Nail art tools are the small hand tools for placing and shaping decoration: dotting pens for dots and simple flowers, embossing and carving pens for 3D gel, and pickers for rhinestones and charms. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks single tools and 5-piece sets, most of them from MNBS.
Types of nail art tools
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Dotting pens | Dots, flowers, hearts and animal-print spots in several sizes. | Double-ended Dotting Pen, 5 pcs, Dotting Pen, wood, 5 pcs, Dotting Pen, assorted colours, 5 pcs, Acrylic Handle Dotting Pen, 5 pcs, 6 in 1 Dotting Pen, Nail Brush with Dotting Pen |
| Embossing and carving pens | Pushing and shaping 3D gel and drawing raised lines. | Double-ended Embossing Pen, Embossing Pen, black, 5 pcs, Steel Nail Carving Stick GJ244, Double Head Nail Art Pen |
| Pickers and grabbers | Lifting and placing rhinestones, charms and small pieces. | Rhinestone Pick Up Tool Set, 5 pcs, Multifunction Grabber Tool, Silver, Mini Sponge and Grabber |
How to choose nail art tools
- Sets give you sizes. A 5-piece dotting set gives a range of ball sizes, so you can grade dots from large to small on one nail.
- Double-ended saves time. Two tips on one handle means one tool for a large and a small dot, or for pushing and smoothing 3D gel.
- Keep the tips clean. Wipe gel off a tool before it cures; cured gel blunts the ball and drags on the next design.
Related: Nail art & gel brushes, Charms & rhinestones, Nail art gel, Stamping plates & moulds, All nail art
Nail art tools FAQ
What is a dotting pen used for in nail art?
A dotting pen has a small metal ball at each end. Dip it in polish, gel or paint and touch it to the nail to make round dots, or drag it to make hearts, petals and swirls. Bigger balls make bigger dots, and dipping again before each dot keeps the size even.
How do I pick up rhinestones quickly?
Use a picker, or the tip of a dotting pen with a tiny dab of wax or uncured gel, touch the top of the stone and set it into a bead of rhinestone gel on the nail. Lay the stones out face up on a palette first so you can pick them without turning each one over.
How do I clean dotting and carving tools?
Wipe gel off with a lint-free wipe and cleanser before it cures, and take polish off with acetone. Metal tips can then be cleaned and disinfected like other salon implements; follow the contact time on your disinfectant label.
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.