HOW TO CHOOSE STARTER KITS FOR APPLYING GEL POLISH

Beginners can purchase a gel polish kit ready-made or assemble it themselves, because it can only include a drying lamp, base/top and colored gel polish, file and buffer, degreaser, liquid for removing the sticky layer and gel polish, orange stick, scissors, cotton pads.

If the manicure is successful, then the set can be expanded with additional components - decor, pastes and rubs, different coating colors, a more powerful lamp, a manicure machine.

The cost of a ready-made kit for beginners ranges from 2500-8000 rubles, which depends on its configuration, the manufacturer of the materials and the type of drying lamp.

What is the minimum included in a gel polish kit for extensions at home?

The minimum set for performing a gel polish manicure at home consists of only the most necessary elements:

• lamp for drying decorative coatings - LED or ultraviolet;
• colored varnishes – you can choose one or several at once (upon request);
• a degreaser, which simultaneously acts as a disinfection solution;
• gel polish remover;
• base for gel polish (base);
• liquid for removing the sticky layer from the nail plate;
• finishing coat (top).

But this is not a complete list, because even a beginner in coating nails with gel polish must have several files with different levels of abrasiveness, tongs or manicure scissors for removing cuticles, a pusher, orange sticks and other devices.

There are ready-made kits for sale for beginners to work with gel polish, which are divided into three types:

• Mini. It does not include a lamp for drying the coating, and the quantities of all other materials and tools are given in minimum quantities.
• Maxi. The kit includes a lamp and the maximum possible number of materials and tools.
• Base + top. Apart from them, there is nothing in the set.

We recommend reading about how to choose the best nail base. From the article you will learn why you need a nail base, the technique of applying gel polish, the main types of nail bases and recommendations for choosing. And here is more information about how to apply rubbing on gel polish.

Additional materials

• Dehydrator - works on the same principle as a degreaser, only it costs more. Recommended for women with oily skin and prone to excessive sweating. It is used mainly in salons; a degreaser is suitable for home use.
• Primer - works on the principle of double-sided tape, providing good adhesion between the nail and the base. The cost varies from 200 rubles.
• The acid-free primer acts as both a degreaser and a base coat. In addition, it protects nails from fungal infections. Recommended for those who have naturally brittle and thin nails.
• The acid primer ensures strong adhesion of the nail to the coating due to methacrylic acid, which softens the nail scales. Frequent use can lead to damage to the nail plate. This product should not be used on weakened nails.

Filing nails

Manicure set with lamp and gel: how to assemble a basic one for beginners

In order not to make a mistake when choosing the components of a basic manicure set with a lamp and gel for beginners, you need to know what you will definitely need:

• gel polish – beginners should choose a material in the mid-price category: the cost is reasonable, the quality is decent;
• remover - carefully removes cuticle and pterygium, as they will not allow the gel polish to firmly fix on the plate;
• files/buffs – several with different surface grains, needed for processing the free edge of the nail and polishing its surface;
• dehydrator-degreaser – cleans the plate and quickly dries it;
• primer or ultrabond - it is better to choose the second option, since it is acid-free and makes the adhesion of the gel polish to the nail as strong as possible;
• base and top - the first is the basis for the decorative coating, the second secures the manicure, the strength and durability of the manicure depends on these layers;
• liquid for removing the sticky layer - necessary for removing the dispersion layer that forms after drying the coating in the lamp;
• lint-free wipes;
• drying lamp;
• gel polish remover;
• foil - necessary for removing decorative coating;
• orange sticks;
• cuticle oil.

Watch this video about what products are included in a gel polish manicure kit for beginners:

How many polishes will be enough to cover your nails at first?

To cover your nails for the first time, one gel polish is enough - by choosing a neutral shade (nude), you can learn how to apply layers flawlessly and perform a really high-quality manicure. But you need to know that gel polish can be:

• Single phase . Its main advantage is quick application, because you will not need to apply the base and topcoat separately, because they are components of the gel polish. This coating can be worn for 2 weeks without chipping or damage, but it is not suitable for all nails, and this point can only be clarified through practice.
• Three-phase . All three components of the coating are in different bottles; this type of gel polish is considered more reliable, and the finishing coating allows you to use rhinestones, stickers and other decorations in manicure. It is impossible to exclude at least one of the components; you will need to purchase three bottles at the same time.
• Two-phase . In this material, the base and top are combined in one bottle, and the varnish itself with the colored pigment is in another.

Three-phase gel polish coating

Classic, hardware or combined?

Despite the popularity of hardware manicure, the classic edged manicure has not been canceled. But many nail technicians combine both techniques.

You will understand how it will be more convenient for you only in practice. Therefore, the device must be in the kit for a novice manicurist. And if you are going to do a pedicure, immediately choose a device with a power of about 60W and a cutter rotation speed of at least 35,000 rpm.

As for manicure tools, your must have is:

• thin curved scissors for cutting cuticles;
• nail clippers for processing periungual ridges;
• scraper, also known as a pusher, for removing cuticles and skin growing on the nail;
• wide scissors with straight blades for shortening nails.

If you decide to practice a European unedged manicure, it makes sense to purchase orange sticks for moving the cuticles. And of course, you will need a bath to soften your nails.

With nail lamp

If you are choosing to purchase a set for covering nails with gel polish with a lamp, then you should pay attention to the following nuances of such equipment:

• lamps can be ultraviolet or LED, there are also hybrid ones;
• The power of an ultraviolet lamp ranges from 9 to 36 W, depending on the number of light bulbs in it (from 1 to 4, respectively);
• Almost all lamp models are equipped with a timer;
• LED lamps (LED) have high power and dry any coating in less than 60 seconds;
• ultraviolet light dries gel polish, base and top for 2 minutes;
• LED equipment costs many times more;
• The UV lamp dries out the skin and nail plates and has a negative effect on the eyes.

LED and UV lamp for nails with gel polish
Experts recommend that beginners purchase lamps with ultraviolet light - they are perfect for acquiring skills in performing complex manicures with gel polish.

Set of manicure tools

The set of required manicure tools includes:

• Scissors and forceps . There should be several varieties of these tools - for treating nails and cuticles. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the configuration of the tips - they should be rounded, as well as the ease of finding the tool in your hand.

The material from which the scissors and pliers are made is also important - it must be sharpenable, because the sharpness of the tool must be impeccable, which will help avoid trauma to the skin, nail plate and cuticle.

• Pushers . This tool is visually identified as a small flat spatula, which is necessary to prepare the cuticle for trimming/removal. Previously, it was made of metal, but now the pusher is successfully replaced by an orange stick, which has obvious advantages - it is disposable (no need to be sterilized), has a very thin end (reduces the risk of injury to the cuticle), does not rust, and does not need sharpening.
• Files and buffs . To correct the shape of the nail plate, a file with an abrasiveness of No. 60 or 80 is suitable. It is better to choose a buff, which is used for polishing the surface, with an abrasiveness of No. 500 or higher.
• Brushes . For a beginner, it is better to choose brushes made from artificial materials - the finest acrylic or nylon bristles. They have an almost endless service life and allow you to apply artistic painting of even complex shapes.
• Cotton pads, lint-free wipes . The first ones are constantly needed - both to remove the sticky layer and to use a degreaser. But lint-free wipes are necessary for removing an unsuccessful design from the sticky layer of the decorative coating - you can do this manipulation many times without fear of damaging your own work.

Recently, silicone clips for removing gel polish have appeared on the nail industry market, which slightly facilitate this process. You won't need to use foil; you just need to apply a cotton pad soaked in gel polish remover to the nail plate and put on the clip.

Important nuances

You've probably thought about the cost of all the goods you'll need to add to your professional arsenal. If we summarize, we can determine the approximate amount. It is about 50 thousand rubles - this is enough to buy inexpensive but high-quality equipment, materials and tools.

It is better to purchase a starter kit at one time - consider it as a reasonable investment in development and promotion. You can save on electrical equipment by choosing the simplest models without fancy functions. At the same time, do not spare money on good gel polishes and liquids, files, scissors and nippers - the result of your work and the mood of your clients depend on them.

When will income exceed expenses? Practice shows that financial investments will pay off after 3–6 months, depending on the number of clients, your diligence and hard work. By working daily, you will quickly gain profit and start earning decent money for your services.

As you can see, the profession of a manicurist should not be romanticized - at the first stage it requires time, effort and finance. You also need to spend money on training, courses, master classes, and advanced training. Certified products from well-known brands presented in the Royal Gel online store will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and create exceptional beauty.

Starter kit for gel polish for the master

For the master, the list of components for the gel polish starter kit will be supplemented:

• pastes and paints for painting;
• decorative elements - stickers, printers, rhinestones, ribbons, sequins;
• protective equipment – ​​gloves, goggles, mask;
• files and buffs of different abrasiveness - in a large assortment, so that you can comfortably work with nails of different types (soft, hard).

Decorative decorations for nails
In addition, you will need to purchase a table for serving customers and it is highly advisable to choose options with a built-in mini-hood. A table fluorescent lamp and a manicure machine will come in handy - they can easily remove the decorative coating (and this will be healthier for the nails), give the desired shape to the plate, and make it exactly the size requested by the client.

How many varnishes are needed for a complete set?

For a complete set, you definitely need a base and a top in different bottles, but no one can give a definite answer about colored gel polish - it all depends on the requests and number of clients. To get started, you should purchase:

• varnishes for making a classic French jacket;
• Red and black;
• several nude shades (powdery, peach, café au lait).

1 of 3

If it’s spring outside, then you will need shades of turquoise, yellow, orange, winter options - blue, rich green, silver (“metallic”). If a master is just starting out, it is better to start with a minimum number of shades, and then expand the range, focusing on the wishes of clients.

At the same time, it is worth monitoring trends in the nail industry in order to be able to make interesting offers to women - for example, matte decorative coating is now in fashion.

With lamp

The master’s kit must include a lamp, and when servicing several clients, you should give preference to LED equipment:

• dries any coating as quickly as possible – no more than 60 seconds;
• does not harm the skin of the hands (does not dry it);
• does not have a negative effect on the eyes.

If you plan to use only classic gel polish in your work, then an LED lamp will be enough. In the case of using acrylic coating or bio-gels, it is better to purchase hybrid equipment that polymerizes any materials.

Watch this video about which lamp to choose for gel polish:

Accessories for nail polish manicure

A novice master should also take care of other accessories for performing varnish manicure:

• lint-free napkins, cotton pads - they are used to remove both the sticky layer after drying in the lamp and the decorative coating;
• an autoclave or a small dry-heat oven for sterilizing instruments;
• means for disinfecting work surfaces - for example, Bacillol AF or analogues;
• equipment - an apron or cape that can be removed after work;
• protective equipment – ​​gloves, a mask and goggles that will protect the specialist’s skin from toxic substances, the respiratory tract from dust and “chemical” odors;
• stand for tools - this will allow you to quickly get them if necessary;
• palette for demonstrating the available shades of colored gel polish.

It is highly desirable to have cuticle oil or hand cream in your arsenal - literally 1 minute of massage at the end of the manicure, and the client’s pleasure is guaranteed. This “trick” often becomes a guarantee that the client will return to the specialist.

Necessary tools for manicure

The range of accessories for nail treatment is literally dizzying. But not all of them will be needed for your work. Beginning craftsmen can get confused and purchase completely useless products, so before purchasing you should decide what you need. First of all, the choice of tools depends on the type of hygienic manicure that you will perform. The following three are popular:

• classical;
• hardware;
• combined.

All of them are aimed at preparing nails for applying a decorative coating and involve cleaning the plate from rough skin. It is impossible to make a classic edged manicure without a special pusher, nippers or cuticle scissors. They should be sharp and safe to use, preferably made of medical grade stainless steel. High-quality products are more expensive, but will provide ideal results and will last for many years. Avoid products with plastic elements - they cannot be sterilized at high temperatures, which means they are not suitable for working with clients.

For hardware manicure, in addition to electrical equipment, you need a set of cutters. They come in corundum, ceramic, carbide or diamond. Such materials tolerate processing well in an autoclave or dry-heat oven, do not damage nails, and have a soft and delicate effect. Each attachment is designed for a different purpose - removing old decorative coating, polishing side rollers or removing cuticles.

The name of the combined manicure speaks for itself - it combines the advantages of classic and hardware options. To perform it you will need cutting tools and a machine with cutters. Due to its gentle action and time saving, most clients prefer it.

There is also a fourth common type of hygienic manicure - European unedged. Unlike the above, it does not involve the removal of the pterygium. The length of the nails is adjusted using a file, and the cuticle is pushed back as much as possible using an orange stick. This option is suitable for clients whose vessels are located very close. It reduces the risk of damage to the epidermis, but cannot guarantee perfect application of gel polish.

How much does a gel polish manicure kit cost?

On average, a set for a manicure with gel polish (full) costs around 2,500 rubles, but there is a set for 4 thousand and 8 thousand. The price depends on which brand of varnishes is included in it, the number of color coating options, which drying lamp is included (LED or ultraviolet, hybrid).

But even the high, at first glance, cost of the set is a profitable purchase, because every month you have to spend a considerable amount on a trip to the master. And if you master manicure with gel polish perfectly, then you can gradually increase your client base - perhaps a simple hobby will develop into a good and, most importantly, stable income.

We recommend reading about cutter options for removing gel polish. From the article you will learn about what a cutter for gel polish is, what are the advantages of removing gel polish with a machine, types of cutters and their use. And here is more information about how to choose a lamp for gel polish.

You can buy a gel polish kit already assembled, or you can assemble it yourself - you just need to know what exactly you need to perform a manicure at home. The simplest equipment will already make it possible to do without visiting beauty salons every month, and a hobby can develop into income.

Colored coatings

Color is where girls can go wild. For a beginner's set, gel polishes need to be chosen wisely. Here it is important to understand for what purpose the girl decides to engage in this activity. If for yourself, then just buy a few colors you like. If this is the start of a new business, then you should purchase several standard colors: black, white, pink and burgundy. Having this arsenal (albeit small), you can effectively work as a manicurist.

An important point in choosing color coatings is their manufacturer. Of course, not all beginners are ready to shell out more than five hundred rubles for one tube of varnish. Therefore, it is worth considering high-quality and affordable products:

1. KODI. The cost of one bottle is from three hundred rubles. Tubes come in different sizes. The smallest is seven milliliters, the medium is ten and the largest is thirty. A novice master can buy the smallest tubes for testing. This varnish does not cause allergies, has a thick consistency and lasts a long time on the nails.
2. Bluesky costs around two hundred rubles. The varnish holds up well, its palette completely copies the colors of expensive CND gel polish. They are quite difficult to remove, and there are cases when the varnish causes allergies.

These are the brands that are most suitable for creating a set of gel polishes for beginners. They will not dry without a lamp - this is very important to remember.