Manicures & Pedicures: Tools of the Trade from Mila's blog

Are you interested in becoming a nail technician? If so, you will want to buff up on the tools and products nail technicians use to perform a manicures and pedicures.

A manicure or pedicure is a service that keeps the nails and skin of the hands and feet in healthy condition. This may mean smoothing calloused skin on your feet, as well as maintaining the cuticles of your hands. Adding proper oils and shaping nails helps keep them strong. Services also include a light massage or gentle muscle stretching that accompanies manicures and pedicures.

Manicures and pedicures are a great way to keep your nails and skin healthy. Our hands and feet take the brunt of daily work, so keeping them healthy is important. Smoothing rough areas, trimming hangnails and filing your nails to keep the manicure and pedicure fresh is important.

There are many types of tools and products used in manicures and pedicures. Clear coat polish is the last step in most services, which prevents the nail from damage. A top coat polish can help protect the nail and prevent damage from chemicals, soaps and water damage. Plus, the addition of a bright layer of colored polish is pleasing to many people.

People from different walks of life get manicures and pedicures. Dealing with professionals that have well-manicured nails conveys confidence and cleanliness.

Regular pedicures can help promote healthy circulation in hands and feet. Another added benefit of the manicures and pedicures is to prevent nail diseases. Professional nail technicians can spot potential nail and skin problems before they become big problems.

Manicures and pedicures also help to alleviate stress. Relieving stress can promote good mental and physical health. There are many studies that suggest that lowering stress may help aid in memory, digestive and heart health. Manicure and pedicure services can be quite affordable. Regular maintenance of your hands and feet is well worth the cost.

There are specific tools used in manicure and pedicure services. These are the basic tools a professional will need, use, and sanitize for nail services. Some tools are disposable including Emery boards, bamboo sticks and toe separators. Many nail tools are sanitized after every use.

In addition to comfortable chairs for clients to sit in, there are many unique tools that help nail technicians perform manicures. These manicure tools include:

• Acetone/polish remover to remove polish and debris.
• Cuticle cream for the bottom of the nail.
• Lotion to moisturize.
• Nail brush tool for nail hygiene.
• Cuticle pusher to push back skin around the nail.
• Cuticle scissors tool to trim cuticles.
• Nippers to trim hangnails.
• Nail files/Emery boards to shape the nail.
• Nail buffer block to add shine to the nail.
• Bamboo sticks to clean up excess cuticle.
• Cotton balls to apply products.
• Tweezers tool to grab small items.
• Cuticle oil to moisten and add vitamins to the skin.
• Polish to add protection and shine or color to the nail.
• Small paintbrush to create nail art.

There are many unique tools that help nail technicians perform pedicures. These pedicure tools include:

• Foot spa soaker to soak the feet.
• Acetone/polish remover to remove polish and debris.
• Astringent foot soak to sanitize feet.
• Cooling foot soak to open the pores and soothe feet.
• Exfoliating foot scrub to remove excess skin and callouses.
• Nail brush tool for nail hygiene.
• Foot file to file down callouses and remove old loose skin.
• Toe separators to make sure toes don’t touch each other.
• Cuticle remover to loosen hardened cuticle on the nail.
• Cuticle oil to moisten and add vitamins to the skin.
• Cotton balls to apply products.
• Cuticle pusher to push back skin around the nail.
• Cuticle scissors tool to trim cuticles.
• Nippers to trim hangnails.
• Nail files/Emery boards to shape the nail.
• Nail buffer block to add shine to the nail.
• Bamboo sticks to clean up excess cuticle.
• Polish to add a protective layer and shine or color to the nail.
• Small paintbrush to create nail art.

Performing manicures or pedicures is an artistic outlet. Many clients ask for nail art in addition to their polish. Nail art includes the adding little gems, patterns, glitter, and even different colors on the nails. Added revenue is always a welcome bonus.

Life-long learning is important in a nail technician’s career. There are always new techniques to learn and new styles to try. There are always new beauty trends to explore.

Working with clients in a clean and friendly environment ensures repeat customers. One satisfied client can turn into hundreds of happy clients. This is an upbeat profession that allows for creativity and client interaction. Now you have the tools to become a successful manicurist and/or pedicurist.