How many times have you seen a tool set, in any discipline, and wondered to yourself, “what the heck are all those tools used for, and why are there so many?” Perhaps you came across a tool kit simply needing a screwdriver, and saw tools that you had no idea even existed. Chances are, you will need to use those “nameless” tools sometime in your life, and they likely hold a high degree of importance.
The wonders of a tool kit most definitely resonates with tools found in a manicure set. When we talk about typical manicure sets, we usually find between two and eight pieces, with the average around 5. Larger, more comprehensive, sets may contain as many as 13 pieces as offered here at Zamberg. Let's do a slightly deeper dive here and look at some of the primary tools contained in a manicure set, and mention even some “outlier” tools. For this discussion, we will break tools down into the A, B, and C lists, with A list the most common manicure tools set, B the next ones, and C a bit more of the outliers.
The A List
Let’s start with the essentials - the A-list tools that often make the biggest difference in your nail care routine. These are some of the most reliable and frequently used items that you’ll find in any high-quality manicure set.
Glass Nail File
A glass nail file is one of the healthiest and most effective tools for manicure. It is made from premium-quality Bohemian glass. Unlike emery versions, it seals the edge of your nail, preventing it from splitting, and allows you to use it multiple times, sterilize it for future use, and works in any direction.
Nail Scissors or Clippers
- Nail Scissors- Scissors are famous for cutting cleanly instead of crushing your nail, providing you with health benefits and precision.
- Nail Clippers- Very easy to use. Just look for high-carbon stainless steel and a pin-and-post assembly for longevity.
Over the past few years, Nail Scissors have made an amazing comeback, where they have passed nail clippers at least in professional nail circles. Nail scissors are the healthier and more durable option than clippers as they cut rather than risk crushing your nail.
Nail Clippers are still, most certainly, the choice of everyday nail enthusiasts due mostly to their simplicity of use. Zamberg offers many great choices to minimize dullness and nail crushing.
Glass Manicure Stick
GERmanikure's Glass Manicure Stick should now be an essential element in everyone's manicure tool kit. While Zamberg was one of the first distributors to offer this product, the world also took notice when the glass stick was awarded a “Best Product of 2020” honor by Health Magazine. This tool is a bona fide game changer, providing the healthiest and safest cuticle care on the market. The two tips allow for pushing back cuticles, cleaning under the nail, and exfoliating dead cuticle tissue. It even files hangnails, smooths calluses, and removes excess nail polish. It cleans easily with soap and water, and is fully sterilizable.
Cuticle Nippers
In the box, you will find cuticle nippers as well. These are used for gently removing dead skin and extra cuticle. Furthermore, a premium-quality one guarantees safety and precision, vital for shielding your skin from potential damage. The tapered off, narrow shape of the blades is made especially to get into those tight spots where dead skin sometimes hides and at the same time remove just the needed amount, without cutting off live skin or causing damage.
Tweezers
Tweezers - Tweezers are often included in manicure sets and kits, for their use in carefully and gently removing splinters and helping to separate and lift hangnails, which are hardened, dead pieces of skin and cuticles that sometimes hide in the hollow on the sides of the nails. These precise tasks require fine, well aligned tips, and tweezers are one of the easiest and cheapest beauty tools to buy at any discount store or website. Cheap tweezers will bend and gap open as early as the first use. Make sure to choose tweezers made with extra hard steel to avoid potential health issues. Zamberg offers these with various grips, and affordable prices.
The B List
Next comes the B-list. These tools might not be in every kit, but they’re incredibly useful and often complete what the A-listers started.
Steel Nail File
If there is no glass file, there will be a steel nail file, considered as the second-best option. Best for people who prefer old-school grooming tools. In this situation, triple-cut stainless steel guarantees a long-lasting edge.
Glass Pedicure Bar
A glass pedicure bar is excellent for treating your feet. The bar removes calluses with one side of the glass and smoothens with the other end. It is considered a must-have for complete manicures and pedicures.
Toenail Clippers
List B ends with toenail clippers. Toenail clippers are made of very hard steel, like high carbon (surgical) stainless steel. These consist of wider blades and longer handles for extra strength and control. With this, you can easily manicure your thick toenails.
The C List
Finally, we have the C-list—often overlooked, but still valuable. These tools serve specialized purposes and can really elevate the grooming experience when used right.
Cuticle Pushers
Pushes back cuticles and removes debris buildup around the bed of your nail. It is recommended to use it after soaking your nails so they become soft, and cuticle pushers can do the needful.
Nail Cleaners
All the dirt under the nails and around the cuticles is cleaned with the assistance of nail cleaners. The tool has rounded tips to reduce the risk of injury and infection.
Beard/Mustache Scissors
These scissors are not specifically designed for manicures, but are useful when there is a need for detailed trimming. Their straight blades offer accuracy for facial grooming.
The better you are about nail tools and how to use them, the more it can boost your nail health, making grooming accurate and safe.
