How to choose a manicure set - electric and mechanical

A professional manicure costs time and money, but many women prefer to trust their hands and feet to nail experts. Those, in turn, will never be left without work, and how successful a private practice will be depends not only on the talent of the master, but also on the quality of materials and manicure tools.

Do you want to try yourself in a prestigious profession? Then we will tell you what is included in the basic set for a beginner manicurist to make it easier for you to plan expenses.

Contents of the manicure set

A manicure set is a set of tools for correcting the nail plates and the skin around them on the hands.

Tool	Purpose
Straight blade scissors	Nail plate correction
Curved scissors	Trimming cuticles and dead skin around the nail
Tweezers or nippers	Removal of dead skin around the nail and cuticles
Knipser	Cutting the nail at a right angle
Pusher	Cuticle remover
Scraper	A hatchet (knife) for cutting cuticles (often combined with a pusher into one tool)
Trimmer	V-shaped cuticle remover
Nailfile	Nail correction without cutting, nail polishing
Buff	Nail polishing block
Manicure brush	Removing nail dust after using a file
Tweezers	Spot operations during manicure
Case	Tool storage

Comparison table of characteristics

In order to compare the products presented, we recommend that you study the table in the article below.

Model	Material of manufacture	Manufacturer country	Equipment	Cost, rub)
Xiaomi Nail Clipper Five Piece Set	stainless steel	China	scissors, spatula, wire cutters, file	from 564 to 1330
Metzger MS-2957-BIG	stainless steel	Russia	scissors, nippers, eyebrow tweezers, nail clipper, metal file, manicure trimmer, scraper	from 1732 to 2344
ZINGER MSFE-801	stainless steel	Germany	cuticle nippers, cuticle scissors, nail scissors, beveled tweezers, diamond file, 3 metal pushers, trimmer, plastic scraper	from 2980 to 4690
Set Metzger MS-3957-SMALL	stainless steel	Russia	case, scissors, nippers, eyebrow tweezers, nail clipper, metal file, manicure trimmer, scraper	from 2980 to 3500
ZINGER MSFC-804	stainless steel	Germany	cuticle nippers, pedicure nippers, metal manicure sticks, metal file, cuticle scissors, nail scissors, tweezers, plastic stick for pushing back cuticles, trimmer, nail clipper	from 2980 to 4960
ZINGER MS-JB-830	stainless steel	Germany	cuticle scissors, nail scissors, pedicure scissors, cuticle nippers, pedicure nippers, file (diamond coated), beveled tweezers, pointed tweezers, trimmer, clipper, cuticle stick, pimple remover, three all-metal double-sided scrapers	from 6790 to 8630
ZINGER MSFE-802	stainless steel	Germany	cuticle scissors, nail scissors, manicure clippers, diamond file, 3 metal double-sided scrapers, 2 plastic scrapers, tweezers, trimmer	from 3100 to 4681
ZINGER MSFE-601	stainless steel	Germany	nail scissors, cuticle scissors, nippers, diamond file, trimmer, clipper, tweezers, three metal scrapers, plastic stick for pushing back cuticles	from 2600 to 3945
ZINGER 7103	stainless steel	Germany	pusher, nail file, tweezers, manicure clippers, nail scissors, cuticle scissors	from 1100 to 1600
ZINGER MS-FC101-S	stainless steel	Germany	scissors, file (metal), nippers, cuticle trimmer, cuticle spatula (2 pcs), scraper (2 pcs), tweezers	from 2799 to 3000

Types of manicure sets

A classic manicure set includes scissors, tweezers (nippers), a file, a pusher and tweezers. Depending on the manufacturer, the kit includes scissors with curved blades for trimming cuticles and a clipper. The pusher in such sets is connected to a scraper.

The manicure set for men is minimal. These are scissors, tweezers and a nail file. Men's sets, as a rule, are packaged in cases with a laconic design without additional decorative elements.

A children's manicure set must be equipped with scissors with blunt tips so as not to injure the delicate skin around the nail. They are complemented by tweezers and a soft file that will not damage the child’s thin and sensitive nails.

Children's manicure set

The travel manicure set is compact. Minimum tools: cuticle scissors and file. On long journeys take a classic set. The travel kit features a soft, comfortable case equipped with tight fastenings.

If your trip involves a flight, leave one file with rounded edges in your hand luggage. Most airlines in the world allow the transportation of piercing and cutting manicure instruments only in checked baggage.

A professional manicure set allows you to perform operations of any complexity and takes into account all the features of the client’s nail condition. It includes additional scissors with blades of different widths and shapes, nippers and pushers for various types of nail plates. The professional set contains many files with abrasive (coating) of various fractions, including for weakened and split nails. The extension process involves polishing the nail plate using a special block with very small particles on the surface - buff.

An artistic manicure set is a set of tools for nail design. It includes the following tools:

brushes of different diameters for drawing and applying acrylic or gel;
dots (dotter) – a special tool for spot application of paint, varnish or decorative elements;
files and buff for polishing;
orange sticks;
set for stamping (stamped designs);
various accessories: stickers, stencils, rhinestones, sparkles, threads and others.

Manicure sets are mechanical and electric.

Mechanical ones are used for edged and unedged (European) manicure. With their help, the master processes the nail plate and cuticle manually.

Electric manicure sets are multifunctional devices with interchangeable attachments that replace all mechanical manicure tools.

Video

A short video with recommendations on what should be included in a starter kit for working with gel polish

To create a long-lasting and beautiful manicure with gel polish, you don’t have to visit a beauty salon. Special starter kits from different manufacturers are available to suit any budget.

They include a base, top, color coating and other products necessary for manicure. Having everything you need at hand, you can transform your pens at any convenient time of the day. Before going to the hairdresser to combat split ends, evaluate the pros and cons of cutting your hair with hot scissors.

Which set to choose: mechanical or electric

The mechanical method of caring for the nail plate is traditional and familiar to many. Hardware manicure is a new word in the beauty industry. It causes both delight and some fear. What to prefer for home use: a mechanical set or an electric one?

Electric manicure set

Hardware manicure does not require preliminary steaming of hands and significantly saves time. Numerous attachments replace an entire arsenal of mechanical tools. Miniature cutters allow you to correct the most inaccessible places. Proper use of an electrical appliance reduces the risk of injury.

But a manicure machine is a complex device: its use requires more attentiveness and composure from the master. Fast and high-quality work requires dexterity and perfected skills. In addition, men and many women constantly use only three tools: scissors, tweezers, and a file. They won’t need all the variety of attachments in the electric set.

How to choose the right mechanical manicure set

Manicure instruments are, first of all, hygiene supplies. You need to approach their choice seriously and responsibly.

The main criterion for manicure tools is the quality of the material. All metal work areas must be made of medical grade steel.
The second important criterion is the correct sharpening of the tool. This is an indicator of durability and safety of use. You should not buy scissors or tweezers with dull blades or asymmetry of the cutting ends, a pusher or a trimmer with jagged edges.
The cost of a good kit cannot be too low. Reasonable savings never hurt, but it is better to buy a high-quality set for less than numerous consumer goods.

Nail file options

Pay attention to the choice of file. For natural nails, the best option is glass or ceramic tools. They do not injure the nail plate, and the ceramic file even seals the edge from delamination. Metal files are suitable for artificial extended nails. Their rigidity will depend on the material used for extensions; you can find out more details and get advice from the specialist after the procedure.
Another important point. Buy the minimum necessary tools that you will definitely use. Subsequently, the missing items can be purchased, but purchasing the most complete (professional) set is not always advisable.
Branded manicure sets are always sold in convenient, high-quality cases. If you buy instruments separately, do not forget to immediately buy a case or pencil case for them.

This video can help you choose a piercing tool.

Consumables

Consumables include everything that will need to be purchased periodically. These are disposable materials, such as orange sticks and, for example, gel polish, which quickly runs out when there is a large flow of customers.

So, what a nail artist can’t do without:

cotton pads and lint-free wipes;
cuticle softener, hydrogen peroxide (in case of cuts);
liquid for removing gel polish coatings;
to degrease nails you will need a primer, preferably an acid-free one;
It is better to take a rubber base. It is thicker and more viscous, but it definitely does not spread, does not harm weak nails, and allows you to smooth out defects in the surface of the nail;
if you do a French coat, start practicing using a camouflage base;
fixative, also known as top or finish. To begin with, you can get by with a classic thick top or without a sticky layer, and only then experiment with matte and glossy ones.

And of course, gel polish is your everything. Some women like a nude manicure, in which case you can get by with a base coat, or vice versa, a transparent gel polish can replace the base coat in a colored manicure. For simple designs, it doesn't hurt to have flower beds in several shades of red, from pale pink to burgundy, gray, dark blue and other shades of your choice. Over time, you will learn the preferences of your clients, although experienced nail technicians have a whole battery of gel polishes in their arsenal for every taste.

Materials for nail extensions are not included in the kit of a beginning manicurist, so we will not talk about them, but will move on to the necessary equipment.

Features of choosing an electric manicure set

A good electric manicure set is expensive. Before purchasing it, you need to get a hardware manicure at least once from a specialist and check how your nails react to this procedure. For those with very delicate skin prone to burns, it is better to opt for a mechanical set, since the rotating cutter gets quite hot.

If a hardware manicure suits you, decide what operations you will perform with its help. And only after that start searching for the right option.

Remember:

All possible attachments at home will never be used - stop at the minimum required quantity.
It is better to choose diamond or sapphire coating on cutters, so the set will last longer.
Externally and upon tactile contact, all parts must be of good quality, without visible damage or irregularities.
The “reverse” function will ensure rotation of the nozzle in the opposite direction, this is very convenient for smooth processing of the nail plate.
It is good if the device is equipped with speed control.
The number of revolutions of the device should be between 3 and 5 thousand turns per minute. Devices with low power will wrinkle and injure the nail plate.

It will be very difficult to master all the functions of the purchased device on your own. After purchasing, be sure to watch video tutorials on home hardware manicure.

Popular brands of manicure tools

Among the manufacturers of mechanical nail care kits, the undisputed leaders are Zinger, Mertz, Stalex, and Solingen. A long history and excellent quality will guarantee a long service life of the instruments. The products of the company Zwilling JA Henckels are of good quality.

Manicure set from Zwilling

When buying household electric manicure kits, you should pay attention to time-tested products from Philips, Scarlett, and Vitek. It is these brands that collect the majority of positive reviews on women's forums and receive approval in professional circles.

Where is the best place to buy a manicure set?

To protect yourself from counterfeits, it is best to contact a professional store of the appropriate profile. Consultants will help you choose the necessary set of manicure tools.

When ordering a product online, it is better to contact the official representative office of the manufacturer.

Do not order expensive manicure sets from unprofessional sites or intermediary sites. It is impossible to check the quality of tools with such a purchase, and you will not receive a guarantee for the purchased product.

Manicure set as a gift

A manicure set as a gift is a great idea. But the following rules must be observed:

Do not give an expensive manicure set to strangers whose preferences you know nothing about. Perhaps the recipient of the gift constantly uses the services of a nail salon, and your gift will be completely unnecessary.
Choose only high-quality manicure tools. If its price is too high, choose another gift.
Try to quietly study the habits and preferences of the recipient - this will help you choose the right package for the future gift.
Give manicure tools only in a case or case.

There are many types of tools that are needed for manicure at home. Therefore, choosing a manicure set involves many subtleties, the observance of which will make the procedure pleasant and desirable for everyone.

The best manufacturers

It often happens that the quality of the product does not live up to expectations. There comes disappointment and the realization that the money was scattered to the wind. How can this be avoided? Manicure sets are a type of product where the manufacturer plays an important role, so you need to know famous brands. If you are tormented by the question: “Which company is better to buy?”, then remember the brands listed below, since their name has long been synonymous with quality and reliability.

Mertz. This German brand always takes a leading position in any ratings of the best quality manicure sets. The high-carbon steel from which the tools of this company are made makes the products durable. The main distinguishing features of the brand are high-quality materials, optimal cost and a wide selection of cases.
Zinger. Another German manufacturer that delights customers with a good selection of sets made from high-quality steel. The brand produces products in various price categories. You can purchase premium tools and quite budget products from them. All sets have their own signature, distinctive nuances.
STALEX. This is a Russian brand that effortlessly competes with venerable foreign manufacturers. Only superior stainless steel is used to create instruments. The sets are available in a wide variety of designs, and the prices are much more favorable than those of foreign brands.

Brands such as Solinberg, Kaizer, Zwilling and Henckel have also proven themselves well.