Manicure tools can look a bit confusing when you are just starting out. There are nail files, emery boards, orange sticks, buffers, clippers, cuticle tools, toe separators, and other extras that may or may not be useful.
This section explains the basic tools used in at-home manicures. The goal is to help you understand what each tool does, when you might want to use it, and which tools are actually worth having as a complete beginner.
You do not need a full salon setup to get started. Just a few basic tools are enough to shape your nails, tidy the edges, prepare the nails for polish, and keep everything well organised.
Start Here
What Do You Need for an At-Home Manicure?
An overview for beginners on the tools and supplies that can help you do a simple manicure at home without having to buy everything at once.
What is an Emery Board?
An explanation of what an emery board is, what it is used for, and how it compares to other types of nail files.
What is an Orange Stick?
A simple guide to orange sticks, including what they are used for and why they often appear in basic manicure kits.
More Manicure Tool Guides
What is a Manicure Bowl?
Learn what a manicure bowl is used for and whether you actually need one for at-home treatments.
What are Toe Separators?
A beginner guide to toe separators, how they help with pedicures and how they are useful.
Building a Simple Nail Tool Kit
If you are just starting out, get the basics down first. A nail clipper, nail file, or emery board, orange stick, buffer, base coat, top coat, and a small storage pouch or box is enough.
You can always add more things later if you actually use them.
For storage ideas, visit the Nail Storage section.