Updated by Alyssa Bueno on July 31st, 2024 It's back-to-school season, and the best part about it is the preparation of nail tech essentials! We also start to feel the excitement on learning how to do acrylic nails or French nails. You may check our best-selling products and nail art kits and professional collections that will help you complete your nail kit. Now that summer is over, the back-to-school high must've gotten you busy prepping through online nail tech courses or binge-watching nail tech YouTubers. It's time to list down what you need; Grab a pen and a piece of paper and work on your nail tech school checklist. Here's a roundup of nail school must-haves to help you learn and earn your nail tech license! 1. Nail Training Hand In nail tech school, you will need a practice hand (a.k.a. Nail Training Hand) since this tool will help you practice your brown nail art ideas or blossom gel nails in and out of the classroom. It's an investment you must make to help you improve as a nail artist. Remember, every celebrity nail tech you know right now started from the bottom. You can read our guide about using the Nail Training Hand to get the most out of every nail art application. Don't forget to buy refill tips for your practice hand! 2. E-files and Drill Bits E-files and Drill Bits are must-haves for every nail artist since they will help you efficiently nail prep. If you find using an E-file confusing, you can read our blog about E-files. There are different types of Drill Bits, and looking for the right fit for your E-file and application can be tricky; read our guide about Drill Bits here! 3. Sanding Bands Sanding Bands are a great addition to your e-file and drill-bits collection! The sanding bands can be used to file the top surface of hardened items like acrylic or UV gel, and are also helpful in shortening nail extensions. They come in several grits, the most popular being 180 and 240. 4. Cuticle oil / Nourish Oil Nail care is crucial in perfecting your nail art like these yellow nail art designs. You need to add Nourish Oil in your nail tech kit because it helps the nails become stronger, and withstand the constant application and removal of nail art and DIY press-on. 5. Nail Art Accessories The more, the merrier when it comes to having Nail Art Accessories! You can make your nail designs shine with a gem or two. How about some rhinestones to make your nails glorious through and through? You can read our roundup about our Nail Art Accessories here. 6. Nail Art Brushes What are paint brushes to painters, and beauty tools to make up artists and nail techs? You cannot design beautiful nail masterpieces without the right tools. There are plenty of brushes out there, and we made it easy for you to choose the best ones that will help you stand out! Here are our 8 Best IGel Beauty Nail Art Brushes To Splurge On. 7. Nail Sanitation Tools Nail salon sanitation has been a non-negotiable even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and should be practiced by every nail tech whether you offer your services mobile or in a nail salon. Here's a list of nail sanitation tools you should always have no matter where you are, at home or in school. You may read our UV Sterilization box, Dust Brush, and Dust Collector guides! Find other product tutorials on our website's LEARN tab to help you learn beyond the classroom. • UV Sterilization box • Dust brush • Phantom Pro Dust collector • Hand sanitizer• Towels• Gloves• Face masks 8. Pro Gel Tips and Nail Tips Finally learning how to design aesthetically pleasing short or long nails but unsure which one to invest in? We have a guide to help you know the difference between Pro Gel Tips and Nail Tips. 9. Nail Forms Nail forms should be a part of your nail tech school essentials since you'll need them when sculpting gel for your acrylic nails. It's easy to use and you'll love the variety of designs we have in store for you! You can read our beginner's guide on using nail forms. 10. iGel Match Bringing a duo from the iGel Match collection will help you nail the matchy-matchy look for you hands and feet. This collection has a gorgeous variety of colors you cannot help but fall in love with! 11. Acrylic and Dip Powders Once you learn how to apply dip powder nails or acrylic nails, you must start investing on different powder lines to switch your nail looks every now and then. You may start to explore the world of iGel Beauty Dip & Dap Powders. Remember, you’re not only after developing your nail skills; you're also expanding your portfolio! Advance your knowledge and skill by reading the common mistakes beginners make with the dip method. • DIAMOND DIP & DAP OMBRE POWDER • OOH LA LA POWDER • DIP & DAP POWDER - HOLO CHROME • DIP & DAP POWDER - GLOW IN THE DARK • DIP & DAP POWDER - JELLY • DIP & DAP POWDER - MOOD CHANGE POWDER 12. Primer If you want your nails to last longer and adhere stronger past school time, then you’ll need a Primer for your nail designs! Make your nails reach their prime state by having a reliable Primer in your nail tech kit. 13. Nail Glue/Adhesion If you’re into rhinestones or nail foils for your nail designs, then you should have nail adhesion products such as Foil transfer gel and jewelry gel - no-wipe. Nail tip glue is also necessary to ensure your nail tips have adhered properly to your nails. 14. Dappen Dishes Dappen dishes are versatile nail must-haves with plenty of types to help you mix liquid nail products, from acrylic nail liquid to powders. You’ll need one once you’re advancing in your nail classes or at home. 15. Other Nail Implements You will need other nail implements that will help prep your nails or practice nail care. Having nail implements is an important aspect when building nail tech school essentials, and learning and caring for these tools will officially be introduced in school. Check out our guide about the French nail cutter tool. Nail Buffer should be a part of your nail tech kit in school. It can be a backup for your e-file. Buffers are lightweight and they come in different sizes. They can easily be squeezed into your nail kit as well! • Cuticle pusher/ orange wood sticks• Buffers• Cuticle scissors• Nail clipper/cutter• Nail files• French nail cutter tool 16. EMA Monomer and Odor Eliminator So you have your Dappen dish with you and you're ready to mix and create an acrylic bead; Then you'll be needing an EMA-based monomer in your nail tech school essentials! Most beauty brands (including iGel Beauty) use ethyl methacrylate since it's approved and safe for people who are prone to getting nail allergies. But of course, consulting with your doctor is still recommended! You may also use our Odor Eliminator to remove the strong chemical scent most monomers have. Your nail school classmates and teachers will thank you for it! 17. Color Charts and Swatches You’ll need color charts and nail swatches if you have plenty of dip powders and gel polishes in your nail school bag! It will help you figure out what colors complement each other and make it easier for you to use the colors during a hectic day. Read our blog about the importance of color charts and swatches. 18. Nail Lamps Gel and acrylic nail lovers will have to invest in reliable and high-quality nail lamps to cure their nail art design masterpieces. We have a roundup of investment-worthy and stylish nail lamps you should check out! 19. Top Coat A Top Coat is so much more than just making your nails look glossy; it does more than being a final touch! It helps make your nail designs last longer, protecting the beautiful colors from fading immediately. Don't forget to include a Topcoat in your nail school kit. 20. Lacquer and Gel Polishes If you’re a big fan of gel nails and want to become an expert by the time you’re done in nail tech school, then you have to invest in different lacquers & gel polishes that are high-quality, durable, and cruelty free! You can read our blog about the 9 common gel polish mistakes you should avoid! 21. Organizers You’ll spend most of the time working on your nail desk, so staying organized is a must! It can be chaotic and messy during, in-betweens, and after every nail session, which is why organizers can be your life savers as a beginner nail tech (especially if you’re not familiar with them yet!). Read our ultimate guide to proper nail storage and organization here.
