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Nov 15, 2023

Polygel Nail Kits Are The Best Way To Get A Long

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Polygel is having a moment in the nail world. If you've been dropping serious bank (and time) on regular salon manicure appointments for gel or acrylic nails, now may be the time to try an at-home polygel nail kit. What is polygel, though? Simply put, it's a gel formula that comes in a toothpaste-like tube to deposit color on to your nails. It has the durability of an acrylic nail with all the control you have in a regular nail polish.

Meet Our Expert: Dr. Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

You may be nervous about trying out a new nail trend at home, and if that's the case, you're not alone! That's where dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, MD comes in. She provided expert tips on how you can find a good quality polygel nail kit that's safe and won't ruin your nails.

Peep a few of dermatologist-approved polygel nail kits below:

When you're prepping your nails, she says not trim your cuticles because they protect the nail and surrounding skin from infections. Then, you move on to the application stage. Like gel nails, polygel nails are hardened under a light. King advises that you select a kit that has an LED light instead of a UV light. "LED lights still emit UV radiation but at lower levels compared to a UV light, and they also cure the nails faster, decreasing UV exposure."

Last of all, she says you'll want to be careful about the removal process. Similar to any acrylic nails you might have used before, you should definitely not be trying to rip polygel nails off. Simply soak a cotton ball in acetone, and wrap each nail in that in tin foil. Repeat, if necessary.

See below for nine expert-approved polygel kits for you to try at home.

Shop the best polygel nail kit deals on Amazon

This is the bestselling polygel nail kit on Amazon, and it's no secret why. It comes with seven different color options and includes everything you'll need from an LED lamp to glitter options, a base coat, top coat, and tons more.

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Polygel Nail Kit

$29.99

amazon.com

If bold colors aren't your thing, this neutral-toned polygel kit from Gellen is perfect for you. It also comes with tips so you can choose to add length to your nails if you prefer. This kit doesn't come with an LED light, so you'll have to get yours separately.

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Polygel Nail Kit

$15.99

amazon.com

Whether you're a polygel beginner or just don't want an expansive set, this no-frills kit from Gelish is a great option. It has everything you need to get started, including a mini, travel-friendly LED lamp.

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PolyGel Professional All-in-One Trial Kit

$47.99

amazon.com

Pink is one of the most popular, well-loved nail colors, so if you're a fan, this set is a great cost-saving option you can do at home in your pajamas. Want some bling? It also comes with four glitter options and some rhinestones.

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Pink Polygel Kit

$49.99

amazon.com

This perfectionist-friendly polygel kit has tons of tools to help you prep your nails before doing your at-home mani. It has a nail file, buffer, cutter, tweezer, cuticle brush (though, as King said, you don't want to take them off completely!), dust brush pen, and cuticle oil to help keep your nail bed nourished and moisturized.

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Polygel Nail Kit

$34.99

amazon.com

If you love to do nail art, you will love this polygel kit that has tons of options to help you get creative. It includes butterfly stickers, sequins, glitter, and rhinestones for tons of options to help you get creative.

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Polygel Nail Kit Butterfly Series

$29.99

amazon.com

This set has great value—it comes with an LED lamp, tons of manicure tools, and remover wipes for under $25. Each of the three kit options comes with six neutral and glittery colors you can have fun mixing and matching with.

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Polygel Extension Kit

$22.78

amazon.com

While most polygel kits only come with six color options, this one has 12(!). The shades cover most of the rainbow with four added glitter options, too. If you like mixing things up color-wise or plan on hosting a mani party for your friends some time soon, this is the kit for you.

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Polygel Nail Kit

$28.99

amazon.com

Bling lovers will appreciate this polygel nail set thanks to its six shimmering shades. Three have a metallic finish while the other three feature sequins. But, that's not all. It also comes with some uniquely-shaped rhinestones and nail gems for when you want an extra glam look.

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Polygel Nail Kit

$29.99

amazon.com

Gel polish contains molecules that harden when placed under UV light, which is what creates that long-lasting, no-chip finish that gel manicures are known for.

"Soak-off gel polish is made of methacrylates, which are able to be cured with UV rays, so the molecules link up and form stronger chemical bonds," Dana Stern, MD, a dermatologist who specializes in nail health and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, told WH in a previous story.

Since gel nail polish is made of special chemicals that make it chip-resistant, removing it isn't as easy as using nail polish remover, and you most certainly shouldn't peel it off. If you want to remove the polish at home, you'll have to file off the top coat of polish before soaking your nails in acetone for at least ten minutes or until the polish begins to break down.

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