You are a lover of all things beauty and have a natural eye for nail art. You want to become a nail technician and get started immediately, but you don’t know where to begin and are wanting to know about nail technician tools because you are a beginner! We have put this guide together to help you learn more about the nail tools beginner nail techs need.
Having the proper nail tech tools is important
Making nail art might look easy, but the proper professional nail tools can be what comes between you and success. With the right nail tools, you can be more creative, professional and efficient at your work.
1. Nail Desk/Station & Table Lamp
As a beginner nail tech, it is vital to have a proper workstation. One that is inviting to clients and fits your needs as well. When purchasing a desk/station, look for something that can be portable and provides a safe place to store your professional nail tools.
In addition to the proper workstation, you will need a suitable table lamp. Good lighting lets you see your client’s nails more clearly to ensure your nail art masterpiece looks fantastic.
2. Nail File & Buffer
Nail files and nail buffers are essential tools every nail technician uses. A nail file helps form the shape of the nail design a client desires, typically squared or rounded. The nail buffer helps bring shine to an acrylic nail and can bring out the beauty of natural nails. Nail files and buffers are must-haves and are conveniently affordable.
3. Nail Drill
A nail drill is an absolute must; it helps nail techs save time by allowing them to more efficiently file acrylic nails and remove previous nail enhancements. It is a powered rotary tool, similar to a Dremel tool, that comes in different sizes and styles. Nail drills also contain various nail drill bits used for specific nail designs.
It is handy with artificial nail extensions and can be used for shaping, backfilling, or cleaning the nail. The nail drill is excellent for spaces a traditional nail file can’t reach.
4. Acrylic, Gels & Brushes
Next on our list is nail brushes. Using the right brush for the correct nail application is vital to ensure the proper shaping of the nail and the overall look of your nail art–making it essential to have a set of reliable brushes for acrylic and gel nail applications.
Acrylic and gel brushes come in various shapes and sizes depending on the nail tech’s preference and the client’s design. Traditionally, gel brushes are thinner and flatter than acrylic brushes and are made from nylon. Acrylic brushes are often made from natural materials such as animal hairs and can handle exposure to acetone used often with acrylic nail applications.
Do you know the difference between an acrylic and gel nail application?
Acrylic and gels are the top two requested nail applications for nail designs. Acrylic is usually used for a manicure, and gels are used for both manicures and pedicures.
Acrylic nails combine liquid and powder laid over your nail with a brush. As a beginner nail tech, you must have the necessary liquid and powder for acrylic. After acrylic nails take shape, each nail is typically painted with a regular base coat or can be used with an acrylic gel top coat.
Gel brushing coats dry with a UV lamp. A UV lamp makes the process faster than applying acrylic because drying is instant. With gel, the nails look more natural than a regular base coat.
5. Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol solutions are used in nail salons using gel polishes. The alcohol solution removes the sticky layer of the gel nail and brings it back to normal.
6. Acetone
Acetone is one of the essential tools used by nail techs daily and has many uses in a nail salon. The most obvious benefit is the removal of nail polish. It is also used as a soak to remove acrylic nails and to clean the brushes used to apply acrylic nails.
7. Base & Top Coat Nail Polishes
To ensure long-lasting manicures and pedicures, nail technicians use base and top coat nail polishes. A base coat will prevent the natural nails from staining yellow. A top coat will give the nail a shine and avoid chipping. The quality of your work will also be enhanced with a base and top coat, giving you more client satisfaction.
8. Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil is used to hydrate and moisturize nails. Nail techs often use cuticle oil after the nails are painted so the polish can last longer and have a nice shine. Using cuticle oil regularly improves blood circulation around your nails. It also helps with nail growth, giving you stronger and faster-growing nails.
9. Disinfectant
Disinfectants are used to clean your tools properly; nail technicians disinfect their tools between each client to prevent transferring various infections and bacteria. You should never work with dirty tools and put clients in jeopardy.
You can learn more about professional nail tools and how to use them in Dorsey College’s manicuring training program!
As an aspiring nail technician, Dorsey College can help you explore a better understanding of manicuring techniques and nail tools you can use in the field. If you want to pursue a career as a nail technician, you will need to first get the proper training, and then pursue licensure as most states (including Michigan) require you to be licensed in order to obtain gainful employment in this field.
The manicuring program at Dorsey College provides students with classroom instruction and hands-on, real-world training in the on-campus beauty clinic. Learn from experts in the field on how to purchase the right professional nail tools and take your nail art to the next level.
Dorsey School of Beauty – Taylor, MI
Dorsey School of Beauty, located in Taylor, MI, is a sister school of Dorsey College. Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). To learn more about Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI you can click here.
Dorsey College and Dorsey School of Beauty have determined that their respective Manicuring training program is sufficient to meet educational requirements for licensing requirements in the state of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
