Which gel to train in?

[Melodylee]

Hi

I've posted a similar thread on Facebook but the only response I got was from reps selling a certain brand! I wondered if you nail techs can advise me - or just give your opinions and experience to help me?

I am qualified in manicure but not gel nails. I am wondering what brand to go with? I want one with a good range of colours and sparkles but also need to factor in cost as I need to make money as well.

OPI, Shellac, Gelish, IBD! I just have no idea what to go with and whether to buy a kit (with a lamp) or buy separately. I have seen there are some good lamps on the market now that are low radiation and suitable for different brands?

Thanks ladies!

 

[Effi Briest]

I really like Shellac, but also use ILac by Ink London. Cuccio also have got a fantastic colour range and manicure products. Their local rep can come out to you and you can try their products. With the other makes why don't you get yourself one colour with base and top coat and try them out yourself? You can then see which ones you like best.

 

[Melodylee]

Hi, thanks for the info. That's a good idea. I don't have a lamp or anything yet and it's all a bit of a minefield - whether you have to get a specific lamp for certain products - I don't know. I will need to look into it more. It is good you mentioned the other brands as I don't know much about them.

 

[RoxyK111]

I did a generic Gel Polish course as didn't want to wait for the next Capital dates which are in December. I tried a few brands inc Cuccio Veneer, IBD, Ink London iLac and ASP but fell in love with OPI GelColor. Best to go with what you prefer so get a few trial kits and once decided you can buy the branded lamp.

Why not go to Sally's and have a look at the ranges they have to start with. It's easier to judge in the flesh I think and they stock several ranges. I see we have the same local Sally's

 

[Melodylee]

I did a generic Gel Polish course as didn't want to wait for the next Capital dates which are in December. I tried a few brands inc Cuccio Veneer, IBD, Ink London iLac and ASP but fell in love with OPI GelColor. Best to go with what you prefer so get a few trial kits and once decided you can buy the branded lamp.

Why not go to Sally's and have a look at the ranges they have to start with. It's easier to judge in the flesh I think and they stock several ranges. I see we have the same local Sally's

 

[Melodylee]

Hi

What a coincidence we have the same local Sally lol yes I guess I could do that. I did see a lamp online that looked quite good but not knowing much about it didn't know whether it would be worth getting a better quality one if it is suitable for different brands

 

[RoxyK111]

If you ask here we'll give you an opinion. The OPI lamp I want is OOS so I'm still using a SensatioNail one as it's just on me. Its fine for what I need currently.

You are usually advised to get the recommended light for the brand you use rather than a generic one for using on clients as you know they have been made to work with the brand and also looks professional. I'm new to gels but that's the advice I've read on here.

 

[Melodylee]

If you ask here we'll give you an opinion. The OPI lamp I want is OOS so I'm still using a SensatioNail one as it's just on me. Its fine for what I need currently.

You are usually advised to get the recommended light for the brand you use rather than a generic one for using on clients as you know they have been made to work with the brand and also looks professional. I'm new to gels but that's the advice I've read on here.

 

[Melodylee]

Have you seen the E.L.K. infra red one? It says it is suitable for all types of gel and is supposed to have a low level of radiation.

 

[Struckbyastar]

I trained in gel polish with OPI because you didn't have to buy kit for the course. I have a CND LED lamp for which I'm testing out shellac, ink and OPI. When I've decided I'll buy the right lamp but only testing on myself and my mum! X