5 best gel nail kits for salon-quality manicures at home

Your questions on the best gel nail kits, answered

What is the best gel nail kit?

With the recent EU regulations on gel nail kits changing, I took my role of testing each product very seriously and had to revisit some products to ensure they were TPO-free. When all things were considered – cost, ease of use, finish, wear time and variety – I found Mylee’s the massive kit to be the best at-home gel nail kit. But, 14 Day Manicure's HEMA-free builder gel kit and Manucurist’s semi-permanent LED green flash are more affordable, excellent options that offer salon-worthy gel nails at home.

How I tested the best gel nail kits

Over the course of six months, I tried and tested a broad range of different at-home gel kits. When testing, I considered the following factors:

• Price: As always at IndyBest, we’re on the lookout for ways to help you save money. One of the key appeals to an at-home gel nail kit is to save money per manicure, so I paid close attention to the overall price of kits, as well as the cost of new colours.
• What’s included: When trying to achieve an at-home gel manicure without any formal training, it can feel a bit daunting. To get you off to a good start, having a kit that includes essentials such as acetone, top coat, and lint-free remover wipes can make things a lot easier.
• Shade range: Even if you’re a sucker for a post-box red or milky white, it’s worth having a good variety in your arsenal, so that you can change up your colour whenever you fancy – that’s the beauty of at-home manis.
• Ease of use: During our testing process, I looked for kits that were easy to use, even for those who’ve never glanced at a gel manicure. I kept a watchful eye on what kits had achievable steps, provided a nice and even application, and were without complicated instructions for removal.
• Lasting time: I looked for kits that would produce a gel manicure that would last at least a week, if not two. This meant that a good set would last through daily tasks – typing away, opening tins, soaking in the bath, and not see too many scrapes as a result.
• Health of nails: Some gel nail products have been known to damage nails a little more than others, so I was quick to recognise any structural changes to my nail beds, peeling and splitting, and whether my nails were particularly brittle after the gel had been removed.

Are gel nail kits safe?

Gel manicures have come under fire of late, with people claiming the products can trigger allergic reactions. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) issued a warning, adding emphasis on at-home kits being “riskier because of the lack of experience the public has with these products”.

To help clear up any confusion, Dr Yuliya Krasnaya, specialist dermatologist at Evolution Aesthetics Clinic, told The Independent: “UV lamps emit ultraviolet radiation, and extended exposure can present risks to the skin, such as the possibility of skin damage and an elevated risk of skin cancer. To err on the side of caution, I recommend applying a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen, limiting exposure time and air drying your nails to protect your hands from UV rays.”

Regarding the more recent allergy concerns, Dr Krasnaya added: “Though uncommon, skin irritations or allergies can arise from chemicals in gel nail products or UV light exposure during manicures. Sensitivity to the base coat, colour gel, or topcoat components may cause redness or itching”. So, she recommends shopping from reputable, trustworthy brands to try and reduce potential concerns as much as possible.

How to remove gel polish at home

Luckily, most of these kits come complete with removal solutions that can be soaked onto a cotton pad and left on your nails for a couple of minutes – simply wrap each finger in tin foil to keep the pads in contact with your nail. If that isn’t available, though, you can go to your closest chemist and pick up a bottle of acetone that will do the same job. If you’re still struggling to get the polish off, you can also gently buff the product away while reapplying the removal solution.

How to fix gel nails that have lifted at home

The golden rule for any gel manicure is to not pick your nails, even if they’re starting to peel and chip. Now that you have an at-home kit, you can quickly remove them and start again, ensuring your nails are nice and healthy. However, if it’s only one pesky peel and you’re in a time crunch, the experts suggest simply filing it back and applying a similar colour of regular polish on top until you have time to sort it out properly.

Are gel nail kits worth it?

With the average salon set of gel nails costing anywhere between £25 (if you’re lucky) and £50, investing in an at-home gel nail kit will undoubtedly save you money further down the line. From experience, doing your gel nails personally can take longer than your manicurist’s swift 45-minute in-and-out service, and we’ve found ourselves attending to our nails for nigh on two hours previously. That said, once you’re in the swing of the routine – you’ve taught yourself the dos and don’ts of cuticle care, nail prep, etc – we’d argue you can get your speed up to around one hour. The main pro? You can tend to your paws in the comfort of your own home in your jammies or comfies.

What’s important to remember when doing your own gel nails at home?

Lowri Probert, Nail Technician and The GelBottle Insider, recommends users to “always use a reputable brand and the correct lamp for that product” and to keep in mind that “keeping prep gentle and painting thin, even layers is key – more product doesn’t mean better results.”

“Allergies to gel are on the rise, often from products touching the skin, under-curing or over filing. If you notice itching, redness or swelling, stop immediately and seek advice,” explains Lowri.

How important is gel nail prep?

“Prep really is the foundation of any good manicure,” says Rebecca Crawforth, Founder of Navy. “Without it, even the best products won’t last as they should.” She recommends properly cleansing the nail plate, refining the cuticle area, and ensuring the surface is free from oils and debris to create the perfect base for polish or gel to adhere.

How can you keep your nails looking great for longer?

Rebecca Crawforth told The Independent: “Consistency is key. Using cuticle oil daily makes such a difference – it hydrates the nail and surrounding skin, keeping everything strong and flexible. Wearing gloves when cleaning or washing up protects nails from harsh chemicals and water damage. And most importantly, avoid using your nails as tools – they’re not for opening cans or scraping stickers! If you do wear gels, following proper aftercare and having them removed professionally will ensure your natural nails stay healthy underneath, so your manicures last beautifully time after time.”

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Mollie Davies is a writer with years of experience specialising in home and beauty. She’s covered everything from the Hotel Chocolate velvetiser to candles for IndyBest. After researching all the most popular gel nail kits on the market she got friendly with all the equipment at home, putting each manicure through its paces of daily life, and making notes on the factors that matter most.

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