Nail Technician Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Get Started

If you are an aspiring nail technician about to embark on a new, exciting journey, you may be feeling slightly overwhelmed at the future ahead of you. How do you prepare? How do you know if your starter kit has everything you need?

Have no fear, because Hollywood Nail Supply have compiled an essentials list so you can tick off everything you’ve got and see what is left to buy. We have the expertise to know what you need for your starter kit, so you can rely on us.

Nail Technician Checklist

Your tools are the most important thing you need to invest in at the start of your career. You may have already began to build your nail technician starter kit, but you need to make sure you have got every single item on this list. Then, you will feel prepared for your new adventure!

Tool Sterilisation

It is fundamental that your tools are always clean and sterile. When you are performing professional manicures every day, you need to protect your clients’ health by sterilising tools in between each procedure.

Invest in a steam steriliser straight away so you can guarantee your tools are as clean as can be from the offset; the Enbio S Compact Steam Sterilizer is a great choice and worth every penny as it comes with 50 Sterilisation pouches and a gallon of distilled water.

We also supply Sterilizer Tool Bags so you can ensure your tools are transported in the most hygienic way. Plus, Hand Sanitizer Gel should be a staple in your personal salon, so both you and your clients’ hands are always clean and sanitized.

Manicure and Pedicure Tools

Obviously, for tool sterilisation you need the tools to clean! You probably already have the majority of these after receiving your training, but it is important to mention them just in case we have thought of something you may not have.

• Nail Clippers – Both fingernail and toenail clippers are useful, and should be of good quality as they will be used all the time.
• Nail Files – Nail files have multiple purposes: to smooth the surface of the nail and also to shape them to the desired form. A dusting brush is an optional purchase, they are used to remove dust after filing the nail.
• Electric Nail File – If you are expecting a high volume of traffic, an electric nail file will save you both time and energy.
• Nail Buffers – After nail files have been used to smooth the surface, buffers are used to shine the nail. It is a good idea to choose different shapes of buffers, so you are versatile for each client.
• Cuticle Tools – A cuticle pusher is necessary for removing the skin from the nail plate. It also essential that you purchase cuticle nippers to remove the dead cuticles. Finally, cuticle oil should be used after treatments, so they are kept soft adding the best finish for manicures!

Nail-Drying Lamp

A gel manicure needs a nail-drying lamp in order to set and give that shiny finish we all know and love. You may already have a preference between an LED or UV lamp, so whichever one works best for you. LED lamps do have a longer life span and only take 30 seconds to dry gel nails, but UV lamps also work just as well.

At Hollywood Nail Supply, we supply both types of lamp. This UV lamp has 6 months warranty and comes with 6 x 7W bulbs, so you are good to go. We also have an introductory offer on this LED curing lamp which is wireless, has pre-set timers and is a great investment. It’s your call!

Gel Polish and Accessories

How are you going to perform manicures if you don’t have any polish? We know it’s an obvious item on the list, but you may be wondering which colours to include in your nail technician starter kit and what other accessories you will need.

We have one of the biggest ranges of gel nail polishes you can choose from, stocking brands like CND, DND, Essie, Gelish and OPI. If you have already worked with some of these companies and are comfortable with using them, then we say opt for them.

When it comes to colours, we believe that you should always have a good catalogue of natural and nude-based colours. Also, choose popular colours first like reds, pinks and purples, with around 15 or 20 different shades to start. This will obviously grow with time! We do offer some collections like this Gelish collection which could save you making this difficult decision. Don’t forget your Colour Wheel Guides so you can show these off to your clients to help them choose.

It goes without saying but always remember a base coat and a topcoat and always remember the products to remove gel polish. We have a nourishing Gel Remover which helps keep the skin from drying, or we have 1 Gallon of Gel Remover so you can ensure you won’t run out any time soon.

Finally, if you’ve always dreamt of being a nail technician, you’ve probably been thinking about manicures but also creative designs and enhancements like acrylic tips. From chrome powder to rhinestones, foil wraps to stickers and nail art brushes, we’ve got it all in our Nail Art section so you can get experimenting.

Nail Technician Starter Kit from Hollywood Nail Supply

We hope this list has helped you feel more organised, ready and raring to go! Take a look around our website for more inspiration and to find the best deals for you.

If you have any questions or queries, or would just like some expert advice, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. We are here to help you with all your nail needs!