Although using a nail drill requires a bit of practice and safety measures beforehand, it’s not too hard to use. You can buy one and give yourself a professional manicure in the comfort of your home.
How do you use a nail drill on natural nails? To use a nail drill on natural nails, move the drill from one side of your nail to the other in small circular motions, keeping flat to the nail while working. After, buffer your nails to polish them. Keep the speed between 2,500 and 6,000 RPM and push your cuticles should back first.
In today’s article, we’ll teach you how to use a nail drill on natural nails and how to pick the right electric drill for your needs. Remember, patience and training can help you avoid any terrible injuries.
How Do You Use a Nail Drill on Natural Nails?
As long as you learn how to use a nail drill safely and handle different speeds, you can easily utilize a drill on your nails. Just be sure you use a silicone sanding band or diamond band with natural nails.
This is the greatest way to shape and buffer your nails the way you want to:
- First and foremost, carefully and slowly push the cuticles back. It’s necessary to get rid of dead skin before using a drill. This clipper and cuticle pusher set is perfect for hands and feet.
- While working on natural nails, keep your nail drill at a speed between 2,500 and 6,000 RPM. Otherwise, you will damage or crack the surface of your natural nails. Also, keep the bit flat to the nail while you’re working. Keep your drill in a horizontal position while you work. This will provide you control.
- Then, move the nail drill from one side of your nail to another, in circular motions to get rid of dead skin and file them down. The next step is using a buffer to help keep your nails looking polished. This is the most rewarding, fun, and relaxing step to the nail filling process. Not only can the process help keep your nails looking shiny but it also rejuvenates the skin surrounding your natural nails.
- Lastly, apply a buffing cream on your natural nails before beginning. Your nail kit should include a cotton buffer that you can add on the surface of your drill bit and safely run over your natural nails.
Do Nail Drills Damage Nails?
Most professionals advise against utilizing a drill on natural nails due to the potential damage. But if you learn how to use a nail drill on natural nails properly, you can prevent damages.
It’s recommended that you use nail drills on acrylic surfaces only but with proper training and patience, you can learn how to give yourself a professional manicure from the comfort of your home.
The following tips and tricks can help you get the most out of your manicure safely:
- Apply a dust mask when using a nail drill.
- Always work at a ventilated table and tie back your hair.
- Never get too close to your work.
- Keep the nail drill going continuously with the middle, not the tip.
- Use a light touch and always keep the nail drill moving.
- Avoid using your nail drill at high speeds.
- Train your sculpting methods to prevent any damage.
- Never use a nail drill if you’re diabetic or have a blood disorder.
- Buy at least 2 sets of bits so that one can be disinfected while you’re utilizing the other.
- Have your nail drill cleaned by professionals at least once a year.
- Also, use cuticle oil on your cuticles to remove your skin cells and keep your natural nails free of dead skin.
Do You Need a Nail Drill for Acrylic Nails?
You don’t need a nail drill for acrylic nails. The purpose of this tool is to remove oil and rough the top of your nail so that acrylic can properly adhere, which is useful.
However, you can get the same effect without any damage and soreness by gently utilizing a hand file.
Nail Drill Care Tips
Once you have picked your preferred electric nail drill, it’s very important to keep your equipment clean and safe at all times. This isn’t just to extend the life of your tools, although that is also a great idea. Hygiene is always important, especially for anything that has contact with your skin and nails.
Also, clean your drill bits. If you’re a beginner, keeping your tools clean is a great habit. That way, you can prevent dangers and problems. Please, disinfect your nail tools before and after every use.
You can clean your nail drill and bits with soap and water, or by soaking them in acetone for five to ten minutes. Acetone is effective for removing dirt and particles, but it can’t replace disinfecting.
One way you can keep your tools clean is by using an old (but thoroughly cleaned!) toothbrush. The bristles are great at removing built-up dirt and debris. You will still want to rinse the compartments off with soap and lukewarm water after dislodging bits and debris, of course.
If you need to clean nail polish off of your drill bit, soaking it in acetone should work well. This is another good reason to go ahead and clean your drill and bits in acetone in the first place. Then, rinse with warm water. Be sure to let your tools dry properly before putting them away!
Keep your tools clean and hygienic by storing them in their proper containers – or designate a clean storage case or box for your nail drill and bits.
There’s not much point in cleaning your tools only to store them where they can get dirty before you use them next. You would just have to clean them again – and wait for them to dry before use!
As always, treat your tools with care so they last longer, but know when it is time to replace bits for sanitary purposes.
What is the Best Nail Drill for Beginners?
Not every electric drill you find is of good quality. If you find a cheap one at a local store, the chances are it isn’t going to deliver great results.
Therefore, before you spend your hard-earned money on a drill that doesn’t get the job done or breaks after a while, consider the next factors.
Low Vibration Models
Usually, you will be utilizing your nail drill over longer periods of time, while you work on both your hands and toes nails. This is why you need a nail drill with low vibrations.
Vibrations can damage your nails and hurt your wrist, especially if you’re holding the drill for hours for a party or as a professional.
Best of all, lower vibration drills are also easier to control for a better file. You get a safer drill and more precision.
Lower Speeds
You don’t need a high-speed nail drill to use on natural nails. In fact, you don’t even want one.
As stated above, you only want to use speeds of around 2,500 to 6,000 RPM on your natural nails. Unless you’re hoping to use your nail drill on acrylics, too, why even invest in a nail drill that delivers ultra high speeds of 25,000 RPM or more?
Drill Bit Options
Not all drill bits are the same and each has different uses. You’ll want to be sure you use the right bits for you.
Naturally, nail drills that come with multiple standard options already, or that make it easy to swap drill bits out, are great options, especially for beginners who may want to try out different bits to figure out what they like.
High-Quality Drills
If you’re going to utilize a nail drill regularly for yourself or your friends and family, then opt for a better quality tool. They’re costly but that extra cost will pay off in the long run.
You will get a quality, precision tool that will last you for many years.
Plus, if you purchase a high-quality nail drill, you won’t have to worry about file bit sizes. Better drills usually adapt to most regular file bit sizes. That way, you will gain full control over your nail filing space without having to adapt to a size that’s too small or too large.
Top 3 Nail Drills
When shopping for your first electric nail drill, consider your experience and budget. Choose something that meets your needs.
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Pure Enrichment PureNails System | 5 drill bits, storage bag |
2. | TOUCHBeauty Nail File Drill | 5 drill bits, storage stand |
3. | AIRSEE Efile Nail Drill Kit | 11 drill bits, 56 sanding bands |
These nail drills make a great choice for beginners and experts alike. Let’s look at each one more closely so you can pick the best one for you.
1. Pure Enrichment PureNails System
If you’re looking for a top-notch manicure and pedicure system, look no further than Pure Enrichment. It provides 5 interchangeable attachments made of sapphire-coated, durable metal.
They can do everything from removing dead cuticles to file acrylic nails. But here’s the kicker. The drill is equipped with a built-in LED light so you can keep track of your movements with ease.
It also has two speed settings that perform well on both acrylic and natural nails alike. You will receive this lovely cordless manicure and pedicure set in a convenient case and a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Cordless design
- Perfect for beginners
- 5 drill bits
- 2-speed settings
Cons:
- Difficult to use
2. TOUCHBeauty Nail File Drill
The electric nail drill by TouchBeauty is a 5-in-1 set with a stand. It rotates 9,500 RPM. Meaning, it’s slow enough to help lower the risk of damage but fast enough to deliver great results.
This is very important for beginners because when you’re a beginner, you’re not capable of working at a very high speed. This set is battery-operated and compact. It includes 5 drill attachments.
You will get a mini UV light to speed up dry time after you polish your nails. We love this set because it’s stylish and functional at the same time. Also, it’s reasonably-priced and effective.
Pros:
- Professional nail file set
- The perfect choice for beginners
- The set is travel-friendly and stylish
- Quiet and super powerful motor
- Cordless and affordable
Cons:
- Mediocre quality
3. AIRSEE Efile Nail Drill
Last but not least, we have another portable electric nail drill set for both beginners and experts. It’s not a bulky nail drill but something that you can easily take or store anywhere.
The nail drill has a pen-like shape and measures slightly over 5 inches. It weighs only 2 ounces. But don’t let the compact and lightweight design fool you into thinking it’s a weak tool.
It has adjustable speed settings that enable you to go from 0 to 20,000 RPM. The best part? You will get 11 different drill bits of all shapes. It’s a little expensive but worth the cost.
Pros:
- Professional nail drill set
- The perfect choice for newbies
- The best-selling electric nail drill on the marker
- Adjustable speed and direction
- Lightweight and compact
Cons:
- May not last long; better for occasional or travel use
Summary
Hopefully, this article can teach you how to use a nail drill on natural nails. If you’re a beginner, train and explore different speeds. Once you feel ready, practice on yourself and your friends.
Invest in specialized buffer tools and drill bits that you can find at a beauty shop. Take your time and use your nail drill safely.
Up Next: Polygel Nails Keep Popping Off? – Here’s What To Do