How To Choose The Best Nail Tools For Your Salon

As a skilled nail technician or luxury manicurist, you understand the significance of using the finest tools to deliver a top-notch and hygienic experience for your clients. Opting for a biodegradable EN tested salon disinfectant like our Super Antibacterial Cleansing Water is important, but the material of your tool is just as crucial for optimal care. In this blog post, we delve into the vital importance of cutting through the marketing haze so you can source the right quality metal tools for your salon for a truly elite service that sets you apart.

When it comes to metals for nail tools, pure titanium takes centre stage, redefining excellence in the industry. Understanding the difference between pure titanium and alloy titanium is key to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable metal.

Pure Titanium vs. Alloy Titanium: Unraveling the Composition

Pure titanium, as the name suggests, is composed solely of titanium, boasting exceptional corrosion resistance and unparalleled hygiene and durability. We actually use it in the manufacture of the active in our game-changing hygiene sprays, making its application on pure titanium nail tools perfectly compatible. On the other hand, alloy titanium is a blend of titanium and other metals, resulting in varying types of alloys with different properties, functionalities and most importantly, quality.

Exploring the Varying Types of Alloys

The use of different alloy compositions can impact the functionality of the metal in nail tools. It ranges from some titanium alloys with improved strength; to others with less strength but lower production costs. On the whole, alloys often lack the remarkable benefits found in pure titanium, which is why titanium-alloy coated tools doesn’t automatically mean it carries the same premium perks of pure titanium. Its properties are mainly decorative.

The Benefits of Pure Titanium: A Class Apart

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True titanium, with its unadulterated composition, offers a plethora of benefits that set it apart from its alloy counterparts. As a nail technician or luxury manicurist, here's why pure titanium is a top choice:

1. Unparalleled Corrosion Resistance:

Pure titanium's remarkable resistance to corrosion ensures that your nail tools maintain their integrity over time, withstanding exposure to chemicals and sterilisation agents without compromise. If it’s pure, it simply won’t rust or corrode.

2. Lightweight and Ergonomic:

Pure titanium is incredibly lightweight, reducing fatigue during extended use and allowing you to deliver precise and intricate nail care with ease.

3. Non-Magnetic Properties:

Unlike some alloys, pure titanium is non-magnetic, ensuring that your nail tools won't interfere with sensitive electronic devices. You can always verify if your tools are pure simply by checking its magnetism.

4. Hypoallergenic:

For clients with sensitive skin, pure titanium is hypoallergenic, minimising the risk of adverse reactions and offering a safe and comfortable experience.

Coated Vs. Uncoated Metal Tools

Not only is considering the composition of your titanium-alloy nail tools important for understanding its true hygienic and durable properties, if it’s coated on an under frame its thickness matters too. Here’s why:

1. Thin Coating and Durability:

The logic follows that if the coating is thin the benefits derived are thin too. And if the titanium is heavily diluted with other metals in the thinly coated alloy, well… does the tool really hold enough titanium to benefit from its remarkable properties? Regardless, over time and with regular use, a thin coating will wear off, exposing the base metal beneath. As a result, the tool may lose its corrosion resistance and other advantageous properties of titanium, leading to potential issues with durability and performance.

2. Corrosion and Contamination:

If the titanium coating is not applied uniformly or is of poor quality, it may develop spots or areas where the base metal is exposed. This can increase the tools susceptibility to corrosion, especially if the under frame is made from low quality metal which poses a risk of contamination during nail procedures. Contaminated tools may compromise the hygiene and safety standards you aim to uphold, potentially causing harm to both clients and technicians.

3. Allergic Reactions:

Titanium is often touted as a hypoallergenic metal, but that’s in its purest form. Blending with other metals may reduce its hypoallergenic properties depending on the composition and sensitivity of the client you’re working on. Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain metals used in the alloy or the metal beneath the titanium coating. If the titanium coating wears off and exposes the base metal, there is still a risk of triggering allergic reactions in clients with metal sensitivities.

4. Uneven Wear and Tear:

Inconsistent wear of the titanium coating can lead to uneven surfaces on the tool, affecting its performance during nail procedures. This can result in less precision and accuracy, which is essential for delivering a luxury manicure experience.

5. Limited Lifespan:

Titanium-coated alloy nail tools may have a shorter lifespan compared to those made from pure titanium or uncoated premium stainless steel. The constant wear and tear, exposure to all chemicals, and sterilisation processes gradually deteriorate the coating, reducing the overall longevity of the tool because of its very nature. That is, it is coated and will eventually wear off, much like plated jewellery. Opting for tools made using a thick and even coating that can be verified will slow down the risk. Or, to avoid all the faff and concern you could simply go for medical grade stainless steel tools that aren’t coated.

Are all stainless steel tools made equal?

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However, much like titanium and its alloys, there are different grades of steel with varying properties and durability. Steel grade 316 and steel grade 420 stand as two prominent contenders, each possessing distinct characteristics that influence their performance. Exploring the metal composition of these two steel grades, you will understand why steel grade 316 stands out as the more resistant option.

Metal Composition: The Secret to Resilience

Steel grade 316 contains a higher percentage of the mineral, molybdenum, in its composition when compared to steel grade 420. Molybdenum is a key element that enhances the steel's resistance to corrosion and oxidation. This addition of molybdenum is what sets steel grade 316 apart, making it the preferred choice for applications that demand exceptional corrosion resistance such as in dentistry, medical surgeries, marine and food industries.

Molybdenum is a key element that enhances the steel's resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

On the other hand, steel grade 420, which is medical-grade too, consists of a higher carbon content and lower chromium and molybdenum content. While it exhibits reasonable corrosion resistance in less aggressive environments, it falls short in comparison to the outstanding resistance offered by steel grade 316. It’s also considerably cheaper, which is why most naked stainless steel tool brands opt for this grade of steel.

Choosing Excellence in Nail Care

Regardless both steel 316 and 420 are great options for establishing a premium and hygienic salon standard. Titanium and its alloy coated tools are an option too, providing you are able to establish that the alloy hasn’t compromised too much on the concentration of titanium and its properties and the coating is thick and even. You’ll just need to be aware that due to the nature of it being coated, it will eventually wear off giving rise to some of the issues we’ve highlighted. But if the tool wears away quickly, it might be a sign that it’s made using inferior metal alloys or grades that are probably best to avoid.

Did you know we've had our Super Antibacterial Cleansing Water compatibility tested on various types of metals? You can read more here.

Choosing The Best Metals For Ultimate Safety & Hygiene With Your Nail Tools