Basic Nail Care

Nail Clippers: These are the standard nail trimming tools that everyone needs. Nail clippers are relatively inexpensive and you should always get the best possible quality of clippers that you can find. A good nail clipper will cut cleanly without needing to exert a lot of pressure. Poorly made or dull clippers can end up tearing the nails and can lead to problems (not to mention pain) if the nail tears into the nail plate.


Nail File or Emery Board: Another inexpensive item that you should buy for quality is a Nail file. These are used to pare down and shape the nails as desired, and to smooth the edges of the nails after clipping. The nail file can be metal and designed to last a long time, or plastic coated with grit for durable wear (although not permanent). Or you can use emery boards which are small cardboard files coated with a different coarseness of sandpaper-like grit on each side. These are designed for single use and should be discarded afterward.


Cuticle Pusher: The cuticle pusher is a tool designed to gently slide the cuticle back from the nail plate. In the normal course of growth, the cuticle can extend onto the nail plate and become bothersome. Many cuticle pushers come with a rubberized tip to gently buff away dead cuticle skin from the nail plate.
Note: Before pushing back your cuticles you should soak your fingers in warm water to soften the cuticles. You can also use cuticle oil.

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Cuticle Oil: Cuticle oil is designed to keep the cuticles soft and healthy, preventing ripping or tearing that can cause pain, damage to the nail, or even infection. Most people use cuticle oil as the final step in a manicure. This is because the cuticles may have been pushed back or clipped with cuticle clippers during the manicure, and the manicurist will want to prevent tearing.


Cuticle Clipper: This metal device, if used, must be used with caution. Do not cut skin unless necessary. Also, only cut cuticles or hangnails that are sticking up and easy to cut. Otherwise, you may end up cutting your skin and causing bleeding. Do not cut your cuticle often. Always clean your cuticle clipper with warm water and soap. Soaking in alcohol also helps. To use a cuticle clipper, hold the clipper like a pair of small scissors in one hand. Steady your hand and cut in a hard manner. If you hesitate when cutting, you may pull on your skin. Don’t take your hand away until you are sure no skin is stick in the jaws of the cuticle clipper.