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're not alone — it's the question we get asked the most. Here's the honest guide: what the seven systems do, who they suit, and exactly which kit you should start with. All our products are 100 % free from HEMA, di-HEMA and TPO (21FREE+) — so whatever you choose, you're choosing the gentle version.
Find your starter kit in one minute
Answer 1-3 quick questions — and we'll point you to the right kit.
What best describes your nails?
What are you dreaming of?
How much strength do your nails need?
How would you prefer to add length?
The quick answer (30 seconds)
- Completely new and just want to get started?The Gel Polish Starter Kit — the easiest way in, everything included.Gel Polish Starter Kit →
- Thin nails that break?Colour and strength in one — protects while you grow length.Rubber Base Starter Kit →
- Dreaming of length?Salon length 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.Press On Tape Starter Kit →
Compare the starter kits
| Starter kit | Purpose | Durability | Suited for | Refill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Press On Tape | Party nails without a lamp | Up to 3 days | All nails | No |
| Gel Polish | Long-lasting colour | Up to 3 weeks | Normal to strong nails | Only with strengthening underneath |
| Rubber Base | Strengthening | 4-6 weeks | Thin nails — short to medium length | Can be refilled |
| Liquid Builder Gel | Strengthening and short extensions | 4-6 weeks | All nails — especially very thin | Can be refilled |
| Gel Tips | Extensions | 4-6 weeks | All nails* | With UV gel glue: can be refilled |
| Polygel | Strengthening and extensions | 4-6 weeks | All nails | Can be refilled |
| Builder Gel | Strengthening and extensions | 4-6 weeks | All nails | Can be refilled |
*Gel tips are rarely a good solution for downward-curving nails. Refilling means refreshing the product instead of removing it — it saves time and is gentler on the natural nail.
The seven systems — briefly explained
A hybrid between classic nail polish and gel: beautiful colour and durable shine for up to three weeks. Gel polish doesn't strengthen, so it's best for normal to strong nails — if your nails are thin, apply a strengthening product underneath. The starter kit contains everything: lamp, base coat, top coat, a colour of your choice, prep tools and guide.
See the Gel Polish Starter Kit →
A flexible gel that strengthens natural nails and adapts to the nail's movements without cracking or lifting. Ideal for thin, fragile or damaged nails — use it alone or as a base under gel polish.
See the Rubber Base Starter Kit →
A hard gel that strengthens natural nails, repairs broken nails and can create short extensions. Ideal if you have very thin or damaged nails and want maximum strength without long extensions.
See the Liquid Builder Gel Starter Kit →
Pre-moulded, full-cover tips attached with a gentle UV-curing gel glue — salon length in under an hour, no technical skills needed. Leave them natural, or paint over them with gel polish. Note: rarely the best solution for downward-curving nails.
See the Gel Tips Starter Kit →
Firm like soft modelling clay: the gel stays where you put it, giving you full control and plenty of time to shape extensions from scratch. Best for nails with a little length — the firm consistency is hard to apply really thinly on short nails.
See the Polygel Starter Kit →
A hard gel for strengthening and building extensions from scratch — with no limit on length. Fluid and self-levelling, so the surface smooths itself out. If you're torn between builder gel and polygel, Signe recommends starting with builder gel.
See the Builder Gel Starter Kit →
The test drive: ready-made nails with tape, up to 3 days of wear, no lamp. Perfect as a gift or for trying out a shape.
See the Press On Tape 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's the easiest to get started with, includes the lamp and all accessories, and the colour lasts up to 3 weeks.
What does a gel nail starter kit include?
Everything you need: the UV lamp, base and top coat, the system product, prep tools and a guide — so nothing is missing when the box arrives.
Do I need a UV lamp?
Yes — for all gel systems. The lamp is included in the starter kits, so there's nothing extra to buy. Only Press On Tape needs 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 lasts up to 3 weeks. Rubber base, liquid builder gel, builder gel, polygel and gel tips can be refilled and last 4-6 weeks between refills.
No PFAS
