I'm A Natural Manicurist & These 17 Essentials Belong In Everyone's DIY Nail Kit (2025)

By Author Olivia Thompson

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2025

Nothing ruins a manicure faster than jagged, unevenly cut nails. I swear by stainless steel clippers with a curved edge for natural nails.

Splurge on this one tool—cheap clippers dull quickly and can actually damage your nail beds over time.

Toss those metal files immediately! Glass files seal the nail’s edge rather than creating micro-tears like emery boards do.

Mine has lasted three years and counting. Rinse under water between uses, and you’ll never need another file again.

Hydration is the unsung hero of gorgeous nails! My purse, desk, and nightstand each have a cuticle oil pen standing by.

Jojoba-based formulas absorb best, mimicking your skin’s natural oils. Apply twice daily for nails that won’t split or peel.

Though metal pushers look professional, they’re actually too harsh for regular home use. Wooden sticks give you control without damage.

Soak nails first, then gently nudge cuticles back. Never cut cuticles—they’re your nail’s natural protective seal!

Even without polish, a ridge filler creates that salon-smooth canvas we all crave. Unlike regular base coats, these contain microscopic particles that level imperfections.

My clients are always shocked at how much younger their hands look with just this one step.

Life’s too short for smudged manicures! A quality quick-dry adds mirror-like shine while protecting your color from chips.

My pro tip? Apply a fresh layer every three days to extend wear time. Even drugstore polishes last a week with this trick.

Forget cotton swabs! An angled eyeliner brush dipped in acetone creates those crisp, professional edges even with shaky hands.

Wash thoroughly after use and it’ll last forever. This five-dollar tool instantly separates amateur jobs from salon-worthy manis.

Regular polish remover just doesn’t cut it for stubborn glitters or gel polish removal. Pure acetone works faster with less rubbing.

However, it is drying, so I always follow with oil! Store in a pump bottle to prevent spills during your nail sessions.

After ruining countless tablecloths, I finally invested in a silicone workspace mat. Polish wipes right off, and the slightly tacky surface holds bottles in place.

Mine has measurements printed on it for perfect nail art placement. Absolute game-changer!

Gentle buffing creates natural shine without polish and helps products adhere better. The key word is gentle—I see so many clients over-buffing!

Use the finest grit side with light pressure just until nails lose their dullness. More isn’t better here.

Messy nail art becomes stress-free with liquid latex! Paint around nails, let dry, then peel away after your design is complete.

Allergic to latex? Look for PVA-based alternatives that work identically. This product cut my cleanup time in half.

Unlike harsh clippers, enzyme-based removers dissolve only dead skin without damaging living tissue. Apply for exactly 15 seconds—no longer!

I gently scrape with a wooden stick afterward. The difference in my nail beds’ appearance was immediate and dramatic.

Though I’m primarily a natural manicurist, a mini LED lamp opens up options for gel topcoats over regular polish. These hybrid systems give two-week wear without full gel commitment.

Rechargeable models smaller than smartphones fit easily in any drawer.

Weak, peeling nails need protein! Look for formulas containing keratin or wheat protein rather than formaldehyde.

Apply directly to bare nails twice weekly for a month. My clients see results within two weeks—even after years of gel damage.

Forget those chunky nail art brushes from kits! Invest in three quality detail brushes: liner, dotting, and fan.

Watercolor brushes work perfectly and cost less than nail-specific options. Clean immediately after use with acetone for years of perfect lines.

Sun damage ages hands faster than faces! I keep SPF hand cream by every sink and in my car.

Reapply after washing hands to prevent those telltale spots. Your manicures will look exponentially better on protected, youthful hands—trust this 40-year-old manicurist!

Never add polish remover to thicken goopy polish—it destroys the formula! Proper thinner restores original consistency without damage.

Three drops usually does the trick. I’ve rescued 5-year-old bottles this way, saving hundreds on replacements over my career.