The 8 Best At Home Gel Nail Kits

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best All-Around Gel Manicure Set

Sally Hansen Salon Gel Polish Starter Kit

Pros

• Easy to use

Cons

• Only comes with one polish shade

Get up to 10 gel manicures with this beloved starter kit from the professionals at Sally Hansen. Its included polish, Shell We Dance, is a soft, neutral shade we're betting you’ll want to wear again and again.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I bought this yesterday. I used it once it works perfectly! Sooo easy it's great!" —Notagirlygirl

Best Kit for Beginners

Gelish Complete Starter Kit

Pros

• Top-rated

This starter kit contains everything needed for your first at-home gel manicure. In addition to a foundation and top coat, you'll also find two full-size polishes along with a handy travel-size LED lamp for the perfect finish.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This, it was a great value for the money. For salon quality manicures at home I highly recommend this kit. The one thing it doesn’t tell you is that you do have to wipe the topcoat after curing with an alcohol wipe to get the sticky to go away." —Lauren D.

Best Kit for Travel

Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit

Pros

• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Only cures one nail at a time

This set’s macaron-shaped light cures one nail at a time, while the all-in-one polish sets without additional foundation, bond, or top coat steps. And, if you click the product link, there are eight colors to choose from. (Bonus: the lamp will still work with other gel polishes.)

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Best Kit for Small Spaces

Zoya Gelie-Cure Foundation Pro Kit

Pros

• Foil and cotton balls included

This beloved at-home gel kit from Zoya is moving fast, and is ideal for crafting a fresh mani while on-the-go. Along with a featherweight LED lamp for curing, the set also features travel-size care staples, like serum and polish remover.

Best Kit for Gel Extensions

Red Carpet Manicure LED Soft Gel Starter Kit

Pros

• Includes a range of nail tools and accessories

Cons

• May be difficult for beginners

Unlike most gel polish kits, this one from Red Carpet Manicure contains eight sets of ready-to-wear gel tips that fit and adhere to your natural nails (think of them as do-it-yourself gel extensions).

One satisfied customer writes:

"I purchased this as I have very short nails. I wish I could add a picture because they definitely look salon quality. Make sure to carefully read the instructions on the pamphlet and the bottles. I only had two pop off in the last two days due to poorly fitting them when I did them. If you have to push fairly hard for a fit to your nails, make sure to file the curve of the base flatter for a tighter fit. Good value as I did not have a nail light. You get everything you need." —Brie

Best Kit That Doesn't Require Curing

Essie Nail Polish Set

Now 27% Off

Pros

• Includes two polish options

Cons

• Chips more easily than standard gel

Not ready to make the official commitment to gel polish? Essie’s Gel Couture polishes and top coat makes it a breeze to get a practically chip-free look that lasts up to two weeks, no LED lamp required.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I've been looking for something healthier than using a gel lamp and cheaper than going to the salon. I think this is finally it! It's a nice natural look but polished and shiny and my nails are finally being allowed to get healthy and strong! Especially after I switched to a non-acetone polish remover—which I can actually use with this polish!" —KnowledgeSeeker

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Most Customizable Kit

Manucurist Paris Super Starter Kit

Now 35% Off

Pros

• Plant-based and vegan

Manucurist Paris's plant-based gel formulas are designed to stay put for up to 10 days straight, but can also be removed in a minute flat. And since you can choose up to five polish shades to include in your set, you can change your nail color almost as often as you change clothes.

Best Professional-Level Kit

Vishine Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit

Pros

• Popular on Amazon

Cons

• May contain more pieces than needed

For those who want the full salon experience, this 32-piece kit gives you everything you need to shape and polish your nails like the pros, including six neutral, wearable polishes.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I definitely recommend this kit, I’ve never done gel polish before so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I’m impressed. I lift weights and I’m a nurse, so I’m not exactly easy on my hands, but this polish held up through it all. I followed the directions on the packaging as far as time to cure, and watched a couple YouTube videos for tips on application." —Lyndsey D.

Is gel nail polish bad for your nails?

No, as long as polish is removed properly. However, peeling and removing gel polish without following the correct steps can damage the nails and nail beds. It's also a good idea to opt for regular polish about every eight weeks which allows your nails to re-hydrate and re-strengthen.

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How do I make my nails stronger while wearing gel polish?

Cuticle oil and a top-rated strengthening serum can help fortify your nails while wearing gel polish. These care staples also come in handy while wearing regular nail polish, or none at all.

How long does gel polish typically last?

The best gel manicures provide a protective shell atop of your regular nails that make the polish more chip-resistant when cured properly. According to most nail technicians, a typical gel manicure can last anywhere from two to three weeks, unless removed sooner.

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