How to Choose the Best Gel Polish on the Market

 Nailing It: How to Pick the Best Gel Nail Polish for Beginners

As a beginner Nail Technician, one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right gel polish for your nail kit and your clients too. With an overwhelming array of options on the market, it's crucial to know how to choose the best gel nail polish that will deliver stunning, long-lasting results. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of gel polish and make informed choices for your nail services.

Understand Your Needs: 

Before investing in a full gel polish collection, assess the specific requirements of your future salon or freelance business. Are you aiming for a high-volume, trend-led service with a vast spectrum of seasonal colours, or are you catering to a niche clientele that prioritises organic, medical-grade, or hypoallergenic ingredients? Identifying whether your focus is on artistic versatility or specialist nail health will significantly narrow down your brand search and prevent wasted stock.

Research Trusted Brands:

Your journey should begin with deep-diving into reputable, professional-only gel polish manufacturers. Look for companies with established longevity in the industry and a visible commitment to the long-term health of the natural nail. Beyond reading official product reviews, engage with the wider community: ask experienced Nail Techs for their "holy grail" recommendations and monitor online forums to see how brands handle consistency and customer support over time.

Check Ingredients:

The chemical composition of your gel nail polish directly impacts both the safety of your service and your professional reputation. Modern professionals are increasingly opting for "12-free" or Hema-free gel polishes to minimise the risk of skin irritation and respiratory sensitivities. Prioritise brands that are transparent about their ingredients, opting for formulas free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) to protect yourself and your nail clients.

Quality and Consistency:

In the world of professional manicures, consistency in viscosity and pigment is everything. You want to choose a brand famous for "one-coat" coverage or self-levelling properties that don't flood the cuticles. Gel polishes that apply with a buttery, even texture will not only streamline your application time as a beginner but will also ensure a uniform, high-definition finish that looks identical from one bottle to the next.

Colour Variety:

A diverse and vibrant colour palette is the backbone of any successful nail service. Look for gel polish brands like Dolla Nails Pro that offer a robust core collection while frequently releasing curated seasonal edits to keep your treatment menu fresh. Beyond the shades themselves, consider the availability of different textures—having high-shine glossies, velvety mattes, and multi-dimensional shimmers allows you to up-sell nail art and custom finishes.

Longevity and Durability:

The primary reason clients switch from regular polish to gel polish is the promise of durability. Research the "wear-time" of your chosen gel polish brand; you should be looking for a minimum of 14–21 days of high-gloss, chip-free wear. Providing a manicure that remains flawless through daily tasks is the fastest way to build trust and authority as a new Nail Technician, ensuring your appointment book stays full through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Compatibility:

It is a common beginner mistake to ignore the science of the cure. Ensure your chosen gel polish is fully compatible with your existing UV or LED nail lamp, as specific photo-initiators in the gel require certain wavelengths to harden properly. Using mismatched equipment can lead to "service breakdown" or uncured product, so always verify that your lamp’s wattage and bulb type align with the brand’s technical specifications.

Pricing:

While the quality of your work is paramount, you must remain mindful of your overheads, especially during the startup phase of your career. Strive for a balance between luxury performance and sustainable profit margins. Many professional Nail Polish brands offer "starter bundles" or trade discounts for students and newly qualified Nail Techs, allowing you to build a premium kit without an unmanageable initial outlay.

Introducing Dolla Nails Pro Gel Nail Polish!

Choosing the best gel polish for your professional journey is a significant milestone, and we at London Lash have found the perfect partner for your success. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dolla Nails Pro, a brand specifically engineered for the modern Nail Technician. Despite being a fresh face in the industry, Dolla Nails Pro has rapidly gained a cult following for its high-pigment formula, exceptional self-levelling capabilities, and a tool range designed to make professional application effortless.

Want to try Dolla Nails Pro for yourself? Use code DOLLA at checkout for 20% OFF!* 

*Offer might not be available during promotional campaigns across the site. 

Remember, your choice of gel polish is far more than just a colour on a shelf; it is a foundational investment in the longevity of your Nail Technician career and the ultimate satisfaction of your clients!