Tools
The basics are a cuticle pusher and a nail file for basic gel manicure. But, many of us will use cuticle nippers, cuticle remover, a thin liner brush and a flat gel brush.
Equipment
The queen of any gel set is the UV/LED lamp for curing the product. Many use E-Files to shorten gel removal and overall shaping time. Sterilization equipment should match the type of tools you use on anyone else.
Product
Bonding agents, base coats, top coats, and all the different kinds of gels: soft, hard (builder) and polygel.
Nail File Guide
Nail Files differ by their measure of Grit and shape. You should always match the right nail file for the job, different grit should be used for natural nails than those that should be used for gel removal or other products on the nail.
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The level of Grit is always mentioned on the nail file, the higher the Grit the softer the nail file is. Grit usually ranges from 80 - 280 Grit.
The reason for the difference in nail file grit, is because our natural nail is much more volunerable than product we apply to the nails, and filing it with a coarse nail file will damage and thin the nail.
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When filing the natural nail, we should always use the gentle nail file of 180 Grit and above. An important part of nail preparation for extension or gel overlay in general, is to rough up the surface of the nail so it isn't completly smooth. Those tiny scratches on the nail help the gel adhere to the nail and not to peel off fast. For this part of the nail preparation, make sure to use the gentle nail file.
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When filing off product from the nail, we can aim for a lower grit of 100, since we want to remove more product with each stroke of the file. Shaping extended nails with product is more efficient when using a lower grit. Trying to file off gel with 180 grit can take forever.
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In addition, nail files can be thin or thick, thin nail files can be used in thin or narrow spaces, so they are good for filing under the nail sides, or close to the cuticle. This nail files provide more resistance and durability when filing off hard product.
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Finally, remember that nail files as are other tools that can't be disinfected and sterilized, should not be shared by multiple people and should not be used after they have worn out. A good tip for not having to buy multiple nail files is to use a nail file stainless steal body with a slip on or sticker grit line. Staleks offers great solutions for these kind of one use filing strip on a tool that can be disinfected and sterilized.
Introduction to E-File (Nail Drill, Electronic File)
An electronic nail file is a machine used by many nail technicians when they work on nails, because they speed up many core processes in gel manicures and gel removal and add much control to detail when working.
The machine has a handle to which a revolving drill bit is connected, that applies friction to the nail when used, similar to a regular nail file, but spinning at various speeds, thus working while the hand rests.
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There are so many different drill bits for so many different nail jobs, from nail drill bits for gel removal, drill bits for manicure and other specialty jobs used when extending nails and doing nail art.
In addition, the drill bit revolves in two directions: Forward and Backward, and it should be used according to the hand that holds it and the direction of which it is applied to the nail.
When working with your right hand, and or filing from right to left, you should put the machine on forward, you should be able to feel friction if touching the bit lightly on your glove. If the bit slides in your motion, the bit is going the wrong way.
When working with your left hand and or filing left to right, you should work on backward direction. The drill bit should always align with the cuticle, make sure to move the hand around to apply the drill bit to the nail at the right direction.
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Finally, there is RPM - Rounds per Minute, the amount of rounds the drill bit will do in a given unit of time, the higher the RPM the faster the drill bit will spin.
This will increase the friction applied by the drill bit to the nail, so you should use a high RPM speed of 15-25 when removing gel, so you remove a lot of product without applying pressure. You should aim much lower, to 6-10 RPM when doing a dry manicure and working on the skin.
Be extra careful with your natural nails, use a thin and fine nail file bit only, never use coarse bits on natural nails.
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It takes practice to learn how to use an electronic nail file, but once you learn it you can never go back. Some things you will always do with a plain hand nail file, like shaping and buffing up the nail surface, but other things - like gel removal and dry manicure will always be easier done with an e-file.