These Are the Only Tools You Need for the Best At-Home Manicure
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
Best Cuticle Nippers
Best Nail Buffers
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
Best Sets and Kits
Next, I Swear These Strategic Nail Polish Colors Never Clash With Any of My Outfits
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 atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , 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.
-
Move Aside, Milky Manicures—19 More Interesting Ways to Wear Glazed Nails in 2025
Chrome dust and shimmery nail polishes continue to dominate.
-
IMO, Only the Chicest Individuals Will Embrace This Controversial Pedicure Trend
It's defining summer 2025.
-
Yep, "Bubble Bunny" Is Officially the Chicest OPI Combination of All Time
It's not to be missed.
-
L.A., NY, and London: My Chicest Coworkers Share Their Go-To Mani-Pedi Color Combos
No more nail salon indecision.
-
Kylie Jenner's New Anti-Trend Manicure Is Giving '90s Pamela Anderson, and I'm Obsessed
It's the ultimate throwback.
-
Doechii's Nail Artist Just Told Me These 10 Products Are the Secret to Any Great Nail Look
And her favorite looks she's ever created.
-
Cardi in Paris, Kylie in L.A.—Every Cool Celeb Is Sporting This Classy Nail Trend RN
Some may even say it's anti-summer.
-
From Start to Finish: Here's Exactly How to Remove Acrylic Nails Like a Pro
No damage involved.