A nail kit for beginners should include all the essentials required for both nail care and basic nail art, enabling easy at-home manicures. Here’s what a solid beginner nail kit should feature, whether you plan to do simple manicures or try acrylic designs:
- Nail clippers: For trimming nails to the desired length. Good-quality clippers prevent splitting and cracking[1].
- Nail file set and buffers: For shaping the nails and smoothing their surface. A variety of grits is ideal—coarse for shaping, fine for smoothing, and buffers for shine[1][4].
- Cuticle tools: Includes a cuticle pusher and cuticle clippers or nippers for a tidy appearance and healthy nail beds. Cuticle oil is also recommended to maintain moisture[5].
- Base coat and top coat: A base coat protects the natural nail and helps polish adhesion, while a top coat provides shine and prevents chipping[1][5].
- Nail polish remover: For correcting mistakes and removing old polish. Choose a formula that is gentle and non-drying[1].
- Nail polish colors: A variety of shades and finishes (such as gel, classic, glitter or matte) allows for creativity and seasonal updates[5].
- Nail tips: Helpful for those wanting to experiment with longer or differently-shaped nails[2][5].
For those interested in acrylic nails, additional specialized items are needed:
- Acrylic powder and liquid monomer: The fundamental (and safe) ingredients for acrylic nails[2][3].
- Nail glue and tip cutter: For applying and customizing nail tips[2].
- Acrylic nail brush: Essential for sculpting acrylics[3].
- Dappen dish and mixing tools: For holding and mixing acrylic liquids[2].
- Primer and dehydrator: Prepares the natural nails for acrylic application, enhancing adhesion and durability[3].
- Practice hand (optional): A helpful tool for new users to practice safely[2].
- UV/LED lamp (for gel polish): Required if you plan to use gel polishes, as they need curing under light[6].
Other helpful tools can include dotting tools and fine art brushes for nail art, and nail forms for advanced acrylic or gel application[4].
The key is to choose products appropriate to your interest (classic polish or acrylics) and practice using them for the best results. Quality tools and proper preparation, like file and buffer, cuticle care, and base/top coat application, are foundational to achieving a manicure that looks salon-fresh and lasts longer[1][4].
References
- [1] Must-Have Items To Add to Your At-Home Nail Kit
- [2] The Ultimate Guide to Acrylic Nail Kits for Beginners: What You Really
- [3] Ultimate Acrylic Starter Kit
- [4] Top 10 Must-Have Nail Art Tools for Beginners – EyeCandys
- [5] What do you need as a beginner in nail tech?
- [6] Professional Nail tools for Beginners – MelodySusie