Before we begin, I will say this: you do NOT need to be a professional to perform a manicure and pedicure. A normal “manicure and pedicure” typically consists of clipping the nails, filing the tips, and painting them with nail polish. And that’s basically it. Anyone can perform this service including small children minus the nail clipping but you get what I am trying to say.

In the real world of licensed technicians and professionals, there are several other components that come along with performing this service. These are tools used at a manicure & pedicure salon. The following content will provide you with additional information about all the necessary tools that will be best suited for a complete PROFESSIONAL manicure and pedicure.

Manicure and Pedicure Tools & Equipment:

These tools will be used during the removal of prior nail polish or false nails. These include any of the following:

• Gloves
  • Used to cover the hands during the manicure and pedicure. They also protect you and the client from germs and bacteria. If you are performing this service uncovered there is a greater chance that this could cause infections.
• HandDisinfectant
  • This spray will be used to sanitize the client’s hands and prevent the spread of germs. These can come in many forms. Some will be created as an aerosol and others with a spray pump. If you are unable to find any of these you can use hand sanitizer.
• Surface Disinfectant
  • This spray will be used to sanitize your workspace and disinfect the tools that will be used during the manicure.
• Cotton Pads, Q- tips, or cotton balls
  • These will assist you in the removal of unwanted nail polish from a prior application. Apply nail polish remover to the pad and wipe the nail applying slight pressure to release the polish.
• Nail polish remover (With or without acetone)
  • Apply this product to a cotton pad or cotton ball to remove polish from the nail bed and surrounding areas.
• Soak Bath or bowl
  • Fill with water, liquid soap, and or nail polish remover. Soak the hands and nails using the bowl for the desired method being performed.
• Hand cloth, mat, or paper towels
  • Best to be used for protecting the workspace or can be used to dry the hands after being removed from the soak bath.

Finger Nail Shaping:

These items will be used for filing down the nails to equal lengths and forming the shape of the nails.

• Nail clipper
  • Trims the fingernails and hangnails from the fingers.
• Nail file
  • Grinds and shaves down the nails on the tips and sides of the fingers.
• Electric Nail File
  • Sands the natural nails, nail tips, and files or finish areas of the nail that are harder to reach.
• Nail buffer
  • Smooth out ridges, and makes your nails look shiny and healthy.
• Dusting brush
  • Removes the dust left on the nails after filing or buffing.

Cuticle Care:

These items will be used to clean the cuticle area and remove excess skin surrounding the nail bed.

• Cuticle softener
  • Softens the cuticle and hard skin build-up around the nail fold. Can be found in three forms may be either a liquid, a gel, or a cuticle cream.
• Cuticle pusher
  • Pushes the skin from your cuticles back and away from your nails to help your nails grow stronger. 
• Nail nipper
  • Used to clip and remove the skin around the cuticle area.
• Cuticle oil
  •  Nourishes and smooths the skin surrounding the cuticle stimulating nail growth. It helps improve the appearance of your nails.

Manicure Finishes:

These tools will be used to finish the manicure.

• Liquid Primer
  • This should be applied before the base coat. It smoothes the nail’s surface, fills ridges, and increases color adhesion.
• Permanent nail polish (Base coat, color & top coat)
  • Nail polish is applied to the nail as decoration and protects the nail bed and nail plates.
• Hand cream
  • Hydrates the skin and softens the hands after the manicure.

Quick Tips:

• If you are not sure which tools you may need, visit your local beauty supply store and ask for suggestions.
• If you would prefer to shop online look around the internet for a basic manicure kit that should have all the supplies needed.