make your nail technician passion into a career
You don’t need to work in beauty salons or have gone to nail school to make it in the nail industry, you can own your own nail salon business from your own home — all you need is the right nail technician supplies and a good knowledge of nail products.
To get started with your own nail tech beauty business you need a marketing plan and a business plan (this is what’s going to help you get clients). To start, with it’s a good idea to create a social media page for your business so you can share your work, reach out to a lot of clients in your area, expand your client base, and conduct market research into the best-selling products, popular nail designs, and what other nail techs are doing.
If you want to gain more experience, enrolling in an online course is a good investment. In these online nail tech courses, you’ll learn more about the essential steps of being a nail tech, get advice on building your beginner nail tech kit, and learn from other good nail techs.
In this article, we’ve taken you through a range of good quality nail tools that you should see as your fundamental basics. These nail supplies are going to be the most important thing as a business owner, from choosing the right types of files, and hydrating products to improve the appearance of the nails of your clients, and all of the additional tools that you should have to deliver the best nail service possible to your clients. Let us know if you try out any of the products we’ve recommended!
