Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (2024)

Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (1)

Getting your nails done may be an instant mood-lifter, but regular salon trips can quickly dent your bank balance. The solution? Hone your DIY skills, so you can chop and change your colour when the mood suits. And if you're after some serious staying power, that's where the best gel nail kits come in.

Our expert-tested best buys will help give your at-home manicure a shiny, salon-worthy finish, so you can enjoy experimenting with new colours and fix any pesky chips yourself.

It may take a while for your skills to match up to the professionals, but if you’re after a lasting glossy coat of colour, these are the best kits to keep in arm’s reach:

How we test gel nail kits

The Good Housekeeping Institute asked a panel of 49 testers to trial six gel nail kits over a two-week period. They judged each set on its ease of use, application and curing time and the overall finish of their nails, as well as noting how long they lasted before chipping, peeling or dulling.

    Best gel nail kits for 2024

    Best home gel nail kit

    Mylee Black Convex Curing Lamp Kit w/ Gel Nail Polish Essentials

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (12)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (13)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (14)Colour dries quickly
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (15)Good shade range
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (16)Great staying power
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (17)Relatively expensive

    Score 92/100

    Our winning nail kit secured nine more points than its nearest competition, and promises to cure nails in 15, 30 or 60 seconds. Indeed, our panellists were pleased with how quickly their colour dried, and said the lamp was intuitive and straightforward to use.

    Testers loved the range of shades — ‘Requiem for a Pink’ for a hot fuchsia finish, ‘Soft Touch’ for something more muted, ‘Pastel Chic’ for a baby pink, and ‘Diva’ for a deep red — which had them covered whatever mood or palette they preferred. They found the colour perfectly pigmented and agreed the polishes had staying power, with every single panellist saying they’d continue to use the device after the trial period. Impressive.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED lamp, Top & base coat, 4x Gel nail polish, 1x Nail prep solution, 1x Gel remover
    Coloursx4
    Chip-free claimsThree weeks

    Runner-up gel nail kit

    Bluesky Starter Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (18)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (19)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (20)Good for beginners
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (21)Good choice of shades
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (22)No peeling or chipping for 8 days
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (23)No remover foils included

    Score: 83/100

    Beginners will find this starter gel nail kit a doddle to use. It comes with all the necessary bits and bobs for application inside, including a big LED/UV lamp that easily fits a whole hand (some don’t!)

    Our testers loved the choice of colours and most found the application straightforward, fast and streak-free. They unanimously agreed that their nails stayed shiny throughout the trial period, with no peeling or chipping for eight days despite the gel’s thick texture.

    The only slight downside is that no remover or foils are included and the removal process proved a little time-consuming and drying for some.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED/UV lamp, nail file, nail buffer, pre-application cleanser, base coat, three colours, top coat
    ColoursMusk Pink, Pillar Box Red, Blackpool
    Chip-free claimNone

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    Best for home gel nail kit for durability

    14 Day Mani Signature Gel Polish Starter Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (24)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (25)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (26)Good for a lasting mani
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (27)Easy to use
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (28)Some felt the colour was streaky
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (29)Short wire lamp lead

    Score: 81/100

    Perhaps the trendiest pick of the bunch, this best-selling set has been an immediate success, with its promise of a 14-day manicure put to the test by beauty editors everywhere. But how did it fare at the GHI?

    All our testers found the kit simple and straightforward to use from the outset – you simply scan a QR code to bring up handy tutorials. The buffer made it easy to prep your nails, allowing the gel to last for longer, too.

    Testers also found the acetone provided was effective at removing the polish when it was ready to come off. As for its 14-day promise, most testers said their manis lasted one to two weeks, with one telling us theirs remained chip-free for three weeks.

    It’s worth noting that some gel polish left nails looking slightly streaky and the cord for the lamp was very short, making navigating around the wire or putting the lamp on a table a little tricky.

    Key specifications

    Kit includes54W LED Digital Lamp, 4x Gel Polishes, Base Coat, Top Coat, 7 Way Buffer, 200/240, Nail File, Acetone Remover, Steel Cuticle Pusher, Reusable Mani Kit Pouch
    ColoursYou choose!
    Chip-free claimTwo weeks

    Best home gel nail kit for no fuss (one coat only)

    Red Carpet Manicure Fortify & Protect LED Gel Polish Pro Starter Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (30)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (31)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (32)Only one coat required
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (33)Good for durability
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (34)Removal process time-consuming
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (35)Too small to do a whole hand at once

    Score: 81/100

    This starter gel nail kit scored highly for durability, with our panel reporting shiny, pristine nails for six days after a single coat of colour.

    Despite the device being too small to cure a whole hand at once, everybody said they planned to keep using the LED lamp after the trial, while the polish gave good coverage and left a smooth finish. The removal process earned mixed reviews though, with half our testers finding it time-consuming.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED lamp, cuticle stick, lint-free wipes, cuticle oil, nail file, nail buffer, pre-application cleanser, base coat, one colour, top coat, removal cleanser
    ColoursCreme de la Creme
    Chip-free claim3 weeks

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    Best eco-friendly gel nail kit

    Manucurist Green Flash Pro Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (36)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (37)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (38)84% bio-sourced ingredients
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (39)Nails looked healthy after removal
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (40)Lamp is quite small
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (41)Removal process is slow

    Score: 80/100

    Eco-conscious beauty lovers will appreciate the green credentials of this vegan brand. The compatible gel polishes use up to 84% bio-sourced ingredients and can be removed in the same way as traditional nail polish.

    The LED lamp is simple and effective, if a tad on the small side, and most of our testers found applying the polish effortless. Two coats left them with streak-free, salon-standard nails, but they began peeling, chipping and losing their shine after five days.

    Removal took longer than hoped, but nearly all testers thought their nails looked healthy afterwards.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED lamp, base coat, top coat, removal cleanser
    ColoursOne colour of your choice
    Chip-free claim10 days

    Best budget buy

    Modelones Gel Nail Kit- Nude Brown Gel Nail Polish Set with Lamp Starter Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (42)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (43)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (44)Good value
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (45)Testers liked the cuticle oil
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (46)Not very durable
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (47)No removal products included

    Score 77/100

    At first glance, this kit looks like it has it all, offering a wide range of shades and tools — but when it came to a long-lasting gel manicure, it didn’t quite deliver in comparison to pricier options.

    It doesn’t include removal products, which was an issue for some of our panel, and the varnish only lasted around a week. For the price, though, most testers were impressed overall, with the cuticle oil being a particular hit for those after healthy-looking nails underneath their polish.

    Key specifications

    Kit includes7x Gel nail polish, 1x 48W nail lamp, 1x Bond primer, 1x Topcoat, 1x Base coat, 1x Nail cutter and separators, 1x Nail dust bush, 1x Nail file and buffer, 1x Cuticle pusher/ trimmer/oil, 1 x Flame sticker, 1x curved tweezers, 1x Rhinestone & rivet decoration
    Coloursx7
    Chip-free claimFour weeks

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    Quickest home gel nail kit

    SensatioNail Express Starter Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (48)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (49)

    Score: 77/100

    Suitable for hands and feet, this SensatioNail gel nail kit promises vibrant, chip-resistant and long-lasting gel nails.

    It largely lives up to these claims, but one tester found the finish a little streaky and others found the instructions confusing. That said, the entire panel liked the size of the LED lamp, the consistency of the polish and the built-in timer. It only took 10 minutes to manicure both hands, with most testers reporting no cracks for eight days.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED lamp, cuticle stick, nail buffer, pre-application cleanser, base coat, one colour, top coat, removal cleanser
    ColoursMade Him Blush (or choose a different set: Red Your Profile)
    Chip-free claim10 days

    Best travel gel nail kit

    Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (50)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (51)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (52)Good for on-the-go manis
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (53)Only 30-second cure time
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (54)Application takes a while due to small lamp
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (55)Only one shade included

    Score: 75/100

    Nails love to chip the moment you leave for a weekend away. Handily, this mini manicure kit is small enough to take on the go, thanks to its USB cord.

    Its size belies its power — our panel was impressed by its 30-second curing time — but the LED lamp can only fit one finger at a time. Still, our testers were left with smooth and shiny nails that stayed looking tip-top for five days, and those who tried removing the polish found it easy enough.

    Its compatible 3-in-1 gel polishes also combine base, colour and top coat to save on time and space — the box includes one in a shade that matches the lamp.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED lamp, cuticle stick, nail file, removal cleanser
    ColoursCassis (or choose a different set in Rum Raisin, Cherry Red, Rose Creme or Milkshake)
    Chip-free claim7-10 days

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    Best home gel nail kit for beginners

    Mylee Gel Polish LED Manicure Kit

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (56)

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (57)

    Pros
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (58)Good for beginners
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (59)Quick application
    Cons
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (60)No colour, lint wipes or foils included
    • Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (61)Mani only lasted 5 days

    Score: 73/100

    This faff-free kit was a breeze to set up and use, with all testers giving the LED lamp an all-round thumbs-up, making it a great option for beginners.

    The application process was quick, but most of the panel felt they needed longer than the claimed 15-second cure, taking 10-20 minutes to finish both hands. There was a lack of contents in the kit (no colour, lint wipes or foil), and while it claims to give you chip-free nails for up to two weeks, testers found the shine and finish lasted around five days.

    Key specifications

    Kit includesLED lamp, pre-application cleanser, base coat, top coat, removal cleanser
    ColoursNone included
    Chip-free claim14 days

    What are the steps for gel nails?

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (62)

    Once you’ve found the gel nail kit for you, it’s time to perfect your technique. Like most things in life, the best results take practice.

    For the glossiest gel nails, follow the instructions and timings included with your chosen kit, but the steps will probably be similar to these:

    • Prep your nails by filing, buffing and pushing back your cuticles, before cleaning them with a cleanser or alcohol wipe.
    • Unless you have a 3-in-1 polish, apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails before curing them under the LED lamp for 60 seconds, using the flashing timer. Seal the tip of each nail with a light slick of polish to prevent chipping.
    • Now, apply two thin, even layers of colour, curing for 60 seconds between each coat.
    • Finish with a thin top coat layer and cure for 60 seconds.
    • Clean your nails to remove any sticky residue.

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    Do gel nails ruin your own nails?

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (63)

    Picking off gels does a lot more damage to your nails than the polish and application process!

    To remove your gels properly, gently buff off the top layer before wrapping your nails in cotton pads soaked in an acetone-rich nail polish remover. Then, cover your nails in foil for 30 minutes. Finally, use a wooden cuticle stick to gently push the gooey gel off.

    If in doubt, you can always head to your local professional to get them removed.

    Gel is more durable than your regular polish (hence the appeal) and it also gives your nails a chance to grow, as the sturdy finish helps to limit breakages.

    How long do gel nails last?

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (64)

    Gel manicures should last for a couple of weeks if done right. Another question often asked is whether getting them done back to back is bad for the health of your nails.

    Wearing back-to-back gels can be fine, as long as you’re applying and removing them properly, as detailed above.

    If your nails are feeling weak and brittle, leave them bare for a week or so, once every couple of months. This will give them time to rehydrate and repair.

    Can't stand the thought of going polish-free? Try swapping gel nails for lighter regular polish every now and then.

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    What lamp is best for gel nails?

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (65)

    Gel nail kits come with either a UV, LED or UV/LED lamp. The difference is in the type of radiation each bulb emits — UV lamps emit a broader spectrum of UV wavelengths than LED lamps.

    As for which is better, it's really down to personal preference. LED lamps are typically pricier than UV lamps, but they're much faster at curing polish, making them safer for your skin. They also tend to last longer.

    However, some gels can only be cured under a UV lamp. Look for a UV/LED blend if you want the best of both worlds.

    How to remove gel nails at home

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (66)

    A few of these kits include gel nail removal acetone for you to use at home (14 Day Mani, Manicuris and Red Carpet Mani all include them), so you don't have to go to a salon to get them taken off. Simply swipe with a cotton pad until nails are nice and clean.

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    The verdict on gel nail kits

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (67)

    If you want a reliable all-rounder, the winning Mylee kit is probably the one for you – it's easy to use, has a wide choice of shades is works quickly.

    If you're after something a little more affordable, opt for some Bluesky thinking with our runner-up. For affordable, on-the-go top-ups, Le Mini Macaron has that little extra je ne sais qoui you're looking for.

    Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (68)

    Orla Badger, lead tester on this trial, has an extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the University of the Arts London. She's also spent time helping out as a formulation chemist for beauty brands.

    The Good Housekeeping Institute has also been testing products for over 100 years, rigorously reviewing everything from vacuums and mops to cleaning products and skin-firming formulations against our protocols to make sure they live up to their claims. We use products as you would at home, so you can trust they won't let you down.

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (69)

    Florence Reeves-White

    Senior Beauty Writer

    Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.

    With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

    When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (70)

    Tested byOrla Badger

    Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester

    Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.

    Sick of spending so much time in the salon? (2024)

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