Manicure can be performed using different techniques, and one of them is called hardware manicure. Today, it is considered one of the most popular in the nail industry, and for good reason. What is a hardware manicure? How does it differ from other types? How to do a hardware manicure, and is it possible to master this technique at home? In this article, we will answer all these questions.
What does hardware manicure mean?
Hardware manicure is a technique for caring for nails and the surrounding skin, which is performed without the use of cutting tools (scissors or nippers). The whole procedure is performed with the help of a special device — a nail drill machine. Metal or ceramic nozzles (drill bits) of various lengths, shapes, and abrasiveness are inserted into its handle. With their help, you can:
- remove the coating (gel polish or gel)
- polish the nail plate;
- process the side rollers;
- lift and remove the cuticle;
- clean the pterygium;
- shape the nail plate;
- remove dead skin.
What is the difference between a hardware manicure and a combined manicure?
Hardware and combined manicures are often confused, but there are significant differences between them. A pure hardware manicure is a procedure where all stages are performed exclusively with a nail drill bit. In this technique, they always work «dry», so baths are not used to soften the skin. The cuticle is processed exclusively with attachments. First, it is lifted, and then the stratum corners is removed. Cutting tools (scissors, nippers) are not used in this process.
Combination manicure, as the name implies, combines several techniques. Here, the nail drill bit is used partially, for example, to remove gel polish, process the side rollers, or level the plate. In this technique, the cuticle is removed with scissors or nippers or with a remover.
Features of hardware manicure
Hardware manicure has many features and benefits:
- Maximum safety. This technique does not cause pain or discomfort. The drill bit removes only the keratinized part of the skin, which is located far away from the blood vessels. This reduces the risk of irritation to zero.
- A comprehensive approach. The drill bit with different attachments allows you to quickly and accurately perform several tasks. The attachments easily remove the cuticle, clean the pterygium (the thin skin under the cuticle), and smooth the nail plate. The result is a perfect and clean manicure.
- Speed. Hardware manicure reduces the time of the procedure, because it does not require preliminary steaming of hands in water. Everything is done «dry». This is a big plus compared to a trim manicure, where a bath is unavoidable.
Hardware manicure is a procedure that is ideal for problematic nails and rough cuticles. Thanks to this technique, the surface of the plate becomes smooth, and the surrounding skin acquires a healthy appearance.
How to do a hardware manicure
Performing a hardware manicure is a process that consists of several stages. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Hand preparation
Before starting the procedure, hands must be treated with an antiseptic. If the nails have an old coating (varnish or gel polish), it is removed with a drill bit using a special nozzle. Next, the length and shape of the nails are adjusted with a nail file.
Important: Do not soak your hands before a hardware manicure, as moisture impedes the operation of the drill bit and can lead to overheating of the attachments.
Cuticle treatment
At the second stage, the fingers are sprinkled with talcum powder. This is necessary to absorb excess moisture and make the nail drill a bit easier to use. Use a wooden stick to gently push back the thick leather roller. Use a nozzle («cone» or «needle») to lift the cuticle. The drill bit should always move from the center to the edges of the nail and not touch the plate. Then, using the «bullet» attachment, gently remove the raised stratum corners without touching the living skin. The movements should be smooth, without pressure. Periodically clean off any dust with a special soft brush.
Alignment of the nail plate and processing of the side rollers
At the third stage, a cylindrical or trapezoidal drill bit is used to level the surface of the plate. After that, the side rollers are processed with the cylinder nozzle, removing the rough skin from them.
Completion of the procedure
If you plan to apply a coating after the manicure, the nails are cleaned of dust and degreased. After that, the base, gel polish, and top are applied to them, drying each layer separately. After the procedure, a nourishing oil (for example, with almonds or grape seeds) is applied to the cuticle, and a moisturizer is applied to the hands.
Hardware manicure at home
Is it possible to do a hardware manicure at home? Yes, and it is quite realistic even for beginners! Today, there are many stores where everyone can buy everything they need to do it, and the Internet is full of video tutorials and guides that help you master the technique. So with a little time, patience, and practice, you can achieve good results.
However, you should be very careful, especially at the initial stages, because without experience, you can leave cuts on the nail plate or damage the skin. To avoid this, you should start with simple models of nail drill bits (20-45 W) and low speeds.
What attachments are needed for a hardware manicure
To perform a hardware manicure, in addition to the nail drill bit itself, you need special attachments — drill bits. They come in different shapes and sizes, and each has its own purpose. The following basic set is enough for home use:
- Cylinder — for removing gel polish, correcting the shape of nails, and processing the side rollers.
- Cone — for lifting the cuticle and cleaning the sinuses.
- Ball (size 2-3 mm) — for removing the keratinized cuticle.
- Needle — for opening the sinuses under the cuticle and removing pterygium.
- A polishing roller is used to polish the nail plate and the surrounding skin. The material is silicone, and the abrasiveness is minimal.
Depending on the material, the drill bits can be different — diamond, ceramic, carbide. Ceramic ones are ideal for beginners because they are safer.
In addition, for a hardware manicure, you will need a dusting brush, talcum powder, napkins, cotton pads, wooden orange sticks, cuticle oil, and hand cream.