Nail Care Kit

Most commercially available nail care kits include only the mechanical tools used in caring for the nails. These are normally nail clippers, nail scissors and metal nail files. Very often though some kits go a bit further and include metal tweezers as well. Some go even further by including nail brushes for scrubbing nails and other manicure/pedicure tools that that can be used for scraping the nail plate, pushing back the cuticle, cleaning under nails and other functions.

These kits are usually packaged in attractive cases. Some of the materials used for cases are genuine leather, wood and nice fabrics. They are very frequently given as gifts, especially to males. These nail care kits also make great travel accessories as they keep all the tools together when packed within luggage.

A few more comprehensive kits include different sized apparatus for finger nails and toenails. For instance, you will find in some kits a larger, more convex (maybe even straight) nail clipper intended for use on the toenails and also a smaller concave clipper intended for the fingernails.

To be thorough though, it may be in your best interest to compile your own nail care kit for travel or home use. To be truly comprehensive in your kit, you must not only include the mechanical tools needed but also some of the chemical ones.

A small container, or zip action binder can be used to house everything. Be sure to include all mechanical tools such as nail clippers, nail files, nail scissors, tweezers, nail brushes etc and add in small containers of nail polish remover, cuticle softener (or cuticle remover if you know how to use it properly), moisturizer, base coat, top coat (clear nail enamel can be used in place of both) and nail polish. If you prefer, add some cotton balls as well.

Very importantly though, include also a chemical disinfectant. An EPA registered hospital or medical grade disinfectant that is a bactericide, viricide and fungicide should be used. You may need to purchase a large container of it and then obtain a smaller container that you can refill and include in your nail care kit. Be sure to read the instructions on how to properly use it.

Make sure to include a tool for cuticle manipulation such as an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Cuticle pushers can be metal, plastic or made from other materials. Orangewood sticks, because they are made from a porous material, (wood) can not be sterilized and disinfected effectively. It is for that reason that tools made from porous materials and ones that can not be disinfected be used only once then discarded.

Remember to properly disinfect all tools that can be disinfected before (and after) usage.

Link back to the Nail Care Supply page from the Nail Care Kit page