Let’s face it: your nails are a mess. I get it, I’ve been there—raggy, snaggy cuticles, split nails that peel. Getting a professional manicure is expensive, time-consuming, and when your nails are in the kind of shape mine often are, manicurists make that judge-y, “how-did-you-let-it-get-this-bad?” face. But doing your nails at home can be a headache, especially if you don’t know about nail tools and how to use them.
Fear not! There is a solution, and its name is Germanikure. Professional manicurists don’t have to be the only ones who understand nail tools and their uses. With these high-quality, precision-engineered steel and glass tools, getting a professional-looking manicure at home is shockingly accessible.
There are lots of manicure sets to choose from and lots of manicure tools and uses, so the first thing is to learn about the many types of nail tools, so you can choose pair a set that has the right tools for your needs. Learning how to use manicure tools is easier than you might think. Let’s take a look at some nail tools names and their uses.
Manicure kit tools names and uses
Nail Clipper
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? You’re probably already familiar with this old standby. While drug store clippers get dull after only a few uses, high carbon stainless steel clippers will stay sharp for years, giving you a perfectly clean cut every time, without damaging your nails along the way. Use is simple, start on one end of the nail and work your way over to the other side.
Combination Scissor
Combination scissors are special for a few reasons: first, the pointed tip cuts cuticles with ease, and second, these scissors are rust-proof and guaranteed to last a lifetime. You can even opt for the self-sharpening kind, which have a special titanium finish that allows the scissors to actually sharpen themselves every time the blades open and close. Mind-blowing. When using scissors for nail or cuticle care, start on one side and make a nice clean single cut across to the other side.
Nail file (3.5 and 5.5”)
Unlike an emery board, you can use a glass file in either direction, meaning you can run it back and forth along the tip of your nail and it will seal the edge instead of ripping it. The smaller one is perfect for stashing in your purse so that you’ll always have it when you need it. It’s even TSA carry-on compliant!
Moon file
Moon files use an ergonomic design to make filing your nails truly effortless. Think of it as a nail file with training wheels: you can fit the tip of your nail into the groove on the concave side of the file and slide it back and forth. You’ll have a lovely, curved shape to your nail before you know it, even if you’ve never given yourself a manicure before in your life.
Sapphire nail file
Made of high carbon stainless ss steel, this nail file is incredibly strong AND rust-resistant. It has a medium-course texture on one side and a fine texture on the other, so you can tailor it to your needs. The pointed tip is perfect for cleaning under your nails, and the curved handle doubles as a cuticle pusher!
Manicure stick
Nails are often the stars of a manicure, but preparing your cuticles correctly is the key to any successful manicure. The manicure stick, called a “game-changer” by manicure professionals for a reason, this is definitely something you’ll want to add to your kit. Both ends are textured with the same crystal etched glass as the nail files. Use the flat end to push your cuticles back (I find a circular motion works best) and the pointy part to get into the tough-to-reach corners.
Cuticle nipper
After you’ve pushed your cuticles back, you’ll want to trim them with a cuticle nipper. These are super sharp little nippers designed to get as close as possible to your skin to trim the pushed-back cuticles and also those little poky bits that sometimes stick up from the sides of your nail when your skin is dry (just me?).
Nail cleaner
This item is less self-explanatory than some of the others—it looks like a little scooper or shovel, and it’s used for cleaning under your nails. Use it to dig stubborn dirt out from the hyponychium (fancy word for the line where the white part of the underside of your nail meets your skin).
Pedicure bar
If you’re looking to take care of your feet as well as you take care of your hands, a pedicure bar is a great addition to your kit. Made of the same etched crystal glass as the nail files, it’s perfect for removing callouses gently, without gouging. And it’s 5mm thick, which makes it extra durable. One side is coarser than the other, so you can use it to smooth over those extra-stubborn callouses, and smooth other with the more finely etched side— also good for smaller rough spots and perfect for filing your toenails!
Tweezers
Not for nails per se, but still worth considering when you’re deciding which manicure set to choose. Everyone needs a good pair of tweezers, and these are the best—they’re hand sharpened and they grip hairs at the shaft without breaking the hair or sliding off. The slanted ones are great for hair removal (you’ll want to hold them so that the flat end is parallel to your skin), and the pointed ones can remove hair as well as splinters, and even help manage ingrown toenails.
Now that you’re a bit more familiar with these manicure tools names and uses, it’s time to take a look at your nails and see which tools in a manicure set you’re in need of. With Germanikure’s extensive collection of sets, you’re sure to find one that matches your needs perfectly. Whichever one you pick, you can’t go wrong!
