A nail airbrush sprays a fine mist of colour from a pen-shaped handpiece fed by a small compressor, for gradients, ombre and stencil designs without brush marks. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks portable and rechargeable airbrush kits and replacement handpieces from MNBS, and the Aer Gel Airbrush Machine and Aer Gel Head from Aprés.
Types of nail airbrushes
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Portable and rechargeable kit | Gradients and nail art at the table; rechargeable kits work away from an outlet. | Portable Airbrush Kit - Golden, Portable Airbrush Kit - Black #2, Rechargeable Airbrush Set - Black, Rechargeable Beauty Airbrush - Rose Gold, Airbrush Kit |
| Aprés Aer system | Salons that use Aprés, with the brand's own airbrush machine and replacement head. | Aprés Aer Gel Airbrush Machine, Aprés Aer Gel Head (2025) |
| Replacement handpiece | Replacing a clogged, bent or worn handpiece on a portable kit. | Handpiece Replacement Kit - Black, Handpiece Replacement Kit - Golden, Airbrush Handpiece Replacement, Handpiece Replacement - Black #2 |
How to choose a nail airbrush
- Match the colour to the machine. Use airbrush colours made for nails in a standard kit; a brand system such as Aprés Aer is built around the brand's own product.
- Keep a spare handpiece. If one clogs mid-service you can keep working; pick the replacement that matches your kit's name and colour.
- Clean after every session. Flush the handpiece until it sprays clear, so colour never dries inside the nozzle.
Related: Airbrush colours, Nail sponges, Painting gel, Nail stickers & tape, All nail art
Nail airbrush FAQ
What can I spray through a nail airbrush?
Use airbrush colours made for nails, which are thin enough to spray as a mist. Regular nail polish and most gel polish are too thick and will clog the nozzle. A brand system such as the Aprés Aer Gel Airbrush Machine is designed for that brand's own product, so follow its instructions.
How do I stop a nail airbrush from clogging?
Never let colour dry in the cup or nozzle. Between colours, spray the cleaner the colour maker recommends through the handpiece until it runs clear, and flush it fully at the end of the day. Shake colours before use, and replace a handpiece whose needle or nozzle is bent.
Does airbrushed nail colour need a top coat?
Yes. Airbrush colour goes on as a very thin layer and does not hold up on its own. Over gel, seal it with gel top coat and cure; over regular polish, use a polish top coat once the colour is dry. Follow the colour maker's drying directions.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.