Opinions please! What brand of gel is the best?

[lisanailtek]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum but I was wondering what brand of gel polish that everyone uses? Has anyone tried multiple brands to compare and found that one is better than the other? I have been using CND shellac for about 5 years or so because that's what my old salon trained us in and I've been using it ever since and haven't tried any other brands. Just would like to know what the benefits of other brands are and if it's worth switching or if I should just stick with CND.

I've posted on another forum site but haven't gotten any replies. Replies are much appreciated!


Thanks!

ps. Are other brands any cheaper than $xx.xx a bottle! Never thought to look while at the beauty supply

 

[TheLittlePea]

Hi! This is my first post too..
I trained using Gellux, but since then tried a couple of different brands. It's always worth trying others and seeing what you think of them I've since stopped using Gellux, as I much prefer IBD, Gelish and Orly Gel FX. I'm going to try a few more brands soon, I've read a lot of good things about Gel II so they're on my to-try list! There's so many brands out there, I tend to have an line research beforehand and check colour ranges too. Sorry if that didn't really answer your question!

 

[lisanailtek]

Hi! This is my first post too..
I trained using Gellux, but since then tried a couple of different brands. It's always worth trying others and seeing what you think of them I've since stopped using Gellux, as I much prefer IBD, Gelish and Orly Gel FX. I'm going to try a few more brands soon, I've read a lot of good things about Gel II so they're on my to-try list! There's so many brands out there, I tend to have an line research beforehand and check colour ranges too. Sorry if that didn't really answer your question!

Thanks for the response! Yeah there are so many brands out there that I feel like I should at least try some others to compare just to see what they're like. Just wanting to get some opinions about what others think of the ones they are using. It's definitely just hard to find the time to do it since I work full time. But I suppose I will just so my own research! Let me know if you try any others and what you think! Thanks!

 

[1434cundell]

Before I trained I tested as many brands as possible. I liked Artistic the best as it gave me at least three weeks wear. I have since added some Gelish as they have some fab colours. Artistic is still my fave though. It's £xx a bottle from Louella Belle suppliers in UK but I note you are in USA so I would expect that you could buy it cheaper over there as that it where the brand originated from. I would quite like to try bio sculpture too but need to save for the training!

 

[pure]

Just a reminder to all that it is against site rules to post trade prices. The site is seen by techs and clients alike and we like to keep some things to ourselves

 

[noreenoconnor]

There are many different brands out there and it is indeed confusing.

I think the easiest way to sift through them and find the one that is right for you is to ask your clients or people who you would imagine to be your target audience ( gender, age , profession) if they could wave magic wand and have the gel polish of their dreams what would it do ? then find a brand that matches their requirements as closely as possible

 

[Muzza]

I think the best thing to do is to go and try different treatments, I use Gelish and love it, I never got on too well with Shellac, I tried a couple of others but loved Gelish the most especially the colour range, their service and support/training is excellent too

 

[NancySyd]

There is no such thing as "the best." There are so many brands with so many different attributes, no one brand has it all. What you should look for is what brand is the best for you, your clients, and your business.

First, you need to identify what is important to you - LED cure, no base coat, hypoallergenic, color range, removal, etc.? But you also must consider what your clients are asking for - some want CND Shellac, but some already love the OPI or Essie that they've used as rnp. And, of course, you must consider the price point - what you can pay and what you can charge as well as your existing relationship with a brand or vendor and your skills.

After you have a sense of what you want, grab a cuppa and search through SG - the "what is best" question has been asked dozens, if not hundreds of times. Take a look at all the answers and especially the reasons other techs give for their choices. Ask more pointed questions of your own.

Finally, go have a service done with the brands of your choice and see how you like it. Observe the tech, wear the product for a couple of weeks. After all that, you can pick what is best for you.

 

[lisanailtek]

Thanks for the responses! I suppose it will just take some playing around with different brands to see what I like best. At least I have clients who don't mind being guinea pigs! :biggrin:

~Lisa

 

[salj]

Professional Beauty is coming up. If you can get to that you can try a few different brands out. Get them to do 1 or 2 fingers each. X

 

[pure]

You also want to look at the brand supplier, do they offering quality training and support throughout your career.

 

[Sparkle Treats]

Loving IBD it lasts well, and the colours are gorgeous

Sent from my GT-I9505 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[sammyc22]

Iv just started using ink london, ilac it is amazing!

Sent from my D5503 using SalonGeek mobile app

 

[EmilyBritten]

Im currently using CND and i have also worked with Gellux and OPI.

My opinion is that gellux is the worst, then CND and OPI is the best for me.

Its worth trying different ones.

 

[Laurasnowwhite]

My personal preference for Gel Polish is Gel II™.

I used to use a different brand and had a regular client base, however with long term use the we're finding the need to return for removal & reapplication in less than 2 weeks, and nail condition was beginning to suffer (these clients followed aftercare and my application & removal was by the book)

Since introducing Gel II™ my client base has doubled for mail services through word of mouth alone, clients are going upwards of 3 weeks between appointments and nail health is greatly improved.

It is available from The Creative Beauty Group in the UK - www.thecreativebeautygroup.co.uk and from www.buygeltwo.com on the US

 

[NancySyd]

You also want to look at the brand supplier, do they offering quality training and support throughout your career.

Yes, this is a critical issue. Your product is your partner and you should have a partner that supports your skill development now and in the future.