Gel nail kits have gotten a lot better over the years, making it actually possible (and convenient) to recreate a salon-worthy mani from the comfort of your own bedroom. Which is great for us, since there aren't many beauty treatments that can make us feel as put-together as a good-quality gel manicure can. Sure, we all deserve a pampering sesh at a salon, but wouldn't it be great to have the option to refresh your nails without having to spend any more £? DIY home gel manicure kits are a smart choice, especially considering the hefty cost of visiting your nail technician on a regular basis amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
Not only do gel nail polish starter kits generally ensure a long-lasting result, but they also include a wide range of colour choices. Plus, with the holiday season fast-approaching, they can make a great Christmas gift too. The good news is that Amazon offers an entire range of professional nail kits, as do top online beauty retailers such as Sephora and LookFantastic. And they're genuinely easy to use to help you become a nail care pro in no time at all – so much so that you won't have a cuticle out of place or a chip in sight once you're done.
Still, doing your own nails isn't the most straightforward ordeal, especially if you don't know where to start. Like, are at-home gel nail kits safe to use? What’s the difference between gel and shellac? How can I improve so that my nails look salon-quality? Can I use gel on press-on nails? We’ve got all the FAQs, as well as a full edit of all the best at-home gel nail kits out there, from the more affordable options to top-rated starter gel nail sets.
What is the best at-home gel nail kit at a glance?
- Best home gel nail kit overall: Bluesky Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit, £59.99, Amazon
- Best home gel nail kit for ease of use: Mylee & Bluesky Black Convex Curing Lamp Kit w/ Gel Nail Polish Essentials, £89.99, Amazon
- Best on-the-go mini lamp: ORLY Gel FX Mini Lamp, £29.95, LookFantastic
- Best home gel nail kit for beginners: Modelones Gel Nail Starter Kit, £26.99, Amazon
Mylee Complete Professional Gel Nail Polish LED Lamp Kit
ORLY Gel FX Mini Lamp
Modelones Gel Nail Starter Kit
Is it cheaper to do gel nails at home?
Long story short: yes, definitely. However, bear in mind that some of the best at-home gel nail kits can seem pricey considering you'll need to invest in essential nail tools like nail files, cuticle oils, cut nail buffers, cuticle removers and a decent UV lamp. But these are all one-time costs, and the equipment should pay for itself after two or three uses, saving you money in the long run. Plus, you can use them for both manicures and pedicures too.
What do I need to do gel nails at home?
- Gel remover/acetone – go for an alcohol-free version so you don't dry out your hands
- An LED lamp or UV light
- Nail file
- Wooden cuticle pushers
- Nail buffer
- Rubbing alcohol
- Base coat
- Top coat
- Gel polish colours of your choice
- Cuticle oil
- Hand cream
What lamp is best for gel nails?
Most at-home gel nail kits tend to include either a UV, LED or UV/LED lamp. What's the difference, you ask? Well, UV nail lamps use a broader spectrum of UV wavelengths than LED lamps do. LED lamps tend to me more expensive too, though they offer a much faster curing time and are generally safer for your skin. That said, bear in mind that there are some UV gel polishes that can only be cured under a UV lamp. In this case, your best bet would be to go for a UV/LED lamp to save yourself the trouble.
How to do gel nails at home for beginners:
Figuring out which at-home gel nail kit is only half the job. Next, you'll want to make sure your technique is on point. Of course, it'll take more than a few tries to really nail it (sorry). But generally, you'll want to follow the steps below. Made a slight mistake? Not to worry. Luckily, gel nails are much easier to remove than acrylic nails. Check out our removal process guide on how to remove gel polish at home.
