Believe it or not, you don’t actually need to go to a salon to get a salon-quality manicure. Even if you’ve never done your own nails before, I promise you that a do it yourself manicure can come out better than you think.
However, you’re going to have to ditch the emery board nail files and cheap nail clippers—poor-quality tools are the main thing holding you back from your best at home manicure. And don’t forget that manicure kits aren’t just for fingernails only. There are plenty of DIY manicure kits that include tools for pedicures, hair removal, and even beard and mustache care.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the five best at home manicure sets money can buy. Some of them might seem like a splurge, but when you stack them up against the cost of a lifetime of salon manicures, they’re actually kind of a steal, especially considering that they’ll last you upwards of twenty or thirty years AND a kit can be tailored to your unique needs, which may include more than just fingernail maintenance. So without further ado, here they are:
1. Best at home manicure kit for individuals: Germanikures Comprehensive 7 Piece Manicure Set
The top of the line in nail care for grown-ups, this set has everything you need for your absolute best do-it-yourself nails. It includes high carbon stainless steel fingernail and toenail clippers (they’re rust-proof and guaranteed to provide a clean cut without crushing or damaging your nails), a cuticle nipper made of the same high carbon stainless steel—these are hand-filed to ensure clean cuticle cutting without ripping or tearing—and cuticle nippers made out of—you guessed it—high carbon stainless steel.
It also includes a crystal glass nail file (if you’re not already using a glass nail file, know that it will change your life—emery boards shred your nails and leave you with snaggy, peeling edges, while glass files actually seal the edges of your nails, making them healthy and strong) and cuticle stick. A good crystal glass cuticle stick is non-negotiable—not only does it push back cuticles while removing dead tissue, you can also use the pointy end to clean the hard-to-reach corners of your nail beds and even underneath nails. And my favorite pro-tip: dip it in nail polish remover to clean up polish mistakes for your very best at home manicure! This kit is the prefect personal DIY manicure set.
2. Best home manicure kit for families: Germanikures 8 Piece Manicure Set
This set covers all the basics and then some, with two sizes of nail clippers (one for fingernails, one for toenails) and a pair of nail scissors. It also has a pair of slanted tweezers that are perfect for both hair AND splinter removal—if you have children, you probably know what it’s like trying to get a splinter out of a squirmy kid’s tiny finger, and these tweezers make that process as painless as possible.
Glass nail files are great, but sometimes with kids around, steel is a better option because you won’t have to worry about breakage. Luckily, you also don’t have to compromise on quality—the sapphire nail file has a medium texture on one side and fine on the other, for all your family’s filing needs. And the stainless steel cuticle pusher, nail cleaner, and nippers will take care of any cuticle care needs your family can come up with.
3. Best manicure kit for travel: Germanikures Folding Clipper and Travel File Set
With only two items, this kit takes care of a surprising number of nail care needs that may arise while you’re away from home. The flat, French-style nail clipper has a thin, flat profile when it’s folded up, so it takes up hardly any space at all in your carry-on. It even has an edge that you can use as a nail cleaner as well as a textured surface that works as a file. The prefect three in one tool for when your on the go. This set also includes a mini glass nail file to seal your nails, so you don’t have to sacrifice the health of your nails just because you’re on the road.
4. Best pedicure kit: Germanikures 5 Piece Pedicure Kit
If you’re looking for a perfect DIY pedicure, this kit has you covered. It’s also the perfect set to have on hand if you’re prone to ingrown toenails, because it includes a nipper with a super fine tip that’s perfect for getting into the tightest spots and getting rid of that last shard of toenail that clippers sometimes miss. It also has an ergonomic toenail clipper and a dual headed callous scraper in addition to a crystal glass nail file and cuticle stick (hint: your toenails have cuticles, too!). These tools are perfect for both fingernails AND toenails—just make sure to give them a good cleaning between uses!
5. Best kit for beard and mustache care: Germanikures 6 Piece Set in New Zip Case
Not only does this kit include everything you need for fingernail and toenail maintenance, it also has the best slanted tip tweezers you’ll ever use (cheaper options tend to slide off or break hairs at the root) and a pair of scissors designed especially for precise facial hair trimming. With a little help from this kit, you’re sure to have the best beard on the block.
All of these kits come in high quality leather cases so your tools will be protected, whether they live on your bathroom shelf or in your suitcase. No matter which set you choose, it will give you (and/or your family!) the best at home manicure and grooming experience you can get.
