New to nails, at home or in school? This is the gear I use at Sara's Nail Spot, laid out in a beginner-friendly order: gel basics first, then a lamp and e-file, then extensions and dip, then aftercare. Affiliate links: I may earn a small commission a...
Sections
4
Start Here: Gel Basics
Your First Lamp & E-File
Extensions & Dip When You're Ready
Aftercare Basics
Start Here: Gel Basics
The base and top coat that start and finish a gel mani. Strong adhesion up front, high-gloss finish that holds up.
OPI GelColor Base Coat & Top Coat Set
HEMA-free gel, worth knowing about if you have sensitive skin. A clean, opaque white that works well for French tips.
Kiara Sky Gel Pro HEMA-Free Gel Polish (True White)
Gel polish plus a matching regular lacquer in the same shade, so gel on your fingers and regular polish on your toes still match.
DND Gel + Lacquer Duo
Budget-friendly gel set. A good way to try gel at home before you spend on pro brands.
Beetles Gel Polish Set (6 Colors)
Your First Lamp & E-File
Affordable LED lamp with timer settings that cures all gel types. A solid starter lamp for doing gel at home.
SUNUV SUN2C 48W LED Nail Lamp
Cordless, rechargeable e-file up to 30,000 RPM. No cord to fight with while you work around the hand.
MelodySusie SC300F Cordless Nail Drill
Portable e-file that comes with bits and sanding bands. A good starter drill for shaping and removal.
Makartt Portable Nail Drill Kit
Extensions & Dip When You're Ready
HEMA-free soft gel extensions. The easiest way to try Gel-X at home, and the kit includes a mini lamp.
Aprés Mini Gel-X Kit with LED Lamp
Polygel builds strong, lightweight extensions without acrylic fumes. The trial kit has what you need to get started.
Gelish PolyGel Trial Kit
Long-lasting dip color with no lamp needed. Little Pink Me Up is a soft, everyday pink.
DND DC Dip Powder (Little Pink Me Up)
Full-cover soft gel tips for quick extensions with a natural-looking shape.
Gelish Soft Gel Tips (Medium Square, 110 ct)
Aftercare Basics
Cuticle oil for between appointments. Jojoba and vitamin E keep cuticles and nails hydrated, which helps gel and dip last longer without lifting.
CND SolarOil Cuticle Oil
Strengthener for nails that are thin, peeling, or recovering after gel or acrylic removal.
OPI Nail Envy Original Strengthener
A lighter cuticle oil that soaks in quickly. Easy to use daily at home between fills.
