Best At Home Gel Nail Extension Kit For Salon-Quality Nails

Going to a nail salon once or twice a month costs substantial cash and time. You, therefore, can try DIY your own nails at home. Because who says light-cured manicures can be served by a salon? You can do it yourself with the best at home gel nail extension kit.

We’ve gathered 8 kits with a complete package of LED drying lamp, top coats, gel lacquers, nail preppers, buffers, and files. They’re all user-friendly options that deliver the desired results and are suitable for professionals and novices alike.

Are Gel Nails Safe?

When you get gel nails, you’ll use a special light to make them hard. This light gives off UV rays, which can be harmful if you’re exposed to them a lot from the sun or tanning beds.

But for gel nails, the light is used for a short time, and if you follow the instructions, it’s not very risky. The FDA thinks these lights are okay if used the right way.

A study from 2013 said that even using the light for 30 minutes every day is still safe. This is much less than what people usually do in a salon.

In a salon, you might put your hands under the light for about 8-10 minutes, even if you have fancy nail designs.

But, it’s still advisable to be careful. Make sure the tools the salon uses are clean.

If your nails get weak, peel, or break after gel nails, it’s a good idea to stop using them for a while. This helps your nails get strong again.

Read more: Gel extensions vs acrylics – which is better? 

What To Consider When Buying At Home Gel Nail Extension Kit?

• Contents of the kit

Check what’s included in the kit.

It should have all the necessary tools and materials for gel nail extensions, such as gel polishes, nail forms or tips, a UV or LED lamp for curing, nail prep and finishing products, and application tools.

• UV or LED lamp

Make sure the kit includes a lamp for curing the gel.

LED lamps tend to cure faster and are generally considered safer because they emit less UV radiation compared to traditional UV lamps.

• Gel polish colors

Consider the variety of gel polish colors included in the kit. Choose a kit that offers a range of colors that you like and can see yourself using.

• Instructions

Clear and easy-to-follow instructions are crucial, especially if you’re new to doing gel nail extensions at home. Some kits come with instructional videos or guides to help you through the process.

• Price

Acrylic nails are generally more expensive than gel nail extensions, so be assured that you don’t have to splurge on your X-gel nails. Compare the prices of different kits to find one that fits your budget.

We’ve got a fantastic recommendation for tight-budget nail lovers, and we’ll reveal it right down below!

Best At-Home Gel Nail Extension Kit Online To Buy

Our top 8 choices:

• Best Overall: Bluesky Classic Starter Kit
• Best For Beginners: Sally Hansen Salon Gel Nail Starter Kit
• Best Budget: SensatioNail Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
• Best Eco-Friendly: Manucurist Green Flash Pro Kit
• Quickest Result: Brunson Express Soft Gel Nail Extension Kit
• Best Polish: Modelones Poly Nail Gel Kit
• Best For Travel: Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit
• Best Customizable: Manucurist Super Starter Kit

Best Overall: Bluesky Classic Starter Kit

What’s included:

• 24W LED and UV nail lamp
• Cleanser wipes
• Top coat and base coat
• 3 gel polish colors
• Nail file and nail buffer

For us, the Bluesky classic starter kit is an all-rounded choice for anyone looking to achieve salon-quality gel nail extensions from the comfort of their own home.

This kit comes with all the essential components needed for creating beautiful manicures, making it a fantastic option for gifting on occasions like birthdays or Christmas.

Testers who tried the Bluesky Classic Starter Kit praised the selection of colors available and found the application process to be straightforward, speedy, and streak-free.

They also noted that their nails maintained their shine throughout the testing period, without any peeling or chipping for up to eight days, despite the thick texture of the gel.

One consideration highlighted by testers is that the kit does not include remover or foils for the removal process. Some users found the removal process a bit time-consuming and drying.

Best For Beginners: Sally Hansen Salon Gel Nail Starter Kit

What’s included:

• Instruction sheet
• File & Buffer
• Cuticle Stick
• Acetone Remover
• 10 Nail Cleanser Pads
• Top Coat
• Gel Nail Color
• Gel Base Coat
• LED Lamp

For those new to gel nails, the Sally Hansen Salon Starter Kit is an ideal choice. It earned high marks for its simplicity and user-friendliness.

The three-step process is straightforward, and the quick drying time is a notable advantage. Using the included LED lamp, nails can be cured in as little as 30 seconds.

The end result is smooth, shiny, and resilient nails without any sticky residue.

However, it’s worth noting that despite the promise of up to two weeks of wear, some users experienced shorter-lasting manicures.

The gel began to peel, especially during tasks like household cleaning, even when gloves were worn. This aspect might make it less suitable for individuals with hands-on jobs.

Best Budget: SensatioNail Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit

What’s included:

• Instruction Sheet
• Gel Cleanser and Gel Primer
• Color Gel Polish, Base Coat, & Top Coat
• Double-Sided Nail Buffer & Manicure Stick
• Lint-Free Wipes
• LED Lamp

The SensatioNail Starter Kit offers a cost-effective solution for those on a budget.

The gel polish in the kit dries quickly when used with the provided LED lamp.

While the results were satisfying, it’s worth considering that using thinner coats of gel polish and taking your time during application could potentially lead to even better results.

In terms of durability, the brand claims up to 14 days of wear. However, some users experienced chipping after around seven days.

While this duration might not match that of a salon manicure, the gel polish is likely to hold up better than regular polish.

In addition, note that the directions provided might be a bit confusing initially. Reading through all the steps before starting the process is advisable.

While the kit may not be the most user-friendly among those tested, it becomes easier to use after the first attempt.

Best Eco-Friendly: Manucurist Green Flash Pro Kit

What’s included:

• Instruction Sheet
• Nail Clips & Nail Polish Remover
• LED Lamp
• Base Coat & Top Coat

What we love about Manucurist is that they offer eco-friendly solutions to achieving gel nail extensions at home.

With the emphasis on sustainability and user-friendly application, the Manucurist Green Flash Pro Kit is an appealing choice for individuals who prioritize both environmental consciousness and convenience.

Additonally, their gel polishes contain up to 84% bio-sourced ingredients, appealing to beauty enthusiasts who prioritize sustainability.

While some durability concerns were raised by testers, the overall experience and commitment to eco-friendly practices make this kit an attractive option for those seeking a greener approach to at-home gel manicures.

Quickest Result: Brunson Soft Gel Nail Extension Express Kit

What’s included:

• Nail-X Glue
• Diamond Nail Primer
• Glue Gel
• Nail Primer Air Dry
• Prep Dehydrator
• Gel Nail Extensions
• Filer
• UV LED Lamp

This kit utilizes a soft gel formula that is not only easy to apply and sculpt but also dries swiftly under the UV LED lamp. The feature allows you to achieve beautiful and natural-looking nails within minutes.

Besides, thanks to the fast-drying nature of the soft gel formula under the UV LED lamp, you can achieve a salon-quality manicure in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Moreover, with proper application and care, the gel nail extensions can last up to 3 to 4 weeks, providing a long-lasting and durable manicure.

You may fear that quick drying also means harder-to-remove gels. We’ve compiled a guide on removing gel nail extensions properly. So, don’t worry if you’re fed up with your current nail look and wish to switch to a new one. 

Best Polish: Modelones Poly Nail Gel Kit

What’s included:

• Base Coat
• Top Coat
• Nail Lamp
• Brush and Spatula
• Nail File, Tweezer, & Buffer
• Cuticle Fork
• Filer

We’re a huge fan of Modelones gel polish. So, we must bring it up here again.

This is the best poly gel kit to buy. It is a standout choice for those seeking the best polish and a long-lasting gel nail extension solution.

It promises up to 2 weeks or more of vibrant color and intense shine, providing a manicure that maintains its appeal over time.

In addition, we also want to praise Modelones’ ease of application. Suitable for both nail professionals and home users, the kit is designed for ease of application. Detailed instructions are provided to guide users through the process.

Best For Travel: Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit

What’s included:

• LED lamp with USB cord (lamp wattage: 3 watts)
• One bottle of gel polish in a matching color 
• Cuticle stick
• Mini nail file
• 10 remover wraps
• Detailed instructions

Testers found the Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit to be highly suitable for on-the-go use. It earned perfect scores for its ease of use, quick drying time, overall aesthetic appeal, and the health of nails even after removal.

The kit is as a delightful package, resembling a little party in a box. It features a fun and user-friendly approach that caters to both beginners and experienced users.

Due to the compact size of the lamp, users should dry their thumb separately. However, testers were pleasantly fond of how rapidly the gel dried and hardened, contributing to a convenient and efficient process.

The results obtained from the kit were impressive, delivering smooth and shiny nails that exceeded expectations.

However, some users experienced issues with peeling within a few days and complete removal shortly afterward. For optimal results, it’s suggested to properly prep the nail plates and apply thinner coats of gel polish.

Best Customizable: Manucurist Super Starter Kit

What’s included:

• Base Coat
• Top Coat
• Remover and Clips
• 36W LED Lamp
• Organic cotton kit bag

We were so into the convenience and efficiency of the application process. The entire manicure, from start to finish, took around 20 minutes.

One of the notable game-changing aspects was that nails were dry to the touch immediately after completing the final curing step.

This rapid drying time is a significant advantage for those who often find themselves needing a quick and smudge-free manicure on short notice.

The results obtained after using the Manucurist Super Starter Kit were impressive, with nails that looked professionally done.

Most importantly, the customization option for choosing polish shades adds a touch of personalization to the experience, allowing users to match their nail color with their mood or outfit effortlessly.

How To Apply Gel Nail Extension?

What do I need for gel extensions?

• Gel nail extension kit (includes gel nail forms/tips, gel polishes, base coat, top coat, LED/UV lamp, nail prep products, and tools)
• Nail file
• Cuticle pusher or wooden stick
• Nail buffer
• Lint-free wipes or cotton pads
• Rubbing alcohol or gel cleanser
• Slip solution (if not provided in the kit)
• Nail glue (if using nail forms)
• Gel brush

Here’s a general guide to help you apply your gel-X nails:

1. Prep Your Nails:

– Start with clean and dry nails. Push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or wooden stick.

– Use a nail file to gently buff the surface of your nails to remove shine and create a slightly rough texture. This helps the gel adhere better.

2. Choose Nail Forms or Tips:

Depending on your kit, you’ll either use nail forms or tips to create the extension. Nail forms are used to build the extension directly on your natural nails, while tips are attached to the edge of your nails.

3. Apply Nail Forms (If Using):

If you’re using nail forms, select the appropriate size for each finger and apply them securely to the natural nails.

4. Apply Gel Polish:

Apply a thin layer of gel polish over the entire nail, including the extension. Cure it under the lamp according to the recommended time.

5. Repeat Layers (If Necessary):

If needed, apply additional layers of gel polish to achieve the desired color intensity. Cure each layer under the lamp.

6. Finishing Touches:

Once cured, wipe the nails with a lint-free wipe or cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol or gel cleanser to remove any sticky residue.

7. Hydrate Cuticles:

Apply cuticle oil or moisturizer to nourish the cuticles and surrounding skin.

Bottom Line

Nail techs and the skill touch of an expert manicurist are necessary for the most sophisticated nail looks. However, being your own artist has its value and brings more rewarding results since you can freely put your creativity into practice.

Choose from the list above the best at-home gel nail extension kit for your experience level and come back after having fun with your designs and tell us about them.

Now, it’s time to get down to creating the most fabulous mani masterpieces!