Gel manicures used to feel like a treat reserved for salon visits, but rising appointment costs have nudged more of us towards doing it ourselves. Thankfully, nail polish brands and at-home gel kits have come a long way since the days of crackle nails and DIY marbling. Once you get the hang of them, today’s options can even rival professional results, be it with HEMA-free formulas or a builder-in-a-bottle system.
There’s no denying there’s a learning curve (and a bit of initial outlay), but stick with it, and the long-term savings quickly stack up. More importantly, having the right kit – including a good cuticle oil and nail file – can make all the difference to a glossy, chip-resistant finish or a manicure that peels within days. With that in mind, I’ve been testing a range of popular sets to find the ones worth your time and money.
It’s also worth noting that, following recent EU restrictions on certain gel polish ingredients, formula transparency matters more than ever. Every kit featured here is TPO-free in line with the latest regulations, but as with any at-home treatment, it pays to keep an eye on how your nails respond.
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The best gel nail kits for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Mylee the massive kit: £155, Argos.co.uk
- Best gel lamp – Orly cordless gel lamp LED: £105, Orlybeauty.co.uk
- Best HEMA-free option – 14 Day Manicure HEMA-free builder gel kit: £94, 14daymanicure.co.uk
- Best for healthy nails – Manucurist semi-permanent LED green flash: £75, Amazon.co.uk
Q
Are gel nail polishes being banned?
No, gel nail polish isn’t being banned. However, since 1 September 2025, it’s been illegal for gel nail polishes containing a chemical called trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) to be sold or used by professionals in the EU. The chemical ensures gel nail polishes cure under UV light. It also provides a glossy finish. But, according to the EU’s CLP (classification, labelling and packaging) regulators, it has been found to be “carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR).” But all of the polishes included in the kits featured here are certified TPO-free and safe for use.
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