BySarah Yang
last updated
in Buying Guides
(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)
I like to get my nails done as much as the next person—it's such a relaxing treat. Plus, whenever I paint my nails at home, it never looks as good as when I'm coming out of the salon. But sometimes, an at-home manicure is necessary, whether you're trying to save some money, don't have time to get to a salon, or just need to fix your nails quickly.
If you want to get a salon-worthy at-home manicure, you're going to need to start with the right tools. The basics would be a set of nail clippers, a nail file, a cuticle nipper, and a pusher. But you can also branch out to a buffer, a pair of scissors, and maybe even things you need for the feet, like a foot file. And if you really want to treat yourself, you can also keep some cuticle oil, a nail soak, and other nail treatments on hand. You might not even miss getting your nails done professionally when you've got everything you need in the comfort of your own home.
To help you stock your at-home "salon," I've compiled a list of some of the best manicure tools below.
Best Nail Clippers
Tweezerman
Nail Clipper Set
This duo will have your hands and feet covered. The nail clipper has a curved shape that follows the natural curve of the nail, and the toenail clipper has straight blades to prevent ingrown nails.
Firiker
Nail Clipper Set
These have ultra-sharp blades that will cut your nails smoothly, preventing any cracking or splitting.
Revlon
Deluxe Nail Clipper
At just $2, you really can't go wrong with this durable and precise nail clipper. It features contoured handles for a firm grip.
Barefoot Scientist
Clip Clip Easy-Trim Nail Clippers
With sharp stainless steel blades and a deep jaw, Barefoot Scientist's nail clipper provides a precise cut. It also has a wide lever for an ergonomic bonus.
Hawatour
Nail Clippers Set
These clippers are slightly longer for ease of use.
Best Cuticle Nippers
Tweezerman
Ultra Precision Cuticle Nipper
It's hard not to be distracted by the gold finish on this tool. It not only looks good, but it's also very handy and durable. Plus, there's a protective coating on its surface to prevent rusting.
Sally Hansen
Nip Em Neat Cuticle Nipper 1/2-Inch Jaw
Sally Hansen's cuticle nipper has an extra-sharp and precise blade to trim cuticles and hangnails.
Ejiubas
Cuticle Trimmer With Cuticle Pusher
This cuticle nipper has a rubber grip so it's easier to hold and use. It also comes with a pusher so you can neatly manage your cuticles.
Ulta
Basics Cuticle Trimmer
This dual-ended tool has a cuticle trimmer on one end and a slanted tip on the other to push back the cuticle.
Best Nail Buffers
Revlon
Shape N Buff
This is a multitasker—it has two surfaces to shape and smooth nails and a buffer side to give your nails a glossy finish.
Onsen Secret
Japanese Nail Buffer
This nail bufferhas three sides, so you can use it to file, smooth, and polish your nails.Use the white side every 10 days for shine, the blue side every 10 days to stimulate growth, and the silver side every 14 days to smooth and clean.
Sally Hansen
Professional Salon Smoothing Block
This nail buffer can be used to even the nail surface, remove ridges and stains, and buff the nails to make them shiny.
TsMaddts
Nail Files and Buffer
With this set, you get six nail files and six buffers, so you'll never run out.
Deborah Lippmann
Smooth Operator Nail File
This four-sided buffer has numbers on each section so you can follow the directions to a perfectly polished manicure. One is used to shape the nail, the other is to buff ridges, another is to smooth the nail surface before applying a base coat, and the last one is used for a high-shine buff when you don't want to paint your nails.
Best Nail Files
Orly
Buffer File Duo
Orly'sbuffer-and-nail-file duo has a unique contour shape so it can reach difficult areas around the cuticle.
OPI
Crystal Nail File
OPI's crystal nail file can be disinfected and is long-lasting. It prevents peeling and chipping.
Revlon
Compact Nail File
You get 24 nail files for just $2 here, which feels too good to be true, butI'lltake it. Each file has a coarse brown side to file and shape the nails, while the beige side smooths the edges.
Nail Tek
Crystal Nail File With Fuchsia Case
Perfect for on-the-go nailcare, this crystal file comes with a fuchsia case. It has a special patented surface that prevents splitting and peeling. It protects the nail edge, and the abrasive surface won't wear out.
Best Sets and Kits
Utopia Care
15-Piece Manicure Set
You've got everything you need here for the perfect manicure and pedicure and then some. It contains nail clippers, peeling knives, cuticle trimmers, a toenail nipper, a nail file, a push stick, eyebrow tweezers, scissors, blackhead needles, and an ear pick.
Tweezerman
Mini Nail Rescue Kit
Take this mini kit on your next trip, or carry it around with you for a quick fix. It has a clipper, a cuticle and hangnail snipper, a cuticle pusher and nail cleaner, and a nail file.
Yougai
Manicure Set Nail Clippers
Housed in a sturdy and sleek carrying case are 18 tools for pretty much all your nail and grooming needs. In addition to the usual nail clippers and files, it has nose-hair scissors, tweezers, and more.
Sephora Collection
Tough as Nails Deluxe Manicure & Pedicure Kit
Sephora's full-sized manicure set contains a cuticle nipper, an angled nail clipper, scissors, a nail clipper, a double-ended cuticle trimmer/pusher, a cuticle trimmer, and a toe nail clipper. It also comes in a handy zippered case.
Orly
Magnetic Manicure Kit
One side of the kit's clutch holder has a magnetic side to hold the tools in place so you won't misplace them. It features nail clippers, cuticle nippers, a cuticle pusher, a flat glass file, and a rounded glass file.
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Sarah Yang
Managing Editor
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work at Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
