Achieving salon-quality nails at home is no longer just a fantasy! Every woman dedicates precious time each day to create a flawless manicure, maintain healthy nails, and present well-groomed hands, all of which can significantly shape first impressions. Fortunately, the coveted salon effect can now be effortlessly recreated in the comfort of your own home.
One of the most frustrating scenarios on a day set aside for your regular nail appointment at your favorite salon is when you have to miss it. Whether it’s due to tardiness, scheduling conflicts, or an unexpected cancellation, it can be overwhelming to decide how to handle already overgrown and damaged nails in desperate need of a refresh.
You might assume that the essential accessories and nail care tools for at-home manicures are hard to find, but we assure you that’s a misconception. While the brand of each product is less critical than finding what works best for your natural nails, sometimes the best solutions come from various brands.
If you're considering a gel manicure at home, there are additional tools available, but we will focus on our top recommendations for natural nail care—all of which can be conveniently found on Amazon!
1. Hand Sanitizer
Before embarking on any nail care routine, it’s vital to thoroughly disinfect your hands, even after washing them. Hand sanitizers are a must-have in any home manicure kit, as they penetrate deeper than traditional soaps, are less drying than water, and effectively eliminate bacteria that can linger in skin pores.
Moreover, because the nail plate is naturally oily, it requires a stronger cleaning solution than just water. While disinfectant sprays can be effective, gels are even more beneficial. We recommend using a Refreshing Disinfectant Gel, which is unscented and formulated with moisturizing ingredients to leave your hands feeling soft and smooth after application.
Pros: Eliminates 99.99% of germs without harming the skin.
Cons: Highly flammable.
2. Nail File
The next essential tool to procure is a nail file. This handy instrument is crucial for the upkeep of natural nails, enabling you to shape them into various styles—whether square, almond, or natural oval. When selecting the ideal nail file, pay close attention to the grit number, which indicates the file's granulation.
A higher grit number is more suitable for natural nails, with 180 being the finest. Nail files may have one or two granulated sides; we recommend the Canvalite file, which features dual-sided granulation. Use grit number 180 for softer, thinner nails, while grit number 100 is ideal for sturdier nails.
Pros: Perfectly shapes nails into a half-moon form.
Cons: Higher granulation can lead to quicker wear.
3. Nail File Buffer
A nail buffer serves a slightly different purpose, specifically designed for polishing the nail plate and removing any remnants left after shaping. Using The Nail Buffer will provide a smooth, shiny surface for nail polish application, helping to prevent unsightly bumps and inconsistencies.
Nail buffers typically come in two designs: a traditional file shape (recommended) and a block shape. The file-shaped buffers are generally more effective, as they can reach the edges better than block buffers.
Pros: Easy to clean and sanitize.
Cons: Block buffers are less effective.
4. Nail Clippers
Basic nail clippers are among the earliest tools developed for the convenient trimming and shaping of nails at home. However, exercise caution when using them; they should be sharp but not excessively so to avoid injuring the skin or cuticles nearby.
For toenails, which are tougher and require greater care than fingernails, it’s wise to invest in a specialized type of nail clipper designed for this purpose. This tool will effectively tackle thick toenails and ease the process of trimming nails that may be tucked into the surrounding skin.
Pros: User-friendly.
Cons: Potentially hazardous if overly sharp.
5. Cuticle Pusher
To address the very base of the nail, a Cuticle Pusher is invaluable. By gently pushing back the cuticle, you can efficiently remove any excess skin that accumulates as the nail grows.
Both wooden and metal cuticle pushers are effective; wooden ones are disposable, while metal ones can be sterilized using UV light. Metal pushers are often preferred as they don't leave behind any debris and are generally more hygienic because they are less likely to harbor bacteria.
Pros: Made of stainless steel and user-friendly.
Cons: Requires UV sterilization.
6. Cuticle Cutter
Removing cuticles can be one of the trickiest aspects of at-home manicures. While it may seem simple, it can be quite challenging if not done carefully. For a nearly painless experience, consider the Amazon Bestseller Cuticle Tool Kit, which includes a pusher, cutter, and a dirt remover!
Alternatively, small scissors can also do the trick; a fine pair will allow for precise removal. Be sure to watch instructional videos on platforms like YouTube to learn the best techniques.
Pros: Affordable and made of stainless steel.
Cons: Can be dangerous if too sharp.
7. Natural Nail Care Polishes
Once you have shaped, filed, and trimmed your nails, it’s time to apply nourishing polishes that will enhance their strength and shine. If you're right-handed, start with your right hand to minimize the risk of smudging while applying polish to your left hand.
Nail-Aid polishes are popular for at-home use. The Biotin formula helps eliminate nail peeling and cracking while providing vitamin B7, whereas Keratin serves as a powerful ally in fortifying nails.
Pros: Healthy formulation that applies and removes easily.
Cons: May not be effective on all nail types.
8. Liquid Nail Cleaner in a Pump Dispenser
Both alcohol and acetone can serve as effective nail cleaners. Typically, acetone is the go-to for removing polish, but when caring for natural nails, alcohol is preferable for cleaning the nail tips.
Buying in bulk can often lead to cost savings, so consider purchasing a liter of acetone or alcohol. Just remember to transfer these liquids into smaller dispensers for ease of use.
Pros: Convenient.
Cons: Unknown variables may apply.
