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There are almost too many advantages to getting a gel manicure: they allow for natural and intricate designs, are offered at almost every nail salon, and can last for weeks without chipping. After all, who has the time to make it to a nail appointment every single week? Still, gel manicures aren’t fool-proof, and accidental chips are bound to happen sooner or later. Plus, no matter how wonderful a fresh set feels, regular manicures aren’t always your wallet’s favorite indulgence. However, a simple solution to all your woes is investing in an at-home gel nail kit.
“An at-home gel kit is a set of products needed to do a gel manicure at home,” says Julie Kandalec, an NYC-based celebrity manicurist. Even if it costs you a pretty penny at first, a good gel nail kit will pay for itself many times over in just a few uses. Most of them come with tools and accessories to help you get the job done, and all of the ones on our list are equipped with a UV or LED tool to cure your freshly polished claws. Pair them with one of the best nail drills, and you’ll be set for years.
Our top picks for the best at-home gel nail kits of 2024
However, Kandalec warned that you should be discerning when picking out your gel starter kit. “As a licensed nail professional for 25 years and an educator for nearly 15, I know that not all at-home gel kits are created equally,” she says. She emphasizes that you should avoid shady retailers and only purchase a kit from vetted, trusted brands with a track that ensures their products are allergen-free and tested for safety. Some brands “have not been tested properly for allergens, and you are putting yourself in position for a very serious and potentially long-lasting allergic reaction due to either improper curing and/or harmful additives/ingredients that are prohibited,” she adds. At the end of the day, you are applying these products to your body, so remember that if a kit seems too good (read: cheap) to be true, it probably is.
We tapped experts to find safe, user-friendly kits and sourced products from reputable brands with stellar customer reviews to compile the list below. Keep scrolling and discover the nine best at-home gel nail kits that might make you swear off nail salon visits forever.
1
Best Sustainable Gel Kit
Manucurist Green Flash Led Gel Polish Discovery Kit
Now 29% Off
Pros
Sustainable packaging and materials
Cons
- May not last as long as other gel polishes
For those who don’t know, Manucurist prioritizes sustainability and ensures that all their products are eco-friendly. So, it's no surprise that the materials inside the Discovery Kit (and its packaging) are completely sustainable and can be recycled. We also love that the design is foldable, so it’s very convenient to take on the go, especially if you’re a high-maintenance gal who always needs her nails done.
Includes: Green Flash Base Coat, Green Flash Top Coat, Nail Polish Remover, Nail Clips, 24W Lamp
Manucurist star rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “Manucurist is very reputable. Their products are made in France and are vegan, certified organic, and have won some pretty big awards. They have two separate lines—Green Flash is their gel line that they claim comes off in one minute when used properly.” —Julie Kandalec
Pros
- The gel lasts for a while
Cons
- The light is relatively small
Gelish is one of those brands that really gets it when it comes to gel polish—it's all in the name. The at-home versions of their kits match the pro-grade options. You can’t go wrong with this regimen, which comes with several mini polishes to find your favorite shade.
Includes: Gelish Mini LED Light, Gel Polish Good Gossip 0.3 fl. oz., Gel Polish Gossip Girl 0.3 fl. oz., Foundation Base Gel 0.3 fl. oz., Top It Off Sealer Gel 0.3 fl. oz., Nourish Cuticle Oil 0.3 fl. oz., pH Bond Nail Prep 0.3 fl. oz., Nail Surface Cleanse 2 fl. oz., Artificial Nail Remover 2 fl. oz., Thin Wooden File, Orangewood Stick, Plastic Pusher with Prep Tabs
Amazon star rating: 3.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Every single Gelish product is top notch and works so well. The polish is super pigmented and smooth. Even the glittery red one only required two coats, and the depth, dimension, and sparkle was incredible. No shrinkage or movement when curing. My manicure was immaculate! Also, I’ve had my manicure on for 15 days, and it still looks brand new. No lifting at the edges, either. I only removed it because it grew out too much.”
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3
Best for Beginners
Red Carpet Manicure Fortify & Protect Gel Polish Pro Starter Kit
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Manicures are long-lasting
Cons
- May take a while to cure
If you’re a beginner with not even an emery board to your name, this kit is one to keep an eye on. Not only does it come with accessories like an emery board, buffing stick, and remover foils, but it also includes an LED light for curing, a top coat, and a base coat to set you up.
Includes: Pro30 LED Light, Fortify & Protect Base Coat, Fortify & Protect Top Coat, Prep Max Adhesion (0.3 oz), Revitalize Cuticle Oil (0.3 oz), Erase Gel Polish Remover (2.0 oz), Purify Pre & Post Application Cleanser (2.0 oz), Take Two Gel Polish (0.3 oz), Remover Foils, Nail Wipes, Orangewood Sticks, Buffing Stick & Tabs, Emery Board
Ulta star rating: 3.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “Red Carpet Manicure is a sister company of Gelish, so I trust that the testing and research & design has been done properly and to the highest regard. This is a brand I own myself.” —Julie Kandalec
Pros
- Contains everything you need for a gel manicure
Cons
- There may be a learning curve
For those looking for length, the Aprés Gel-X nail kit gives you salon-worthy extensions from the comfort of your home. Housed in this sleek black box are nail tips in varying sizes that are completely customizable, as the nail tips are sturdy enough for filing and shaping. Elsewhere in the box, you’ll find the four-step system, plus accessories and a flash cure wand for a polished, pro-level look.
Includes: 15ml pH Bonder, 15ml Acid-Free Gel Primer, 15ml Gel-X Prep (HEMA-free), 15ml Extend Gel, 15ml Top Gel Coat, Non-Wipe 100/180 nail file, Mini buffer, Omni LightBlack, Vegan Patent Leather Case
Apres Nails star rating: 4.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “Aprés Nail’s Gel-X Nail Extension Kit is the perfect starter kit for someone interested in creating easy but durable gel extensions. It has all the products needed, along with your choice of a box of Gel-X Tips. If you’re not exactly sure how to use all the products together, don’t worry! Each of our Gel-X Tip boxes comes with a QR code that links to a tutorial on how to use Gel-X. We also offer different types of Gel-X Kits.” — Eunice Park, licensed manicurist and research and development manager at Apres Nails
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5
Best Starter Kit
Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Manicure Starter Kit
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Complete with everything for a full set
Cons
- Gel can chip quickly
The Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Starter Kit is ideal for any beginner. It comes with a small UV light, base and top coats, and a shade of your choosing. Sally Hansen also sells a range of gel polishes separately so you can test them all out.
Includes: LED Lamp, Gel Base, Gel Polish, Gel Top Coat, Acetone Remover, Orangewood Stick, Emery Board
Ulta star rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “The manual was very easy to follow. I like the color even though it’s a bit more sheer than the picture on the package. I love the fact that I can do it myself without hesitation. Great product.”
6
Best for Quick Results
SensatioNail Complete Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Cures quickly
Cons
- Can be hard to apply
“SensatioNail has been in business for 13 years and is owned by Nailene, a reputable nail-focused company,” says Kandalec. This foolproof kit brings the salon to you. The kit even comes with a gel cleanser and lint-free wipes to ensure your nails are properly prepped and finished. The uber-fast LED light will cure your polish in a flash.
Includes: LED Lamp, Gel Cleanser, Gel Primer, Base and Top Coat, Gel Nail Polish, Lint-Free Wipes, Double-Sided Nail File, Polish Removal Tool, Polish Remover Foil Sachets, Acetone Dropper, Manicure Stick
Amazon star rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I like doing a gel manicure because my nails tend to be weak and break. Problem is, I am also pretty tough on a manicure. I have had manicures that I started peeling off the very next day! This one, to my eternal shock, is still going strong after a week! I am not kidding. The colors are also excellent—a classic white, a nice light pink for a nude mani, and a navy blue with a very slight shimmer in it. The UV light is motion activated, so no buttons, which is awesome! And the cuticle pusher tool and emory board were great.”
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Pros
- Convenient
Cons
- Only one nail can be sured at a time
It doesn’t get more compact and convenient than this tiny on-the-go gel manicure kit. You can skip the base coat and top coat on this one because the colored polish does it all on its own. All you have to do is plug in the USB UV light, paint one nail, cure, and repeat. You can easily use this on your toes for a quick pedicure.
Includes: LED Lamp with USB Cord, 1 bottle of Pink Quartz, Cuticle Stick, Mini Nail File, 2 Manicure Prep Pads, 10 Remover Wraps
Ulta star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I bought this set because I was tired of spending $40+ every other week on a gel mani. With this set, my nails didn’t even start chipping until after a week which I think is not bad for an at-home gel mani.”
Pros
- More suitable for sensitive nails
Cons
- Shellac may not be as long-lasting as gel
You may have seen a CND LED light or two at your local salon, and you can now use one from the comfort of your home. The top and base coats are shellac, which is hardy like a gel but often dries faster and is easier to remove—an ideal option for those with more sensitive nails or who are often pressed for time.
Includes: CND LED Lamp, Shellac Base Coat (0.25 oz.), CND Shellac Top Coat (0.25 oz)
Beyond Polish rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Beyond Polish reviewer says: “Great investment! I did a lot of research before purchasing this item, and I’m very satisfied with the nail light. It only took three to four uses to pay itself off when compared to shellac nails at the salon.”
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9
Best Gel Press-Ons
Kiss Salon X-Tend LED Soft Gel System Starter Kit
Pros
- Simple application
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that lighter-colored nail options can be slightly too sheer
Painting your nails might not exactly be your thing, and we totally get that. This kit gives you the best of both worlds: the longevity of a gel manicure and the convenience of press-ons. These pre-shaped and pre-polished nail tips only need a two-minute cure to last for up to 14 days.
Includes: 30 Full Cover Nails, LED Soft Gel Adhesive (0.16 fl. oz.), LED Lamp, USB Cable, Prep Pad, Manicure Stick, Mini Nail File
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a great product and a great alternative to using nail glue. This process is quicker and cleaner, and the nails seem to be more sturdy. I had no lifting or any air bubbles. I really like this system! Tips: Don’t use too much glue. A little goes a long way. Only buff with the black side of the nail buffer. Do not use the prep pad after buffing. Size your nails before anything!”
Meet the Experts
Eunice Park is an LA-based manicurist and Aprés Nail’s Research & Development Manager
Julie Kandalec is an NYC-based celebrity manicurist.
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How long do gel nails typically last?
Both regular and gel polish can be worn down and weakened with frequent hand-washing, sanitizer, and lotions/oils, but gel manicures typically last longer when the nail beds are properly prepped and the polish is fully cured. Eunice Park, research and development manager at Apres Nails, says gel-x nails can last even longer. “With proper prep and application, Aprés Nail Gel-X sets can last two to four weeks. Many people can go even longer than four weeks, but I wouldn’t recommend going too long. The balance of the nail will be off, which can damage your natural nail,” she says.
Are gel kits worth it?
The answer to this question is completely subjective, as it is contingent upon your personal needs and habits. If you go to the nail salon regularly, and if gel is your manicure of choice, then perhaps investing in a DIY gel kit could be a cost-effective way to cut back on grooming expenses. The majority of the nail kits listed above are below $100, and if you do the math, this is technically less than two visits to the nail salon (depending on where you get your nails done, of course).
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors also poured over reviews for dozens of top-rated gel nail kits, evaluating each on their features offered and customer feedback.
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Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
