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If breaking your beauty budget is also on your 2025 goals, hear me out. With the right tools and techniques (and a little practice), you can learn how to do a gel manicure at home like a pro.
I was saving over $2,500 a year for manicures by splurging on gel extensions and intricate nail art at salons where I lived in New York City. (I know, probably not the wisest financial move.) But even if you stick to simple, no-frills german varnishes, you could easily drop a dollar a year. The good news? Achieving the long-lasting shine of a professional gel manicure at home has never been easier and more affordable.
My DIY german mani journey began out of necessity when the pandemic forced salons to close. I mastered the at-home gel manicure technique, quickly realized how important the cost savings were, and never looked back.
Shopping list for gel manicure you can do at home
I’m not the only one who saw a spike in searches for at-home gel manicures in 2020. nail market Even though people were cutting back on spending at the time, the amount reached a whopping $10 billion. Its current revenue is $12.47 billion and is expected to continue growing through 2029. The industry pivoted to meet consumer demand, with many brands such as Olive & June and Sally Hansen launching their own at-home manicure kits.
I have a cosmetology license, so I can purchase professional nail products. While completing gel manicures at home, I’ve tried countless different systems and types, from Japanese softgels in pots to traditional “shellac” style gel nail polishes. After some trial and error, I realized that while my professional license gave me exclusive access to the best gel manicure tools in the industry, I could get equally effective products on Amazon without the need for certification.
Read on for the essential products you’ll need and a step-by-step guide to perfecting your DIY gel manicure.
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Trim Store Cuticle Pusher and Remover
you need Should I remove my cuticles for a gel mani? Not necessarily. Does it look better? absolutely. This cuticle pusher doubles as a remover, allowing you to quickly and easily reshape your nails.
Before using the tool, soak your fingertips in warm water to soften the skin and make it easier to peel. Remember, less is more when removing cuticles. People with damaged skin around the nail bed should only push back the cuticle to avoid possible infection or inflammation.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $2.99
Maryton Professional Nail Buffer Block
This multitasking buffer block is absolutely essential for at-home manicures, gels, and more. It has 4 sides to perfectly prepare your nails for filing, polishing, and gel application.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $6.95
SunUV Sun2C UV Nail Lamp
This is one of the best nail lamps for curing gel nail polish. (If you don’t want to take my word for it, this book is also the #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon).
The gel nail lamp has multiple timer settings and smart sensor technology that automatically turns on and off when you insert or remove your hand.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $39.99
Modelones Mini UV Nail Lamp
If you’re traveling and need a manicure on the go (or short on space), the mini lamp is a great option. Like the larger light, it has multiple timer settings and works equally well for curing gel nail polish.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $9.99
Gelish Dynamic Duo Base & Top Coat Nail Polish
A high-quality base coat is literally the foundation of a good manicure and is completely essential for a long-lasting at-home gel manicure. This easy-to-use duo from Gelish provides just that, plus the perfect top coat to complete the deal.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $32.59
Beatles gel nail polish kit
I love the Beatles gel nail polish “Old Money” set. Because it features a light pink nail polish color that’s perfect for a classic manicure, plus a glitter option to add a little sparkle. The polish is easy to layer without looking heavy or sticky, allowing you to customize a variety of looks. This kit is really beginner-friendly as the colors are bright even if you accidentally smudge the polish on your skin. I think this is one of the best home gel manicure kits to invest in.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $16.99
essie apricot cuticle oil
No matter how many new cuticle oils I try, I always end up going back to Essie’s Apricot Cuticle Oil. This formula is 97% natural with nourishing apricot kernel and jojoba oils to condition the cuticle, prevent droopy nails, and nourish the nail bed. I prefer a roller for grease-free application, but you can get the same formula in a nail polish bottle.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $13.97
butter london nail scrubber
I find it much easier to remove nail polish using pre-soaked wipes. Butter London’s Nail Polish Remover Wipes are equipped with a soft side and a textured side for buffing out more stubborn nail polish. Soaked in a vitamin E and aloe-enriched formula, it moisturizes and nourishes your nails and erases traces of old polish.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $9.50
Olive & June At Home Gel Manicure System
Olive & June makes great manicure kits for beginners with all the tools you need and pro-level tips to learn the techniques. The brand recently launched a gel manicure kit that includes over 10 essential tools, including a nail lamp, cuticle pusher, nail file, cuticle serum, and even an acetone remover pot for easy gel removal.
Choose from a set with one polish of your choice or a group of six shades, then follow the included tutorial to become your own manicurist.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: 1 polish system is $65. $115 for 6 polish system
WWD Shop editors test and review Olive & June’s gel mani system in our New York City office. Photographed with a Leica Q2 camera.
WWD/Adam Manthroglu
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish
This isn’t technically a gel polish, but it’s a great option if you don’t want to invest in a nail lamp just yet. Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line features on-trend shades with an ultra-shine finish. It has a gel nail-like finish and does not require curing.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $9.24
kiss gel fantasy press on nails
Are you in a hurry? If you don’t have time for a full DIY gel manicure, press-on nails are a great alternative. Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails look just as good as real gel sets. Personally, I love the purple shade “Winter Sparks” with sparkly tips. It has a gradation design with glitter, so the color changes from the root to resemble your own nails. It’s okay to wear it longer because the new growth is less visible.
Price at the time of publishing this article: $7.97
Author Katie McBroom loves Kiss press-on nails as an easy DIY gel manicure alternative.
How to do a gel manicure at home — expert tips
Step 1: Prepare the nails
Make sure all nail polish is removed and soften your cuticles by soaking your fingertips in warm, soapy water. Gently push it back with a cuticle stick or remove it completely with a cuticle trimmer. Use a nail file or buffing tool to shape your nails to your liking. Before applying polish, make sure all dust and oil is removed by washing your hands or using alcohol pads on your nails.
Step 2: Apply base coat
Apply a thin, even clear base coat with a brush. Try to avoid the skin around the nails. Excess skin exposure can at worst cause irritation and at best cause your nail polish to flake faster.
Step 3: Cure the base coat
Place your hand under a UV or LED nail lamp for 30-60 seconds to cure the base coat.
Step 4: Paint the gel color
Apply a thin layer of gel nail polish in your chosen color from the root of your nail to the tip. Again, remove excess polish from the skin around the nail bed before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Cure the gel polish
Place your hand under a UV or LED nail lamp for 30-60 seconds to cure the gel nail polish.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to add more color coats.
Step 6: Apply top coat
Apply a thin, even layer of clear top coat with a brush.
Step 7: Cure the top coat
Place your hand under a UV or LED nail lamp for 30 to 60 seconds to cure the top coat. Once fully cured, you can use an alcohol wipe to remove any residue and add shine.
Step 8: Moisturize your hands
To finish, apply cuticle oil to the base of your nails and massage upwards from your fingertips. If you don’t have cuticle oil, you can use a high-quality hand cream instead. Even better if you have both.
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meet the author
katie mcbroom An award-winning writer and content creator with over 10 years of experience in digital media. Before writing for WWD, she was a content editor at Google and a beauty editor for Hearst’s Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, Oprah, CNN, Business Insider, and Men’s Health. She is well versed in all things beauty and is also a certified cosmetologist with specialized training in manicure techniques.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
