Whether you’re a novice at DIY nails or have years of practice, one of the easiest ways to level up your at-home manicure is by investing in a gel nail kit. Like the gel manicures you get at the salon, they’ll give you a long-lasting set — but from the comfort of your own couch. We talked to the experts to find the best at-home gel nail kits for everyone from beginners to pros and even nail art aficionados.
Ahead, how to find the best one for you.
How to use a gel nail kit
While you might want to jump right into it when the mood strikes, most experts agree that the best way to get a great at-home gel manicure is to prep. “It’s important to clean up your cuticles as best and as gently as you can,” says NYC-based nail artist Anna Popov, who has her own studio in Staten Island. “It gives better adhesion for the gel, therefore it’ll last longer. Use a good quality cuticle remover (my favorite is Deborah Lippman), a cuticle pusher (my favorite is the Tweezerman pusher), lightly buff the excess dead skin and finish off with a clean cuticle nipper to gently nip off any remaining hangnails. It’s also important not to over-cure your base coat. Refer to the correct curing time on the back of the bottle so you don’t struggle to remove it later.”
Another insider tip from nail artist and Nailboo creator Rachael is to avoid getting your hands and nails wet before you do your gel manicure. “Plan out when you’re going to do your nails and try not to wash your hands an hour before you’re set to do a manicure, or make sure to dehydrate and wipe nails with alcohol before a manicure,” she says. “This simple step can help avoid lifting and moisture getting underneath the polish,” which would shorten the lifespan of your set.
Manicurist and Sally Hansen partner Hannah Lee says that in addition to proper prep, it’s important to — and she cannot stress this enough — follow the directions. Every at-home kit should come with step-by-step instructions, she says. “First, you’ll cleanse the nail to remove any oil and debris. Then apply a base coat if one is needed. Then cure. Apply a layer of your choice of color and cure again. Repeat with another layer, cure. And finally apply a top coat and cure one last time.”
One other thing to note? According to Christina Kao, the founder of DIY gel manicure brand Le Mini Macaron, it’s important to paint thin layers, as well as properly cure each coat between layers. “Gel has a thicker consistency than regular nail polish, and many beginner users make the mistake of painting layers that are too thick, which will result in quick chipping,” says Kao. “If you get any gel on the skin around your nail while painting, make sure you clean it up before curing. You can do that either with a round brush dipped in acetone or with a cuticle stick. Cleaning up before curing will make sure your gel lasts longer and will help you achieve a flawless finish.”
Lastly, Rachael says to have fun! “I think the most important thing to understand when doing your own nails at home is that you’re becoming your own manicurist,” she says. “It can be very easy to be hard on yourself with how your nails turned out, but know that with every mani it gets easier and results get better with practice. Nothing beats the feeling of someone telling you they love your nails and you saying, ‘Thanks, I did them myself!’”
Are gel nails safe?
Whether you’re in the salon or at home, you’ll need a nail lamp that emits UV radiation to cure any gel nails. And while exposure to such radiation can cause premature aging and sun spots, and put you at risk for skin cancer, the FDA “views nail curing lamps as low risk when used as directed by the label.” In fact, according to a 2013 study that was published in the journal of Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 30 minutes of daily exposure to this kind of a lamp was below the occupational exposure limits for UV radiation, making them safe when used as directed. (Anyone who’s ever had an in-salon gel manicure knows that each hand is usually under the lamp for a total of about 8-10 minutes, even with the most detailed nail art.)
Still, dermatologists advise to be sure all tools are sterilized, and if your nails become brittle, peel or start to crack after gel polish, give your nails a break from polish to allow them to rebuild.
Best at-home gel kits for beginners
The best gel kits for beginners can deliver similar results as an in-salon manicure — but only if you follow directions, says NYC-based manicurist Kesang Gurung, who loves the CND at-home gel system. Popov agrees, noting that this kit's “brushes make it easy to apply on yourself, and the removal is seamless with less chance to inflict nail damage on yourself. They have a great collection of colors as well so you have plenty of options.”
While Kao recommends this one from her own brand, it also got the stamp of approval from three other experts. Toronto-based nail technician?Cerise Carvalho also says the brand is a favorite of hers, mentioning that it offers a great assortment of products and colors that are perfect for gifting. Kao says this kit includes four exclusive mini gels, a nail file, a cuticle pusher and 20 remover wraps. "The bottom of the LED lamp is removable, so you’re able to do pedicures as well,” Kao adds.
This is Carvalho's favorite gel system. It comes in right- or left-handed options, and includes products for every step of your at-home manicure, from nail prep to gel polish removal. "[Gelcare's] dedication to quality and focus on proper application and removal technique is so important especially for at-home users," Carvalho notes.
Lee says this one from Kiara Sky is a “great beginner set that provides everything you need.” You can build your own custom set and choose two gel polishes, your preferred top coat and even the color of the LED lamp. It also includes nail files and a base coat for the full system.
This is another beginner-friendly set recommended by Lee. It includes an LED lamp, gel base coat, one gel nail color, gel top coat, 10 nail cleanser pads, acetone remover, a cuticle stick and a nail file and buffer.
Best gel kits for professionals
“My favorite professional gel kit is from Gelish,” says Popov. “I find their products to look sleek and match with my studio aesthetic, as well as be really reliable in terms of how long my products last me, and how long my clients' retention is.”
Gel-X nail extensions have become all the rage, and editorial nail artist Kitty Chang says this kit from the creators of the soft gel extensions is a great introduction. It includes everything you need to get started, including your choice of tips.
Gurung is also a fan of the brand and recommends this basic kit from Aprés without the extensions for at-home users.
Best gel kits for nail art
Gurung says this kit, which includes a USB flash lamp, nail file and buffer, gel base and top coat and your choice of a dozen types of tips, is great for those that like nail art.
Nail technician?Dayanna Sapiens says that Beetles' gel nail kits are amazing. "They have absolutely everything you need to achieve the perfect manicure, plus the kit includes so many different colors!" she raves. This one she recommends is decked out with 35 nail polish colors, as well as nail art tools, nail stickers and nail gems, so you can create a custom look at home.
Portable nail gel kits
Le Mini Macaron's One-Step Gel Kit is a mini version of its full-size system that makes it easy to do your nails on the go. Whether you want to bring your nail kit on vacation or need a last-minute manicure in the car, the USB-powered LED light makes it easy to do a gel mani anywhere.
Best gel nail polish
Rachael recommends Nailboo's gel polish kit, which includes a buy three colors, get three free deal, as well as a base and top coat and some essential tools like nail files and a buffing block. You can choose from tons of fun shades, including ones with special effects like color-changing polish and magnetic finishes that create a multi-dimensional effect.
While Gurung says CND isn’t known for longevity, the brand is known for great quality, coverage and keeping the health of the nail in tact. “Plus, removal is the easiest,” she says.
“Bioseaweed’s formula is my favorite,” says Lee. “It’s not runny, opaque and always cures properly (sometimes with thicker, opaque gels they can wrinkle, meaning the outside layer cures but underneath that the gel is still wet).”
“Lisa Kon has a really great selection of neutrals which my clients use often,” says Lee. “I also love their cat-eye gel options.”
"I love OPI gel for painting the whole nail," Chang says. "The formula is thin so you will always have to do multiple coats, but it’s the perfect base for nail art so you don’t end up with a super thick nail. My favorite color is Bare My Soul — it’s the perfect nude."
Sweet Candy's gel polish is Chang's favorite for creating nail art. "The formula is thick, which I find it easier to work with when doing nail art," she explains.
For a more advanced manicure, Chang recommends this beginner-friendly hard gel that can be used for 3D effects. "Although it requires drilling for removal, I’ve used it for nail art, extension gel and fill ins," she says.
How to remove nail gels at home
Experts agree: The best way to remove gel polish at home is gently — and with tons of patience.
“To remove gel polish, file off the top layer until all the shiny spots are gone but be careful not to hit your natural nail,” says Popov, who adds that you want to be extra careful at this stage to not cause any damage. “Soak a piece of cotton in acetone and wrap it on your fingernail with a piece of foil. It’s easier to work on one hand at a time. If it’s Shellac, soak for five minutes. Any other brand, soak for about eight minutes. Working on one finger at a time, remove the foil, gently swipe off the gel with an orange wood stick and lightly buff off the excess with a 180 grit buffer. After that, you’re ready for your next mani!”
