Which starter kit should you choose? The honest guide (2026)
Ready to start doing gel nails at home, but not sure which starter kit to choose? You are not alone — it is the question we get asked the most. Here is the honest guide: what the six systems do, who they suit, and exactly which kit to start with. All our products are 100 % free from HEMA, di-HEMA and TPO (21FREE+) — so whatever you choose, you choose the gentle option.
Find your starter kit in one minute
Answer 1-3 quick questions — and we will point you to the right kit.
How are your nails today?
What are you dreaming of?
How would you like to create length?
The quick answer (30 seconds)
- Brand new and just want to get started?The Gel Polish Starter Kit — easiest to use, and everything is included.Gel Polish Starter Kit →
- Thin nails that keep breaking?Colour and strength in one — protects while you grow length.Rubber Base Starter Kit →
- Dreaming of length?Salon-length nails in under an hour — no filing experience needed.Gel Tips Starter Kit →
- Just want to try the feeling?Up to 3 days of wear — no lamp needed at all.Press On Tape Starter Kit →
Compare the starter kits
| Starter kit | Difficulty | Wear time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press On Tape | Very easy | Up to 3 days | Parties and trial runs — no lamp needed |
| Gel Polish Starter Kit | Easy | 2-3 weeks | First-time buyers: colour that lasts |
| Rubber Base Starter Kit | Easy | 3-4 weeks | Thin/soft nails that need strengthening |
| Gel Tips Starter Kit | Easy | 2-4 weeks | Length without acrylic — pre-shaped tips |
| Polygel Starter Kit | Medium-advanced | 3-4 weeks | Sculpting and extensions with control |
| Builder Gel (sold out) | Medium | 3-4 weeks | Natural reinforcement with extra strength |
The six systems — explained briefly
Gel polish as you know it from the salon: base, colour and top — cured under a UV/LED lamp. The starter kit includes everything: lamp, base coat, top coat, a colour of your choice, prep tools and a guide. It is the one we recommend to 8 out of 10 beginners.
See the Gel Polish Starter Kit →
A flexible, self-levelling base that adds a protective layer to thin nails — choose this if your nails break or peel before reaching a length you are happy with.
See the Rubber Base Starter Kit →
Pre-shaped soft gel tips cured onto the whole nail — salon length in under an hour, with no filing experience.
See the Gel Tips Starter Kit →
The trial run: ready-made nails applied with tape, up to 3 days of wear, no lamp. Perfect as a gift or to test a shape.
See the Press On Tape Starter Kit →
For sculptors: more strength and more control — and a little more technique. Choose it as kit number two, or start here if you are the patient type.
See the Polygel Starter Kit →
Natural reinforcement with extra strength — more solid than rubber base and great for sculpting the edge. Back in stock soon.
See the Builder Gel Starter Kit →Why you can choose with confidence
All our products — not "most", all — are 100 % free from HEMA, di-HEMA and TPO. You get guides and videos for every system, and everything in the kits is put together so nothing is missing when the box arrives.
See the full range of starter kits.
Frequently asked questions
Which starter kit is best for beginners?
The Gel Polish Starter Kit. It has the lowest learning curve, includes the lamp and all accessories, and the result lasts 2-3 weeks.
What does a gel nail starter kit include?
Everything you need: a UV/LED lamp, base coat, top coat, colour and prep tools — plus a guide. The exact contents are listed on each product page.
Do I need a UV lamp?
Yes — for all gel systems. The lamp is included in the starter kits, so there is nothing extra to buy. Only Press On Tape requires no lamp.
Are the products HEMA-free?
Yes. All our products are 100 % free from HEMA, di-HEMA and TPO (21FREE+).
How long do gel nails from a starter kit last?
Gel polish typically lasts 2-3 weeks; rubber base, builder gel and polygel 3-4 weeks with proper prep.
No PFAS
