Raise your hand if you feel overly attached to your nail tools! Well, we sure plead guilty, and it’s completely normal to love the tools that help you create gorgeous, trendy nails. But here’s the thing: no matter how well you take care of them, nail tools aren’t built to last forever. Even the highest-quality equipment will eventually wear out, just like other material things in this world. As nail enthusiasts or professionals, the key is to spot the warning signs early so you can replace parts or have the parts repaired before they affect your work. Now that you’re here, find out when to replace your nail tools and how to keep them clean and performing at their best Nail Lamps General Rule Nail Lamps are designed to handle countless manicures and pedicures, but realistically, no one’s keeping track of hours of use. Over time, LED or UV bulbs can weaken without you realizing it. Most nail professionals recommend replacing your lamp every 1-2 years, depending on your usage and the volume of clients you accept. If you’re feeling indecisive, think about cost and reliability: sometimes, purchasing a new lamp on sale makes more sense and is a better investment than repeatedly fixing an old one. Warning Signs For Nail Lamps 1. Nails may seem cured on the surface, but not underneath2. Cured nails chip, lift, or bubble easily.3. The Top Coat looks dull or cloudy instead of shiny after curing4. Slower curing times, with or without flickering lights5. Uneven curing across different nails in the same set Tip: Ignoring these issues doesn’t just slow you down; it costs extra in wasted products and repairs. Address problems right away to save both time and money. E-Files (Including Drill Bits) General Rule A well-maintained E-File can serve you faithfully for many years, but only if you treat it with care. Avoid overworking the machine, and always clean and sanitize both the equipment and the bits after each use. Be sure to follow the brand’s maintenance guidelines to keep everything running smoothly. Warning Signs For E-Files And Drill Bits 1. Drill bits look visibly worn, dull, or damaged. 2. You feel the need to apply extra pressure when filing3. Clients notice discomfort from the excessive heat and vibration4. Speed becomes inconsistent or starts dropping5. Filing the same area takes noticeably longer than before. Tip: Separate your drill by purpose. Bits for acrylic tend to wear down faster since acrylic filings are heavier. When your acrylic bits start to lose efficiency, repurpose them for gel services, which require lighter filing, before fully retiring them. Dust Collectors General Rule Dust Collectors can last for a long time with proper care, but the filters need regular attention to keep the machine running at its best. Clean or replace the filter every 3-4 months, depending on how frequently you work. If you notice major technical issues beyond the filter, it’s best to check the FAQ before attempting any repairs yourself. Keep in mind that this equipment may impact your health, making it essential to care for your dust collector. Warning Signs For Dust Collectors 1. Significantly weak suction even after cleaning the filter2. Overheating or a strong burning smell during use 3. Dust doesn’t get absorbed; it settles around the workspace4. Unusual and loud noises when the machine is running5. Persistent clogs or fan motor issues Tip: If the fan is not working, double-check if the filter is properly secured. Many dust collector machines won’t start unless the filter is correctly in place. Airbrushes General Rule High-quality airbrushes can also last for many years (even decades), if you maintain them properly. In most cases, you’ll only need to replace certain parts, such as the nozzle (funnels air and directs the spray), needle (controls the flow of paint by opening and closing the airbrush's nozzle), or the gun (main body), rather than the entire unit. Regular cleaning and prompt troubleshooting will keep your airbrush working like new. Warning Signs For Airbrushes 1. Bent or broken needle that no longer fits correctly2. Visible damage to the body of the airbrush gun3. Persistent leaking even after checking connections4. Split or cracked nozzle that affects the spray flow5. Clogging issue remains after thorough cleaning Tip: Minor clogging and uneven spraying/blotchiness are common and often easy to fix. Refer to this troubleshooting guide before replacing parts and contacting customer service. Nail Brushes General Rule Nail Brushes are essential for application and nail art, and a brush that receives consistent TLC can stay in great shape for quite a while. You must organize and maintain multiple brushes for different applications to avoid cross-contamination. Keeping your brushes clean after every use is necessary, and using monomer as a cleaning solution is suggested to prolong their lifespan. Warning Signs For Nail Brushes 1. Bristles start shedding or falling out2. Products no longer apply smoothly or evenly3. Brushes become increasingly difficult to clean4. Bristles fray, lose shape, or become misshapen 5. Persistent staining or build-up, even after cleaning Tip: Not all brush hairs/bristles are the same. Check the type of bristles you have and follow care instructions specific to that material to get the most life out of your brushes. Learn in this article everything you need to know about nail brushes. As cheesy as it sounds, your nail tools are the backbone of your craft, and they can affect your business in so many ways. Knowing when to replace and taking care of them impacts your artistry, safety, and investment. With this guide, we hope you feel more encouraged to pay attention to early warning signs, not risking a complete breakdown of your tools. For any concerns or questions, please refer to our comprehensive FAQ or contact our Customer Service team. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on September 24, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
