Ever dreamed of having salon-perfect nails without leaving your home? A DIY nail kit is the easiest way to achieve well-groomed nails anytime you want. Whether you’re a beginner exploring at-home manicures or a seasoned nail enthusiast, the right nail tools and products can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the must-have essentials and extras that make DIY nail care a breeze. Get ready to say goodbye to costly salon visits and hello to professional-quality nails from the comfort of your own space!
What does a nail kit include?
A nail care kit typically includes essential tools and extras for maintaining and decorating nails at home. Here’s a breakdown:
Essential Nail Tools:
- Nail Clippers: For trimming your nails to the desired length.
- Nail File and Buffer: To smooth and shape your nails, leaving them with a shiny finish.
- Cuticle Pusher and Nipper: For pushing the cuticles back, and trimming them.
- Nail Scissors: To trim nails and cuticles.
- Base Coat and Top Coat: To protect nails and extend polish wear.
- Nail Polish Remover and Lint Free Wipes: For cleaning nails and removing old polish.
- Nail Polish Colours: A variety of shades for application.
Additional nail tools:
- Cuticle Oil: To keep cuticles moisturised and hydrated.
- Nail Art Tools: Brushes, dotting tools, and stencils for creative designs.
- LED/UV Lamp: For curing gel nails.
- Nail Stickers and rhinestones: Quick and easy decorative options.
- Pedicure Nail Clippers: Stronger clippers for toenails.
These tools and products enable both basic nail care and creative nail art, making it convenient to skip the salon and enjoy professional-quality nails at home.
Essential Nail Treatments for Your Nail Care Kit:
In addition to the basic tools for nail care, it’s essential to incorporate nail treatments into your DIY nail kit to keep your nails healthy and strong. These treatments help prevent damage, encourage growth, and ensure that your nails stay in top condition. Here are some popular nail treatments you should consider adding:
- Nail Strengthener: A nail strengthener helps reinforce weak or brittle nails, making them less prone to breakage and typically contains proteins or keratin to improve nail structure.
- Ridge Filler: A ridge filler smooths out uneven nail surfaces, giving your nails a smooth appearance. This treatment helps create a smooth canvas for nail polish, giving your manicure a flawless finish.
- Growth Treatment: A growth treatment stimulates nail growth by nourishing the nail bed with ingredients like biotin and vitamins. Regular use encourages faster nail growth while strengthening the nails.
- Nail Hardener: Nail hardeners strengthen and protect nails that are thin or prone to damage. Enriched with vitamins and other hardening agents, it creates a protective barrier to prevent chipping and splitting, while adding nourishment.
- Nail Brightener: A nail brightener enhances the natural colour of your nails, giving them a clean, healthy appearance. It helps remove discoloration, making nails look brighter and more vibrant. Often used as a base coat, it can also be worn alone for a subtle, polished look.
Choosing the items for your DIY nail kit
When putting together your DIY nail kit, focus on getting good-quality nail tools that will last and work well. Research into nail brands that have a good reputation and know their stuff. Make sure your nail care kit suits your needs, whether it’s for simple nail care, fun nail art, or trying out gel manicures, so you have everything you need to get the job done right and can achieve your desired results. We may be biased, but all of our nail tools at Soinvogue are made with high quality materials, which are sure to suit your nail needs.
Step-by-Step Guide: Achieving a Salon-Quality Manicure at Home
1. Gather Your Supplies
Collect everything you’ll need: nail polish remover, lint-free wipes, nail file, buffer, clippers, cuticle tools, warm water, base coat, nail polish, top coat, cuticle oil and moisturiser.
2. Remove Old Nail Polish
Soak a lint free wipe with nail polish remover and rub your nails to clean them and remove any old polish. Repeat if needed.
3. Trim and Shape
Use clippers to trim your nails to your desired length, then gently file them into shape. A rounded shape or square edge is generally the easiest choice to do at home. Always remember to file in one direction and you can lightly buff the surface of your nails to smooth out any ridges.
4. Soften Cuticles
Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for 5–10 minutes to soften the skin & cuticles. Gently push back cuticles using a cuticle pusher. If necessary, trim loose skin with cuticle nippers, but avoid cutting too much.
5. Prep your Nails
Thoroughly dry your hands and nails. Then lightly buff the surface of your nails with a nail buffer to create a smooth surface for polish. Remember to be gentle – you don’t want to over do it!
6. Apply Base Coat
Paint a thin layer of base coat onto your nails. Let it dry completely to protect your nails.
7. Apply Nail Polish
Choose your favourite colour and apply the first thin coat. Start with one stroke down the middle, then one on each side. Allow the first coat to dry for 2–3 minutes before applying a second coat.
8. Seal with Top Coat
Finish with a shiny top coat to protect your colour and prevent it chipping. Let your nails dry thoroughly for 15-30 minutes.
9. Clean Up Edges
Use a small brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean any excess polish around the nail. Finish with cuticle oil and hand cream to lock in moisture.
5-Minute Manicure Hacks for Beginners
1. Use Nail Polish Remover Wipes
Quickly remove old polish with pre-soaked remover wipes. They’re mess-free and portable!
2. Choose Quick-Dry Products
Opt for a quick-dry base coat, nail polish, and top coat. These speed up drying time significantly.
3. Use a Clean-Up Brush
Keep a small brush or cotton swab dipped in remover handy to quickly fix any smudges or mistakes.
4. Perfect your French Tip
Use a silicone nail stamper to achieve a French Tip design in seconds. No more faff!
5. Patch Up with a Teabag
Fix small nail breaks by cutting a piece of a teabag and gluing it to the nail. Finish with a layer of clear polish to smooth it over.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Doing Your Own Nails
1. Skipping the Base Coat
A base coat protects your nails from staining and helps the polish apply better, making your manicure last longer.
2. Over-Filing Nails
Filing too aggressively or sawing back and forth can weaken and damage your nails. Always file in one direction for a smooth finish.
3. Cutting Cuticles Too Short
Over-trimming cuticles can lead to infections, as well as being painful. Push them back gently and only trim excess dead skin.
4. Using Thick Layers of Polish
Applying thick coats can lead to uneven application and will typically make them take longer to dry. Use thin layers and build up the colour gradually.
5. Not Letting Each Layer Dry
Rushing the drying process between coats can cause smudges and unevenness. Give each layer a few minutes to dry before applying the next.
6. Skipping the Top Coat
A top coat seals the polish, adds shine, and prevents chipping. Skipping this step can significantly shorten the life of your manicure. Make sure you always follow with a top coat!
7. Using Old or Clumpy Nail Polish
Old polish tends to be thick and clumpy, leaving an uneven and streaky finish. Always check the consistency prior to application. It should be smooth, with a medium-thin consistency.
8. Forgetting to Prep Your Nails
Painting over oily or dirty nails can cause the polish to apply badly. Wash your hands and ensure they are properly dry before application.
9. Exposing Wet Nails to Water Too Soon
Water can cause polish to lift or bubble if your nails haven’t fully dried. Avoid soaking your hands for at least an hour after painting.
Benefits of Doing Your Nails at Home
Doing your nails at home offers a range of benefits, from saving time and money to giving you complete creative freedom. You can skip costly salon visits and still achieve professional-looking results with the right nail tools and techniques. At-home manicures let you experiment with colours, designs, and finishes at your own pace. It’s also a relaxing self-care ritual that you can enjoy whenever you like.
FAQs About Nail Care Kits
How often should I do my nails at home?
How often you do your nails at home depends on your nail health and personal preference. Typically, a manicure can last anywhere from 5 to 7 days before chips or wear appear. If you want to maintain a fresh look, you might consider doing your nails weekly. However, if your nails need a break, give them some time to breathe between manicures to prevent overuse of products.
Is it safe to use a nail strengthener every day?
Using a nail strengthener every day is generally safe, but it’s important to follow the instructions on the product. Many strengtheners are designed to be applied several times a week rather than daily. If you’re unsure, you can aim for 2-3 times per week for the best results.
Is it okay to apply nail polish on damaged nails?
While you can still technically paint nail polish over damaged nails, it’s generally recommended to avoid doing so as it could weaken the nail, delaying the healing process. However, if you do decide to apply nail polish, then use a good quality base coat to prioritise your nail health.
Creating your own DIY nail kit and learning how to care for your nails at home is not only a cost-effective option but also a fun and rewarding experience. With the right nail tools, treatments, and techniques, you can achieve professional-quality results without leaving the house! Whether you’re perfecting a classic manicure or experimenting with nail art, at-home nail care allows you to express your creativity and maintain healthy, beautiful nails. Shop here for all things nails!
