Published On: 01 June 2025
Taking care of your nails at home is easy when you know how to use the tools in a manicure kit correctly. In this guide, we’ve explained the purpose and proper use of essential manicure kit tools, including nail clippers, cuticle pushers, nail files, buffers, scissors, tweezers, nail brushes, and more.
Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, this article helps you understand what each tool does and how to use it safely for salon-like results at home.
What Is a Manicure Kit
A manicure kit is a convenient set that includes all the essential tools used during a manicure, gathered in one place. Instead of searching for different tools separately, a manicure kit brings everything together—like nail clippers, cuticle pushers, nail files, buffers, scissors, and more—making the process easier and more organized.
Whether you’re doing a simple nail clean-up or a full manicure, this kit saves time and effort. It’s perfect for both beginners and professionals, allowing you to keep all your manicure tools in one neat, accessible spot, and making your nail care routine much more efficient.
In cities like Dubai, manicure kits are also commonly used by professional salon technicians who offer home manicure in Dubai, allowing them to perform high-quality manicures right at the client’s doorstep.
What Tools Are Included in a Manicure Kit
A manicure kit typically includes all the essential tools needed for nail grooming and care. These tools help trim, shape, clean, and maintain both fingernails and cuticles.
Here’s a list of commonly included tools in a manicure kit:
- Nail File
- Nail Clippers
- Cuticle Pusher
- Cuticle Nippers or Cuticle Cutter
- Nail Scissors
- Cuticle Scissors
- Tweezers
- Nail Buffer
- Nail Brush
- Nail Cleaner
- Manicure Stick
How to Use Tools in a Manicure Kit
Use Nail File
A nail file is a small, handheld tool used to gently shape and smooth the edges of your nails. It is a key item in any manicure kit because it helps give nails a neat, even look and prevents them from snagging or breaking.
Nail files usually come in different materials like emery boards, glass, or metal, each offering a different level of grit for various nail types.
Moreover, nail files come in different grit numbers, which indicate how coarse or fine the file is. The lower the grit number, the rougher the file, and the higher the number, the finer and gentler it is. Understanding grit numbers is the number one trick to choosing the perfect file for your nail needs:
Coarse Grit (100–150) – Best for shaping and reducing length on artificial nails like acrylics. Too harsh for natural nails.
Medium Grit (180–220) – Ideal for shaping and refining natural nails or lightly shaping enhancements.
Fine Grit (240–400) – Used for smoothing the surface of natural nails and refining edges gently.
Buffer Files (1000–4000) – Ultra-fine grit used to buff, shine, and polish nails for a glossy finish without polish.
Having a variety of these grit levels in your manicure kit helps ensure proper care for both natural and artificial nails, from shaping to finishing.
To use a nail file, hold it at a slight angle to the nail edge and gently move it in one direction, left and right—avoid filing back and forth, as that can weaken the nail. Regular use of a nail file keeps your nails well-shaped, smooth, and healthy-looking.
Use Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are small, handheld tools designed to trim and shorten fingernails and toenails. They are one of the most essential tools in a manicure kit because they help maintain nail length, hygiene, and prevent breakage or snagging.
Nail clippers come in different sizes—smaller ones for fingernails and larger, stronger ones for toenails.
To use them, hold the clipper in your hand, position the nail between the blades, and gently press down to trim. It’s best to clip a little at a time and follow the natural shape of the nail to avoid cutting too short or causing damage. Regular use of nail clippers helps keep your nails neat, healthy, and well-groomed.
Use Cuticle Pusher
A cuticle pusher is a manicure tool used to gently push back the cuticles—the thin layer of skin at the base of your nails. It’s an important part of a manicure kit because pushing back the cuticles creates a clean surface for nail polish or artificial nails and helps keep the nail area tidy.
Cuticle pushers are usually made of metal, plastic, or wood and often have two ends: one flat, rounded side for pushing, and a pointed side for gentle cleaning around the nail.
To use a cuticle pusher, first soak your fingers in warm water or apply cuticle softener to make the skin more flexible. Then, gently push the cuticles back using the rounded end, following the natural curve of your nail.
Avoid pushing too hard, as this can damage the nail bed or cause irritation. Regular use helps maintain a clean, well-groomed appearance and prepares the nails for polish or extensions.
Use Cuticle Nippers or Cuticle Cutter
Cuticle nippers (also called cuticle cutters) are small, plier-like tools used to trim excess or overgrown cuticles and hangnails around the nail bed. They are an important tool in a manicure kit because they help keep the nail area neat, clean, and free of dry or dead skin, which can otherwise cause irritation or infection.
To use cuticle nippers safely, first soften the cuticles by soaking your fingers in warm water or applying a cuticle remover.
Then, after gently pushing back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher, use the sharp, angled tips of the nippers to carefully snip away only the loose, dead skin or hangnails—never cut live skin, as it can lead to injury or infection.
Use small, controlled snips, and always sanitize the tool before and after use. Regular, careful use of cuticle nippers keeps your nails looking clean and professionally groomed.
Use Nail Scissors
Nail scissors are small, curved or straight-blade scissors designed specifically for trimming and shaping fingernails or cuticles with precision. They are included in manicure kits because they offer more control than clippers, especially when dealing with delicate or detailed nail work.
To use nail scissors, start by cleaning your nails and deciding how much length you want to remove. Hold the scissors firmly and gently trim the nails, following their natural curve.
For best results, cut in small sections rather than one big snip, which helps prevent cracking or splitting.
Nail scissors are also useful for trimming hangnails or dry cuticle edges, but always make sure to sanitize them before and after use. They’re perfect for people who prefer detailed trimming over standard clipping.
Use Cuticle Scissors
Cuticle scissors are small, fine-tipped scissors with curved blades, specifically designed to trim excess or dead skin around the cuticle area. They are an essential part of a manicure kit because they allow for precise, controlled cutting of delicate skin without damaging the nail bed.
To use cuticle scissors properly, first soften the cuticles by soaking your fingers in warm water or using a cuticle remover.
After gently pushing back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher, use the sharp, curved tip of the scissors to carefully snip away any loose, dry, or dead skin around the nail. Avoid cutting live skin to prevent pain or infection.
Always sanitize the scissors before and after each use. With careful handling, cuticle scissors help keep your nail area clean, smooth, and professionally groomed.
Use Tweezers
Tweezers are small, handheld tools with two narrow arms that come together to grip and pull objects precisely. In a manicure kit, tweezers are useful for removing tiny bits of dirt, debris, or stubborn hangnails around the nails, as well as for handling small nail art decorations like rhinestones or stickers.
To use tweezers, simply hold them between your thumb and forefinger and gently squeeze the arms together to grasp the object you want to remove or place.
Tweezers allow for detailed work and help keep your nails clean and polished, especially when adding intricate nail designs. Always clean tweezers before and after use to maintain hygiene.
Use Nail Buffer
A nail buffer is a tool used to smooth and shine the surface of your nails by gently polishing them. It is usually a soft block or a multi-sided tool with different grit levels on each side, designed to remove ridges, even out nail texture, and give nails a natural glossy finish without nail polish.
A nail buffer is included in manicure kits because it helps improve the appearance of natural nails, making them look healthy and well-maintained.
To use a nail buffer, gently rub the rougher side over the nail surface in light, even strokes to smooth out imperfections. Then, switch to finer grit sides to polish and add shine. Avoid over-buffing, as it can thin the nails.
Regular use of a nail buffer keeps nails smooth, shiny, and ready for polish or to wear naturally.
Use Nail Brush
A nail brush is a small brush with firm bristles used to clean the nails and the skin around them, especially under the nail tips. It plays an important role in a manicure kit by promoting hygiene and removing dirt, dust, or leftover nail product before or after a manicure.
To use a nail brush, wet it with water (you can add a bit of soap if needed), then gently scrub under and around your nails using back-and-forth motions.
It’s especially helpful before starting a manicure to ensure the nails are completely clean, or after filing and buffing to remove any nail dust. Regular use of a nail brush helps maintain clean, healthy-looking nails and prevents the buildup of bacteria.
Use Nail Cleaner
A nail cleaner is usually a thin, pointed tool or brush used to remove dirt and buildup from underneath the nails and around the edges. It’s essential for keeping nails hygienic and neat.
To use, gently insert the tip under the free edge of the nail and sweep out any debris. Some nail clippers even come with a built-in nail cleaner. Always be gentle to avoid irritating the nail bed or skin.
Manicure Stick (also called an orange stick or cuticle stick)
A manicure stick is a slim, dual-ended wooden or plastic stick used for pushing back cuticles and cleaning under the nails. One end is usually angled or flat for pushing the cuticle, while the pointed end is for cleaning.
To use, soak your fingers to soften the cuticles, then gently use the flat end to push them back. The pointed end can be used to clean under the nails or apply nail art decorations. It’s disposable, hygienic, and easy to use—especially for home manicures.
How To Do Manicure And Pedicure At Home
There are several simple steps to do manicure and pedicure at home. A manicure and pedicure at home is a simple way to maintain clean, healthy, and well-groomed nails without needing a salon visit.
It helps refresh the appearance of your hands and feet, promotes hygiene, and gives you a moment of self-care and relaxation.
With the help of a good manicure kit that includes all the essential tools in one place, you can easily care for your nails, remove dead skin, and keep your cuticles tidy.
Whether you’re doing it for style, cleanliness, or just to unwind, a basic manicure and pedicure routine at home can make a noticeable difference.
Conclusion
Using a manicure kit properly can transform your nail care routine, making it easy to maintain clean, healthy, and well-groomed nails at home.
By understanding the purpose of each tool—from nail clippers and cuticle pushers to buffers and nail brushes—you can achieve professional-level results without needing a salon visit.
Whether you’re doing a quick tidy-up or a full manicure, the right tools and techniques make all the difference. With regular use and proper hygiene, your nails will always look their best.