Top 9 nail technician equipment essentials

If you’re working as a nail tech, there’s some nail technician equipment you absolutely need to have on standby. The cost and type of equipment you need when you’re setting up a nail technician business can vary widely depending on things like location, the size of your business, the types of services you plan to offer, and whether you're starting from scratch or joining an established salon.

Whether you’re employed in a salon, mobile or rent a chair, let’s take a closer look at the top nail equipment you need and what you need to think about to get set up.

 

How much does it cost to set up as a nail technician?

If you’re starting out, then this might be one of the biggest questions you have (along with where to get your first clients). The cost of setting up a nail technician business can vary widely depending on several factors like:

• location
• the size of your operation
• the types of services you plan to offer
• whether you're starting from scratch or joining an established salon

Taking all these factors into account, the initial setup costs for a nail technician business could range from £1,000 to £5,000 or more, without thinking about premises. It’s important to do your research and create a detailed business plan and budget before you start so you know what you can spend, and what you need.

 

Planning your nail technician equipment

Although the tasks you’ll carry out as a nail technician will be similar however and wherever you work, there are some factors to consider that definitely make a difference to what equipment you need (and who’s responsible for buying it).

Here’s what to think about when you’re planning your nail technician equipment:

What types of treatments you offer

Obviously, this is a biggie! There’s no point in buying a pedicure chair if you don’t offer it as a service or investing in a ton of nail extension products if you only really work on natural nails. There’s nothing wrong with investing in training or offering additional services, but—especially when you’re starting out—think of the treatments you offer along with what you need to carry them out. Then you can start to think about expanding your offering and equipment as time goes on. We’ll talk about this a little more later.

How you work

A mobile, self-employed, employed or home based nail pro will have slightly different needs. Here are some of the ways of working that a nail pro might find themselves in:

• salon or spa employee
• self-employed nail technician (either renting a chair in a salon or being fully freelance)
• mobile nail technician
• home based nail salon owner
• nail studio owner
• nail educator
• nail product representative
• event nail technician

Although the services and tools you use day to day will be broadly similar to someone offering the same treatments in a different setting, some things will vary. If you’re mobile, you might need something to carry your equipment. If you’re self-employed, then you might need to buy all the little extras like lint-free pads, a lamp, or a full range of colours. If you’re employed, then someone else might focus on what you need.

Your customer base

The type of customers you work with will make a difference too. It’s sometimes a bit chicken and egg—the services you offer define the types of customers you get, or vice versa. But realistically, if you’re working with younger clients that are tapped into trends, you’ll have a different demographic—with different nail requests—than if you’re working in a spa with an older clientele. 

As tempting as it is to splash out on every single type of product, accessory, and new system, sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to invest until it’ll benefit your business.

Trends and technology

Stay updated on the latest industry trends and technological advancements. While classic equipment remains essential, staying informed about new tools can enhance your services and keep your offerings fresh—it can also save you time, money and increase your profitability (or bring you brand new clients). Be savvy with it, and don’t feel like you have to leap on every single trend that’s out there—otherwise it can get expensive really quickly or you can end up with wasted products.

The space you’re working in

Some salon spaces are bigger than others, and storage can vary, so that’ll definitely have an impact on what equipment you pick up. There’s no point splashing out on lots of bulky equipment if you just don’t have the space to store it and use it. Utilising your space and working with what you’ve got sometimes makes more sense.

Budget

Determine your budget and stick to it. While quality is important and offering a range of services can be great for business, overspending on equipment can negatively impact your business's profitability. Look for a balance between quality and affordability, and don’t stress too much about pacing yourself. You don’t need to buy everything as soon as it comes out.

Your health

Never, ever underestimate how good the right equipment can be for your health. Whether it’s investing in an ergonomic chair that helps you with your back pain, a filter that makes it fresher in your working space or something that takes the strain off your wrist—good equipment can really benefit your health.

Being able to resell or upgrade equipment

Some brands resell better than others, or last longer. Others come with upgrades. Some equipment, like UV or LED nail lamps, might have different wattage options or curing times. Consider future-proofing your purchases by choosing models that can accommodate your growing skill level and changing client needs. Think ahead for the long-term future of your business.

Brand

Research well-known and respected brands in the nail industry if you’re just starting out and looking to build up your kit. You might have your favourites, the salon you work in might insist on a brand or you might have been trained with certain brands. Remember, some products and systems don’t work as well with others. 

It’s down to preference, reputation and product quality. Brands with a good reputation often offer reliable products and better customer support or warranties. While budget is important (we’ve already covered that one), sometimes really cheap or unbranded products aren’t the same as something tried-and-tested.

Maintenance and cleaning

Consider how easy the equipment is to clean and maintain. Hygiene is crucial in the nail industry, so you'll want tools that can be sanitised, kept clean and repaired. This is where things like warranties and customer support comes from when you’re working with reputable, quality brands.

Energy efficiency

The cost-of-living crisis against a backdrop of ever-increasing energy bills has made using energy efficient equipment more important than ever. Not only can this save you money as a business owner or self-employed tech but wherever you work, energy efficiency is better for the planet.

What to include in your services or as an upsell

If you’re looking to make an extra income, or charge a higher price for your services, it’s worth thinking about whether you provide aftercare products or instructions and whether you include them as part of your price, or whether you make them available for purchase to increase your income. To do this, you might need to have products to sell available, or at least samples to try.

Rules, regulations and insurance

Your hair and beauty insurance, local laws or training provider might say that there are certain products or equipment you have to use or can’t use. It’s important to think about this when you’re stocking up on your equipment to avoid making any costly mistakes or causing you to break the rules without realising.

 

What types of treatments should you offer?

If you’re a business owner, then the treatments and services you offer are totally up to you. You can go with what’s profitable, what you enjoy doing, what you’re best at and what your customers offer. Here are some of the most profitable treatments you can offer as a nail tech, when it comes to popularity, product costs and the opportunity to upsell:

• Gel nail extensions
• Acrylic nail extension
• Gel polish manicures
• Nail art and enhancements
• Nail packages

Add-on services or products, workshops and group bookings can also help to increase your profitability without having to invest significantly in new nail technician equipment.

 

What nail technician equipment do you need? 

Here’s the essential nail technician equipment that you need, however you’re setting up to offer nail services.

A good chair 

Having a comfy chair should be a priority as you’ll spend a lot of time sitting down while you work. Look for adjustable, ergonomic chairs that support your back so you can work without straining. Customise the height and flex of your chair to what’s comfortable and helps your posture.

A nail desk

Think about height, space and size (including whether or not you can fit your legs underneath it!). Also, look at how easy it is to clean and whether it’s durable—you’ll be using chemicals and potentially working with messy substances all day, so you want to make sure that your table stays looking as fresh as the nail sets you’re creating too.

Nail files and buffers

Nail files and buffers are the foundation of nail prep. They come in different grits, allowing you to shape and smooth the nails to perfection. A range of grits, from coarse to fine, is essential for achieving different nail styles and catering to various nail types.

UV/LED nail lamp

More and more nail services are using nail lamps, so it’s an important one to have in your salon space. Choose wisely and look for lamps with the right wattage and curing times. Don’t forget to take into account size, portability and how easy it is to do both fingers and toes in there too.

Nail drill

To drill, or not to drill is a nail tech preference—and obviously you need to have had training if you’re going to use one. However, they’re versatile tools that you can use for nail prep, shaping and even design work. Make sure you buy a good quality one and know how to use it.

Nail products

It goes without saying, but whatever services you’re using, you’ll need the products to be able to carry them out. This might be gel polish, BIAB, acrylic powder, acetone, polish, top and base coats or exfoliators and creams. You need them as an absolute bare minimum. 

Nail tools

Creating a clean canvas for nail art is crucial. Cuticle nippers and pushers help in gently pushing back or removing excess cuticles, ensuring a neat and professional look. Intricate nail designs require precision. Detailing brushes and dotting tools allow you to create intricate patterns, lines, and dots with ease.

Bowls

Different services need different size bowls, whether that’s something to soak feet for a pedicure or smaller bowls that you can safely use acetone in for soaking off gel or acrylic. Remember it’ll react or melt certain types of bowls, so make sure you’re using the right ones.

Sanitisation and hygiene tools

Maintaining a clean and sanitised workspace is essential, especially when working closely with others and using tools. Invest in high-quality disinfectants, sterilisation tools, and disposable supplies to ensure the health and safety of your clients—as well as yourself.

 

Specialist nail technician insurance

After working hard to excel as a nail technician, you'll be wanting to make sure your business thrives. 

Through Ripe, you can get specialist nail technician insurance that includes up to £10m Public and Products Liability and up to £5m Treatment Risk cover as standard, so you’re fully protected against third-party claims.

You can also opt to include cover for your equipment up to the value of £250k, so you don’t have to replace it out of your own pocket if it’s damaged or stolen.

To find out more, you can get an instant online quote today.