Getting regular manicures and Pedicure equipment is important for keeping nails and hands healthy and hygienic. It also helps prevent fungal infections. A pedicure set can help you achieve a salon-quality look at home.
Depending on the product, these sets can include nail clippers, a cuticle pusher, and a foot file. They can also contain a foot soak and polish remover for an authentic spa-like experience.
Nail clippers
A pair of nail clippers is a medicine-cabinet essential, whether you like to do your own nails or need a trim in between mani-pedis. However, it is important to use quality clippers as cheap ones can damage the nails and cause pain.
Nail clippers come in either straight or curved edges, but it really comes down to personal preference. Some experts suggest sticking with a straight edge to prevent ingrown toenails, while others recommend using a curved nail file for the perfect cuticle trim.
This nail clipper from Kikkerland is a great option for trimming fingernails and toenails, with an ergonomic design and stainless steel blades. It also has a handy case design that collects the clippings. It is available in a wide variety of colors, and the clippers are easy to use.
Cuticle pushers
The cuticle is a thin layer of skin that covers the nail plate and protects it from bacteria. It is important to keep it healthy and free of debris, so pushing it back is an essential part of pedicure maintenance. This is done using a cuticle pusher, which can be made from metal, wood, or silicone. Metal pushers are typically durable and easy to disinfect, while wood ones can crack easily and have a tendency to harbor bacteria.
The cuticle pusher can be used to gently push the nail plates’ cuticles back. This helps the nails grow stronger and healthier. It is also useful in removing smudges from the nails, making them look more polished and professional. It is recommended that you soften the cuticles before using a cuticle pusher.
Orangewood sticks
A manicure stick is a small, versatile tool used to clean around the nail and push back cuticles. It can also be dipped into polish remover and used to clean up smudges or mistakes. It can be made of wood or metal, and the type chosen depends on the needs of the salon and individual technician.
The stick is also referred to as an orange stick because one end is pointed and the other is angled. It is important to note that these sticks should never be shared between clients, and they should be soaked in an antibacterial solution between use.
The padded end of the orange stick should be placed at the base of the cuticle to remove massage cream from the nails before applying a base coat. Then, the client can apply polish in a sweeping motion from base to free edge.
Foot scrubs
Foot scrubs are a must-have for pedicures because they help clear away the calluses that can become rough patches on the feet. They also remove dead skin and hydrate the feet. They can be purchased at a beauty supply store or made at home. They can be made with a simple sea-salt and sugar mixture or include essential oils to give them a nice scent.
A good foot scrub will contain natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil or peppermint. It should not be harsh, as it can cause irritation to the feet.
After the scrub is applied, a nail file is used to smooth the feet and toenails. The file can be made of a variety of materials, including emery, glass, crystal or metal. The Wirecutter recommends a Checi Pro Nickel foot file ($26), which is made of a metal that can be sanitized.
Cotton towels
Towels are one of the first things your clients notice, and their appearance can affect their initial impression of your salon. It’s important to shop for quality towels that meet certain criteria, including size, texture and color. Towels should also be durable and sanitized.
Cotton is a great towel material because it’s plant-based, super soft, absorbent, holds dye color and gets even stronger when wet. However, it’s a thirsty crop, consuming more water than other eco-friendly alternatives. It also requires a lot of energy to harvest.
There are several types of cotton used in towel making, including upland cotton, Supima, Egyptian, and microfiber. Some are even certified organic or GOTS. Microfibers are made of fine fibers, about a third of the thickness of human hair strands, and are excellent at picking up dirt and grease.