Well-groomed hands and a beautiful manicure are an integral part of the image of a modern girl. Increasingly, to carry out this procedure, girls choose special equipment - a milling cutter for hardware manicure and pedicure. Its use allows you to get a clean manicure, easily reach hard-to-reach places, create an even and neat coating “under the cuticle,” and also remove overgrown gel polish without soaking or exposure to chemicals that often cause allergic reactions.
However, sometimes even a professional manicurist finds it difficult to choose the appropriate model of apparatus for manicure and pedicure among the abundance of offers. Let's look at the types of routers, their key characteristics and differences.
What it is?
A manicure cutter is an electrically powered device that has a wide range of actions. With him:
- nail shape is corrected;
- keratinized skin on the fingers and cuticle on the nail bed are removed;
- The nail plate is sanded and polished.
This tool has many advantages compared to classic care. The use of this technique protects the periungual skin. The treatment is carried out without damaging the structure of the nail plates. The device works simply: the user needs to hold a handle, at the end of which there is a rotating shaft. Various cutter attachments are installed on it. You just need to choose the one you need for quick and painless treatment of the area.
A manicure cutter is needed for brittle and peeling nails, for delicate skin and cuticles prone to rapid growth. The device minimizes traumatic risks. Another advantage is the saving of time, as well as money for purchasing nail files and softening agents. If there are no latter, the risk of allergies is reduced.
You can buy a machine for home and professional use. In the first case, you will not need to go to a specialist. Having learned how to use a machine for manicure and pedicure, you will be able to make your nails well-groomed yourself. Masters will be able to reduce the time required to treat hands and feet, reducing the risk of skin injury.
Tips for choosing a manicure machine
Before purchasing a router, you need to decide on its purpose:
- For home care, a small design consisting of a handle and a power supply is suitable. As a rule, such devices are sold in a set with suitable cutters of various types. This option is the safest, does not develop high speeds, and the likelihood of damaging the nail plate if used incorrectly is minimal. However, such devices often do not have enough power to remove artificial coating, deep manicure “under the cuticle” or correct extensions.
- For professional use, choose powerful devices that are sold in specialized stores. Such devices weigh quite a lot, reach speeds of 25,000-45,000 rpm, their power ranges from 60 to 100 W, and among the additional functions, reverse must be present. It’s better not to save on cost here, because... inexpensive machines quickly become unusable, constantly overheat, and also require frequent replacement of the handle. Please pay attention to the availability of warranty service - trusted manufacturers provide 1-2 years of warranty on their products.
The best brands
Previously, manicure cutters were used only in salons. Now they are on free sale. There are devices for different wallets. The best brands are:
- Promed.
- Proxxon.
- Micro-NX.
- Vitalina.
- Multibor.
- "Satellite".
- AnyXing.
Nail Drill, Option, and “Strong” devices are also popular. According to reviews, the Magic Bits Mini manicure router is in demand, characterized by functionality and high quality. To choose the right device, you should familiarize yourself with the basic selection parameters.
Speed
For household individual use, a milling cutter for manicure and pedicure with an indicator of 10-20 thousand rpm is suitable. If it will be used frequently, then a device with 35-40 thousand rpm is required. Professional manicure cutters have this parameter of at least 45,000. In any case, it is better to choose a device that has a speed switch.
Price
The price of the device depends on the characteristics. Keep in mind that professional milling cutters are several times more expensive than manicure machines for beginner nail service professionals.
The cost is also determined by:
- brand;
- complete set;
- region of sale;
- markups at retail outlets.
On average, a budget device for manicure at home can be purchased at a price of 800 rubles. For a semi-professional device with a speed of 30,000 rpm you will have to pay from 14,000 to 20,000 rubles, with a speed of 40,000 to 60,000 rpm - from 20,000 to 45,000. Professional devices with vacuum cleaners cost from 70,000 rubles.
Cutters and clamps
It is better to choose a router for manicure and pedicure that includes a minimum of attachments. They can be purchased separately if required. In relation to the clamps, different fastening methods are proposed:
- Fixation in manual mode follows after tightening the washer. The user needs to click on the required button.
- In the semi-automatic type, the action is performed by turning the lever until it clicks.
- It is easier with an automatic clamp, where the cutter is inserted, after which the device will work.
Medisana MP 815 - ergonomics and versatility
The device differs from other manicure devices in its efficiency and streamlined body. Unlike professional salon devices, which are bulky machines, Medisana MP 815 is suitable for home use precisely because of its compactness.
The device body is made of durable plastic and is equipped with two control buttons: adjusting the speed and direction of rotation (clockwise and counterclockwise).
The set includes 4 attachments: soft felt and 3 sapphire. The latter are intended for the care of natural nails. To work with extended nails, you can buy additional cutters. The Medisana device is universal and can work with any professional attachments.
The device operates from the network. Once connected, just move the button to start the router. Like other speed devices, Medisana must be started sequentially. That is, the device should not be turned on to maximum immediately, it needs to be allowed to warm up.
On a note. The Medisana MP 815 milling machine automatically turns off if the master presses too hard on the cutter. This prevents the top layer of the nail plate from being abraded. The milling cutter is suitable for beginners who do not know how to control the degree of pressure.
The device is equipped with two LED lamps. They allow the master to work in low light.
Characteristics:
Dimensions (mm) | Number of nozzles | Number of speeds | Number of revolutions/min | Nutrition | Reverse | Case |
150x38x37 | 7 pcs. | 2 pcs. | 4 600 | Net | + | + |
Pros:
- soft, careful manicure and pedicure;
- ergonomic design;
- automatic shutdown when pressing hard on the cutter;
- smooth gear shifting;
- backlight;
- cutter quality
Flaws:
- short wire;
- low power;
- noise at high rotation speed.
Electric motor
The manicure milling machine has one of two electric motor options. Brushless suitable for professionals. This engine has uninterrupted, silent operation with a service life of several thousand hours.
A brushed brush motor is slower and emits a lot of dust. It breaks quickly. But for home use you can choose this type.
Scarlett Vita Spa SC-MS95002 - device for home SPA treatments
Reliable universal model. Allows you to perform a beautiful manicure and pedicure at home.
The set includes 10 attachments:
- for working with a rough surface - remove rough, dry skin;
- for cuticles - eliminate excess skin around the nails and prevent its further formation for a long time;
- for gentle polishing - make the nail plate shiny and healthy.
On a note. Scarlett Vita Spa is equipped with a special bath for hydromassage of fingers. The attachments can be conveniently placed in a compact case and taken with you if necessary. The kit also includes a quick dryer to fix the polish.
The device can operate either from a battery or from a network. The router is capable of operating on the road. Wear-resistant attachments will last a long time even with frequent use.
Characteristics:
Dimensions (mm) | Number of nozzles | Number of speeds | Number of revolutions/min | Nutrition | Reverse | Case | Additional tools |
35x36x 158 | 12 pcs. | 2 pcs. | 9000 | network/battery | + | + | Drying nails Hand bath |
Pros:
- battery operation;
- hydromassage bath;
- compactness;
- a large number of attachments.
Disadvantage: weak pedicure attachments.
Other options
A manicure cutter with a built-in mini-vacuum cleaner is original, since when these devices operate, fine dust is released. You can also purchase a vacuum cleaner with a dust collector.
It is important that the device fits comfortably in your hand. Otherwise, the load on the hand increases and there is a risk of injury. Weight is also important if the device will be transported.
Milling cutter options
Regular and mini manicure cutters have attachments that differ in shape and material. Each of them has its own goals. Popular cutters include the following:
- The cuticle is processed with a ceramic cutter. The most common is the corundum nozzle. This material gently and easily removes the stratum corneum.
- For artificial nails you need tungsten carbide cutters. This material has increased hardness, so it can damage natural nails.
- Polishing cutters based on fabric materials or silicone are used to smooth the surface of nails and add shine.
What you need to know about the structure of the nail to use a milling cutter
For the procedure to be effective and safe, you need to know some physiological features. You should start with the skin. It has 3 layers:
- Dermal – the deepest. If you touch it, it will bleed.
- Epidermal - protects the base layer from damage. But it also cannot be cut, it contains living cells.
- The horny layer is a dead layer consisting of several more layers. You can remove everything except the bottom one, otherwise regeneration processes start and the cuticle grows faster.
The nail plate is surrounded on three sides by skin ridges. The one located at the lower edge is called the eponychium. Its main function is to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the nail root. That is why it cannot be touched. The cuticle is the dried part of the eponychium. It needs to be removed along with the pterygium (skin that has grown on the plate)
Based on this, it is important to consider the following points when doing a manicure:
- The nail bed contains nerve endings and capillaries. If you damage them and cut off the excess, it will hurt, after which a wound will form. It takes a very long time to heal.
- Only the stratum corneum can be processed with cutters. But you also need to not overdo it, so that the body does not begin to quickly replenish lost living cells.
- To understand whether part of the cuticle is horny or not, you need to bring your fingers close to the lamp and examine their color. If it is pink or red, you cannot touch such skin.
Safety regulations
Now there are many master classes and video lessons with the help of which you can learn how to beautifully treat your nails and fingers. You also need to follow safety precautions:
- The device cannot be used suspended; both elbows must be placed on the work surface. It doesn't matter how you lean. Let it be comfortable.
- The nail is treated with short, but sliding and smooth movements, no more than 3 seconds. Do not allow the router to cut into the nail.
- The device must be kept parallel to the work surface at all times.
- Pressure force is also considered a relevant criterion. The handle must be constantly moving.
- It is necessary to bring hygiene skills to automaticity. Before treating nails with nail polish remover, remove the old coating, then keep your fingers in a bath of warm water, wipe and disinfect. The cutters must also be treated with a special liquid. Professionals use heat treatment of tools.
- When using nozzles, you should start with coarse-grained ones and gradually move on to fine abrasiveness and polishing.
How to use it correctly
Disinfect tools before starting work. It is better for novice craftsmen to choose silicone cutters in order to understand how and how long they need to be held, and also to prevent injury.
The main stages of manicure using the device:
- Remove the polish from your nails and file them into the desired shape.
- Using a cutter or stick, lift the cuticle and push back its lower part.
- Trim the burrs with pliers.
- Take a medium-hard needle-shaped nozzle and work the side rollers.
- Use a ball-shaped cutter to remove keratinized particles.
- Using a bullet attachment, sand all treated areas.
- Take a trapezoidal router bit and sand to smooth out the shape.
- Give your nails a shine using a buffing wheel and then clean them with a brush.
For beginners, it is better to choose the minimum speed (up to 1000 rpm).
To get a neat manicure, check out the tips from nail experts:
- start working with low speed;
- hold the pen at approximately a 45⁰ angle to the nail;
- do not press the cutter tightly to the surface;
- smoothly move the handle of the device;
- the nozzle should move opposite to the movement of the hands;
- When sanding, move from the outer edge to the tip;
- After treatment, apply the nourishing product to your nails and skin.
Purchasing a high-quality machine will allow you to save on classic manicure tools. As a result, your nails will look neat for a long time. Even problem areas can be treated. The nail care procedure will also take significantly less time than with a traditional manicure.
Hardware care is contraindicated if the nail plate is very thin. Painful sensations during the procedure are determined by the skill of the specialist and the sensitivity of the client. Usually a manicure does not cause discomfort.
Performing a manicure
How is a manicure cutter used? The procedure is performed as follows:
- To protect against infections, a disinfectant is applied to the hand of the technician and the hands of the client.
- The keratinized surfaces are softened with a special agent. It must be kept for at least 10 minutes. During this period, the cuticle and skin located near the nail are treated using special attachments.
- Then the nail shape is modeled and the plate is polished. If the length changes noticeably, use wire cutters.
- Use a napkin to remove the applied softening agent.
- Then the stratum corneum is removed. In this case, there is no uniform procedure - you can use any nozzle.
- A decorative coating and softening oil are applied to the nails.
Pros and cons of hardware manicure
Hardware manicure has many advantages:
- Execution speed. Processing with the device does not require preliminary steaming, as in the classical technique, which significantly saves time. The entire process is automated, and the session lasts on average 20-40 minutes, depending on how hands are used.
- Safety. The likelihood of injuring the skin is virtually eliminated, since the procedure does not involve the use of sharp instruments. This also reduces the risk of infection. This is especially true for those with thin skin with closely spaced blood vessels.
- Duration of effect. Since the cuticle is not cut, it grows slower, making hands look well-groomed for up to several weeks. If you additionally regularly treat the cuticles with a tangerine wood stick, you can extend the effect for another week.
- Large selection of attachments. With the help of cutters you can work with both hands and rough skin of the feet. The caps also grind, polish, and give the desired shape to different types of nails. One device replaces many tools.
- Painless. The procedure does not cause pain even for those people who have a low sensitivity threshold. The only reason why you can feel pain is that the plate is too thin. However, with it, hardware manicure is contraindicated.
Removing unnatural nails
To remove extended nails with a router, you must follow the instructions, otherwise there is a chance of damaging the natural plate. Treating one finger can take up to 10 minutes:
- First you need to reduce the working area - for this you use a crankcase or nail clippers. The procedure is carried out carefully to protect the gel from cracking.
- Then you need a cutter with a coarse-grain coating - this will allow you to cut down the gel layer to the desired thickness. Other attachments should not be used. During work, a lot of dust appears, the shooting particles can damage the eyes, so you need to use goggles and respiratory protection.
- After removing the artificial plates, the nail is polished. During this process, the device is moved so that the nail itself does not heat up.
Regarding acrylic materials, there is some addition - they are removed not only mechanically, but also by treatment with solvents. The above method is also involved in these actions: when removing the top coating and final grinding of the plate.
To remove gel polish, different attachments are used. The best choice is a ceramic cutter. It does not heat up and removes coating perfectly. The downside is the cost of about 1,500 rubles. Carbide cutters are cheaper. They are 4 times cheaper, but during operation it is necessary to set high speeds, which in the absence of experience can lead to burns.
Whatever removal method is chosen, after the procedure the nails need care and restoration. In order to prevent infections and the development of inflammation, this moment should not be ignored.
Types of attachments for router
For a quality process, it is necessary to choose the right attachments for the router.
It is quite difficult to select specific elements from the entire range provided, so first you should purchase the nozzles that are most in demand in your work, and then select the tips according to shape and material.
- Diamond-coated cutters are the most common due to their versatility. They are used when processing the free edge of the nail. Coarse nozzles are suitable for removing calluses and corns. They must be selected taking into account the rigidity of the material. This is easy to do, since the cutters have different colors: the hard ones are painted black, the medium ones are blue, and the soft ones are yellow or red.
- Ceramic attachments are available in pink or blue and are used to clean rough skin and calluses, and also help eliminate cracks on the feet. Recommended for beginner manicurists.
- Silicon cutters are a disposable tool. They perfectly polish rough skin and come in different sizes, it all depends on the area of the surface being treated. After use, the elements must be disposed of.
- Silicone attachments are used to polish nails and give them shine. Tips for the procedure are selected of different hardness, and the treatment is carried out by changing the tips from the hardest to the softest. In this case, you should not hold the tool in one place for more than a second, otherwise you can damage the nail plate.
To choose the right router, you need to determine exactly for what purposes it is needed, as well as where the device is supposed to be used.
In any case, you need to carefully read the technical characteristics of the tool. It is desirable that, in addition to suitable power, there is a dust collector and the ability to electronically adjust the number of revolutions.
When purchasing, you should pay attention to how comfortable the device fits in your hand, and also inspect the case for mechanical damage. It is necessary to check that you have a correctly completed warranty card. It is also worth remembering that attachments are consumables and will need to be replenished from time to time.