We know how prized a lasting manicure is. And with the best at-home gel nail kits, achieving the two-week, chip-free dream is possible without stepping foot into a salon.
These kits bring the nail bar to you and are equipped with everything you need to create DIY gel nail designs. They're a great option for anyone who doesn't have time for frequent salon visits or who wants to cut back on grooming expenses. The best news? Even if you're not used to doing your own nails, at-home gel nail kits are surprisingly easy to use.
Many of today's kits contain all the instructions you need to learn how to do gel nails at home for a basic hard-wearing manicure, while experienced users will find it fun playing around with everything from trendy glazed nails to chic French tip nails. If this sounds appealing and you're looking for the best at-home gel nail kit that offers a chip-free, long-lasting manicure, these are our top picks. We're confident these will turn any in-salon devotee into a DIY manicure convert.
The best at-home gel nail kits, chosen by our beauty experts
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
If you're just dipping your toes into the world of DIY gel manicures and aren't quite ready to splurge on a kit, consider this one from Le Mini Macaron. Not only does it come with an under $50/£50 price tag, but it's also extremely convenient to take with you on the go. For one, you won't have to worry about packing a bulky LED lamp, as the one included cures one finger at a time.
Most importantly, it doesn't sacrifice drying time for portability – it cures nails in 30 seconds, which gave us ample time to swipe the polish on other fingers as we dried one. We love the fact that the set comes with nail care, application, and removal products (including a cute mini file to nail your squoval nails shape) to guide you from start to finish.
French manicures more your speed? KISS makes it easy to mimic salon-quality French digits – and at a fraction of the time and cost you'd experience with a professional. You'd be pressed to find a salon that offers a French gel manicure for less than $15/£20, making this set from KISS a steal since it allows for up to two manicures.
The application process was easy for us, too – we simply applied the French tip, swiped on the gel glue, and brushed on the activator. We liked that the set gives the option of natural and French tips, but it only comes with short-length tips, so keep this in mind if you're a fan of longer nails. If that is the case, an in-salon gel or acrylic manicure might better suit. But overall, if you're looking for an easy way to try French tip nails, this kit is it.
SensatioNail's nail kit has all the basics you need for an at-home gel manicure, and then some. We're fans of the cuticle pusher and manicure stick, as well as the removal tools included. Despite the fact it's one of the less pricy picks on our list, this really does contain everything you need, so you'll also save money on accessories.
On testing, we found the polishes were easy to apply and had a beautiful shine, which we appreciated. You won't have to push a button to activate the LED light as it's motion-sensored, but it does take longer than some other models we've included, such as the Mini Macaron, to cure the nails with this specific lamp. Still, as long as you've got the time set aside this is a great all-in-one kit that beginners and pros will enjoy.
Love gel manicures but hate dishing out the cash for one every week? At over $100, this is a pricey at-home gel nail kit, but it's well worth it if you're looking to save on your manicures in the long run. Not only does the formula of the gel polish last upwards of two weeks, but the LED light in this kit was also quick to cure and didn't require multiple steps. This woul'd be ideal if you're always on the go and looking for a solution to how to dry nail polish fast when you're in a hurry.
This kit comes with a bright pink and red glitter, but these hues may not be a fit for everyone and we wish there was an option to choose colors. Also, your nails may be left feeling tacky after curing the top coat, but use the nail surface cleanse in the Basix kit to finish it off and you'll be set.
Beginners require a no-fuss kit that's easy to use and offers long-lasting results. Cue this starter set from Red Carpet Manicure, which comes with a base coat, top coat, polish, and cuticle oil to keep this often-forgotten about area hydrated.
During testing, there were a few things we loved about this kit: how shiny our nails looked, how quick it was to cure, and how long the manicure lasted. We did notice the polish included was a bit watery, but it was nothing a quick shake couldn't fix. Like a few others on our list, you have to remember to use the sanitizing solution on the nails after using the light, but overall, this is a great set for at-home gel manicure newbies.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Sally Hansen's at-home gel nail kit is reliable, produces consistent results, and is incredibly easy to use. Each bottle is numbered according to steps, so following a routine is foolproof if you're new to DIY'ing a gel manicure. But what really sets this kit apart from the others is that it comes with everything you need to do a gel manicure at home from start to finish, including prep items like a nail file and cuticle stick, as well as acetone remover for when you're ready to swipe on a new shade. The polish lasted two weeks without chipping, and the formula delivered an enviable shine. All in all, we're big fans of this.
In a pinch? These gel pens only require one swipe for instant color and shine. This is the only set on our list that doesn't require a base or top coat, making it easy and efficient for busybodies who still want a gorgeous manicure. The LED lamp included has feet that it's meant to stand on, which we found made it easy to slide our hands under. We're also a fan of the neon colors offered, but if this isn't your style, the brand offers several other shades to choose from. One thing we noticed was that the manicure only lasts a few days before chipping, and because the consistency is on the thicker side, it's more apt to peel off.
We've coined this the best at-home gel nail kit to travel with for several reasons. For one, the LED lamp is mini and won't take up too much real estate in your suitcase. The base and top coat are built into one formula (so there are fewer bottles to pack) and the LED lamp can plug into any USB charging port.
While the kit doesn't come with any colors (you'll need to buy the top and base coats separately in the UK as well) the brand has a ton of vegan, vitamin-infused options to choose from, from an eye-catching blue to a neutral peach, one of our favorite summer nail colors. On testing, we were very impressed with the longevity of the gel manicure we created using this set. We were able to get two full weeks of chip-free results, which is an unusually long time for us!
For pros who are comfortable DIY'ing their gel manicure (or the manicures of others), this kit is one to add to your cart. Not only does it come with 15 gel nail polish shades that range from oxblood reds to dainty pinks that are perfect for on-trend pastel nails. It also includes a selection of butterfly stickers and rhinestones to help bedazzle the nails.
To make things easier, we used the included striping tape and found it eased the application process. We love that there are two top coats provided – one glossy and one matte for those who need options. The polish formulas are a little on the thicker side, so it's best to apply these in two to three thin layers for the smoothest results.
If you live by the mantra "new day, new manicure," you'll fall in love with this set from Gellen. It comes with 16 colors and you can choose the set that speaks to you the most – we chose the mermaid set, which features glitter and muted solid hues that flatter any nail type and help you create on trend looks such as ombre nails.
While the kit doesn't come with an LED lamp or fancy nail accessories, the vibrant-hued nail polishes make up for it. They only require two coats and stay put for two weeks.
What to consider when shopping for an at-home gel nail kit:
- What's included: The best at-home gel nail kits come with everything you need to achieve a salon-worthy mani. According to Thea Green (opens in new tab), founder of Nails.INC, this means, "a base coat, as this will help your manicure last longer and give a professional finish". A top coat and an LED light for curing the gel polish are also essential. Aside from this, check to see what colors are included – it's not worth spending money on shades you won't wear. "Know what you like – for a gel color you are committing to wearing it for a few weeks," agrees Green. Finally, some kits include extras such as nail files, cuticle sticks, pads for removal, and oils. If you really plan on replacing in-salon visits with DIY gel nails, Anastasia Totty (opens in new tab), LeChat Nails (opens in new tab) educator, advises that "soak-off accessories will complete the kit."
- Price: While there are several affordable options, you get what you pay for when it comes to at-home gel nail kits. That being said, Green notes that many expensive kits are for professional use only. "Consider something middle of the road, and also think of the money you are saving on pricey salon visits," she says. Totty advises that while more expensive kits may include more colors and accessories, as long as you get all of the basics you can always buy more colors to complete your collection later on.
