10 Things Every Nail Tech Should Have

A nail technician is an excellent career if you’re interested in working with nails. When starting, it can be tricky to determine what supplies you might need. What are items that every nail tech should have?

Here are ten things every nail tech should have:

  1. Table Lamp
  2. Disinfectant
  3. Nail File and Buffer
  4. Nail Polishes
  5. Top and Base Coat
  6. Nail Polish Remover and Cotton Balls
  7. Nail Systems
  8. Cuticle Oil, Cream, and Lotion
  9. Cuticle Pusher
  10. Nail Clippers

These will be enough to get started.

Read on to learn more about these items. There are more you may need, but these will lay the groundwork for your nail technician position. Let’s get started.

I'm a Beginner Nail Tech So Where Do I Start?

As a beginner in nail tech, it can be tricky to learn where to start. You have completed the certified nail technician course, but what do you do with it?

Here are a few directions you can go as a beginner nail tech:

  • Open up your company
  • Find a position at an established company
  • Continue to practice

These will help improve your experience in the field.

The most vital part of being a nail tech is finding a place to plant yourself. Once you do that, you can work your way up in experience and position.

What Should Every Nail Tech Have?

There are many items a nail tech should have, which makes it tricky to get started. We’ll touch on a few basics that will assist you on your journey.

Ten items every nail tech should have include:

  • Table Lamp
  • Disinfectant
  • Nail File and Buffer
  • Nail Polishes
  • Top and Base Coat
  • Nail Polish Remover and Cotton Balls
  • Nail Systems
  • Cuticle Oil, Cream, and Lotion
  • Cuticle Pusher
  • Nail Clippers

You can at least get started with these.

As you get going, you may discover new items you need. You can invest and work as you go along.

10 Things Every Nail Tech Should Have

We’ve mentioned the items every nail tech should have, but we haven’t gone into detail. What are these things? How much do they cost?

Let’s dive into each item a little more to give you a better idea of what to expect. There is variety in every item, so you can choose the brand or design that best suits the way you work.

Things Every Nail Tech Should Have - info

1. Table Lamp

A table lamp is an item every nail tech should have. Overhead lights can have odd lighting, and a table lamp will provide critical illumination needed to see the work done on the hand. This item is especially vital if you work with tiny details.

You can find a quality LED Desk Lamp on Amazon. This tool will make it easier to show what you can do to your clients.

2. Disinfectant

As a nail tech, it’s critical to keep your tools sanitized between uses. Failure to do so may spread germs and bacteria to other clients, ruining your potential for success. A quality disinfectant should be in your supplies to clean tools.

You can find a quality Barbicide disinfectant on Amazon. You should invest in a container to soak the tools in the disinfectant. Often, it’s ideal to have this out to let clients know you have a sterile environment.

3. Nail File and Buffer

A nail file and buffer work together to smooth, shape, and sand the nails. They are vital to prepare the surface for the application of nail polishes. You need a file and buffer to achieve that classic nail shape everyone loves in a natural nail.

You can find a quality Nail File and Buffer Set on Amazon. Invest in a nice set to avoid damaging the nails.

4. Nail Polishes

Nail polishes are a must. Have a variety of colors, from bright neons to muted pastels. Everyone has a different taste, and you need to be ready to cater to each one.

You can get a bottle of OPI Nail Polish on Amazon. This expense might be the highest, but it’s why people get their nails done. Polish is a worthy investment.

5. Top and Base Coat

A top coat and a base coat lay the foundation for nail polish and seal it after the color goes on the nail. For a quality job, you need a top and base coat.

You can find a quality OPI Top and Base Coat on Amazon. A good seal keeps customers coming back for more.

6. Nail Polish Remover and Cotton Balls

If you mess up or a customer comes in with an old polish, you need to remove it. Nail polish remover and cotton balls will suffice here.

You can find Pronto Nail Polish Remover on Amazon, and Diane Cotton Balls. Always have these with you.

7. Nail Systems

Nail systems include acrylic, gel, and dip options. These provide options for nail art.

Your best bet for nail systems is to visit a local provider. Invest in high quality for the best results.

8. Cuticle Oil, Cream, and Lotion

A cuticle ointment softens nails and cuticles. This process makes them easier to work with when the time comes to shape and paint the nails.

You can find an excellent Sally Hansen Oil on Amazon. You can even sell softeners to customers to utilize at home.

9. Cuticle Pusher

A cuticle pusher gets rid of the skin on the nail. It paves the way for paint to stick.

You can find a quality Utopia Cuticle Pusher on Amazon. It’s critical to be gentle as you push.

10. Nail Clippers

Nail clippers are necessary to help shape the nail and trim excess. They will also help reduce the nail length.

You can find an excellent Hawatour Nail Clipper Set on Amazon. Get a quality option that won’t break.

Final Thoughts

As a nail tech, having the right tools helps tremendously. These ten pieces lay the foundation for an excellent start to a career as a nail tech.

We hope this information was helpful! There’s nothing worse than wanting to accomplish a job and realizing you don’t have the tools to complete it. With these, you will be somewhat ready to go. You can do it!