At-Home Gel Nail Polish FAQs

Gel Nail Polish is cured under a UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp to create a long-lasting, salon-quality gel manicure at home. Unlike regular nail polish, which air-dries and wears quickly, Gel Polish cures to a hard, glossy finish designed to last for over two weeks.

How They Compare:

• Curing: Gel Nail Polish is cured under a Gel Nail Lamp, while regular nail polish air-dries.
• Longevity: Gel manicures last around 2–3 weeks without chipping, whereas regular polish typically lasts just a few days.
• Finish: Gel Polish provides a high-gloss, salon-quality shine that stays glossy for the entire wear, unlike regular polish, which can dull and chip quickly.
• Strength: Gel Nail Polish adds strength and protection to the natural nail, helping to reduce breakage. Regular polish offers little to no strengthening effect.
• Removal: Gel manicures require removal by soaking off with Gel Polish Remover, or filing off using an E-File Pen, while regular polish can be wiped away with nail polish remover.

Gel Nail Polish works by curing under specific UV/LED wavelengths, transforming liquid gel into a hard, long-lasting coating. Each layer is applied in thin coats and cured under the Gel Nail Lamp to create a strong, smudge-free gel manicure with a high-shine finish.

Our Gel Nail Lamp uses 30 dual-wave LEDs designed to last up to 50,000 hours. Each Gelous formula is developed to cure precisely at these wavelengths, ensuring consistent, effective, and safe results every time.

For step-by-step application and removal instructions, view our complete Application Guide and Removal Guide.

When it comes to curing Gel Nail Polish, wattage isn't everything. The most important factor is the wavelength your Gel Nail Lamp emits—not how many watts it uses.

While high wattage may sound impressive, it doesn't necessarily mean better results. In fact, many brands exaggerate their wattage for marketing purposes. Anything above 24W can produce excess heat that may cause discomfort or damage to the skin.

That's why the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp uses dual-wavelength technology (365+405nm)—two precise peaks that ensure your Gel Nail Polish cures evenly, thoroughly, and without heat spikes or under-cured patches.

A gel manicure requires the use of a Base Coat, Colour Coat and Top Coat, with each layer cured under a UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. The Gelous system is designed so these products work together to achieve correct curing and consistent wear.

Skipping steps such as the Base Coat or Top Coat, or attempting to cure Gel Polish without a Gel Nail Lamp, can result in poor performance, including lifting, chipping, or incomplete curing, and may increase the risk of nail or skin damage.

Our formulas are developed and tested to cure specifically under our Gel Nail Lamp using 365+405nm dual-wavelength technology. For the best results and your safety, we recommend using the complete Gelous system together.

Gelous Gel Nail Polish will last 18-24 months when stored correctly. Refer to the 'Product Care' section on the product pages for storage guidelines.

Each 10ml Gel Nail Polish bottle provides roughly 66 manicures with one coat per manicure, 33 with two coats, or 22 with three coats, averaging about 40 manicures per bottle.

Whether a lamp is labelled UV, LED, or UV/LED, all Gel Nail Lamps emit UV light to cure Gel Nail Polish. This UV light triggers the chemical reaction that hardens Gel Polish into a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Traditional UV lamps used bulbs that required regular replacement and longer curing times. Modern UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps use LED bulbs that operate within the UV spectrum, allowing for faster, more efficient curing, typically around 60 seconds per layer, with a much longer lifespan and reduced UV exposure.

Some brands label their lamps as 'LED' only, but these lamps still emit UV light. The term UV/LED simply reflects the technology used and provides clearer information about how the lamp cures Gel Nail Polish.

Rubber Base Coat is flexible and ideal for thin or bendy nails, helping prevent lifting and smooth imperfections. Builder Gel is strong and rigid, perfect for adding structure, supporting length, and preventing breakage. Read our full guide to find the right option for you.

Gelous Gel Nail Polish won't damage your nails when applied and removed correctly. It is 10-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, meaning it's free from 10 harmful chemicals traditionally found in nail products.

To keep nails healthy, avoid applying Gel Nail Polish to the skin or cuticles and resist picking or peeling your Gel Polish, as this can remove layers of the natural nail. Always use the complete Gelous system—Base Coat, Colour Coat, and Top Coat—each cured with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp, and follow our Application Guide and Removal Guide.

If you experience irritation, sensitivity, or visible nail damage such as thinning or frequent breakage, pause gel manicures and allow your nails time to recover. If you have mild sensitivity but otherwise healthy nails, try the 99 Second Low Heat Mode on your Gel Nail Lamp to reduce heat spikes.

Most people can use Gel Nail Polish continuously without needing a break. However, if you experience irritation, sensitivity, or visible nail damage such as thinning or frequent breakage, pause gel manicures and allow your nails time to recover.

If you have mild sensitivity but otherwise healthy nails, try the 99 Second Low Heat Mode on your Gel Nail Lamp to reduce heat spikes.

If your nails do need a break, here's how to restore their strength and resilience:

1. Take a break from Gel Polish: Stop gel manicures until the damage has grown out, allowing the nail plate to regenerate naturally.
2. Keep nails short and protected: Trim regularly and file into a soft, rounded shape to reduce stress on fragile areas.
3. Moisturise daily: Apply Cuticle Oil and hand cream to keep nails nourished and flexible.
4. Avoid aggressive filing or buffing: Let ridges or white spots grow out naturally rather than buffing them smooth.
5. Protect from everyday damage: Wear gloves for household chores to protect nails from harsh chemicals.
6. Be patient: Nails grow around 3mm per month—full recovery can take several months.
7. Add support with Rubber Base Coat or Builder Gel: Once healthy enough, use Rubber Base for flexible support, then transition to Builder Gel for added strength and durability.

Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamps are safe when used as directed. Sunburn or skin damage would only occur after around 75 minutes of continuous exposure, which is far longer than the recommended use during a gel manicure.

All Gel Nail Lamps emit Ultraviolet-A (UVA) light to cure Gel Nail Polish. The Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp uses advanced LED bulbs that produce UVA light more efficiently than traditional UV bulbs, curing each coat in 60 seconds and reducing overall exposure time. These LED bulbs have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.

For extra protection, sunscreen can be applied to the hands 15–30 minutes before use, just as you would before outdoor sun exposure.

While Gelous Gel Nail Polish is 10-free and formulated to high safety and quality standards, a small number of people may develop an allergic reaction to certain ingredients—most commonly Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA).

HEMA is one of the smallest monomers used in gel nail chemistry, which allows it to bond more effectively to the natural nail than many alternatives. This helps prevent lifting and peeling while still enabling Gel Polish to be applied in thin, smooth layers that cure evenly under a Gel Nail Lamp.

When applied correctly, HEMA is safe for most users. However, repeated exposure to uncured Gel Polish can sometimes lead to allergic reactions, for example, if Gel Nail Polish touches the skin, coats are applied too thickly, or curing is incomplete. This may not cause immediate problems, but over time, the body can become sensitised, increasing the risk of developing an allergy.

How to Prevent Reactions:

• Apply carefully, avoiding skin contact. If any Gel Nail Polish touches the skin, clean it away immediately before curing using a Nail Polish Remover Pen or Nail Art Brush dipped in Nail Polish Remover.
• Always cure using the recommended times on the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp. Our formulas are developed specifically for its 365+405nm dual-wavelength technology to ensure complete, safe curing every time.
• Follow the recommended prep, application and removal steps to protect nail and skin health.

What to Look For:

• Redness, swelling, itching, or blistering around the nails or cuticles.
• Rashes or irritation on the hands or fingers.

If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using gel products immediately and allow the skin and nails to recover. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

We generally advise against giving children a gel manicure. Children's nails tend to be thinner and more flexible than adult nails, making them a poor foundation for Gel Nail Polish. There's also a higher risk of skin reactions, as younger skin is more sensitive, and children are more likely to pick or peel at loose edges rather than follow the correct removal process, which can damage the nail plate.

While the ingredients in Gelous Gel Nail Polish are safe for pregnant women, it’s important to understand that all gel polish can cause reactions if it comes into contact with your skin. Because skin is often more sensitive during pregnancy, the risk of irritation can be slightly higher.

To help reduce any risks and protect your nails during pregnancy:

• Always take care to avoid getting Gel Nail Polish on your skin.
• Ensure nail tools are new or sterilised to reduce any chance of irritation or infection.
• Always work in a well-ventilated area during application and removal.
• Wear Gelous Anti-UV Gloves or apply sunblock to the skin around your nails before curing under your UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
• During removal, use our high-quality Nail Polish Remover for the shortest possible time, and begin checking after 10 minutes to see if the Gel Nail Polish can be removed easily.
• For a faster removal alternative, consider our E-File Pen, which allows you to remove Gel Nail Polish efficiently without prolonged soaking.

To keep your gel manicure at its best for longer, follow these simple aftercare steps:

1. Wear Gloves for Household Tasks: Protect your nails from harsh soaps and chemicals by wearing gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening. These can weaken your manicure and lead to peeling or chipping.
2. Avoid Using Your Nails as Tools: Don’t use your nails to open cans, scratch off labels, or perform any tasks that put pressure on the tips. This can cause the polish to lift or the nail to break.
3. ApplyCuticle Oil Daily: Keep your nails and surrounding skin nourished by applying Cuticle Oil every day. This helps promote healthy nail growth, strengthens your nails, and maintains a glossy finish.
4. Use a Nourishing Hand Cream: Follow up with a good-quality hand cream to lock in moisture.
5. Avoid Hot Water and Steam: Hot baths, saunas, and prolonged hot water exposure, especially within the first 24–48 hours, can soften Gel Nail Polish and lead to lifting.
6. File Minor Chips Promptly: If a small chip occurs, gently file it smooth with the fine side of your Nail File. This can help prevent it from chipping further.
7. Never Peel OffGel Nail Polish: Peeling off your Gel Polish can damage the natural nail by pulling away layers of the nail plate along with the product. This weakens the nails, making them thin, brittle, and more prone to breakage or splitting. Always remove your gel manicure using the correct method outlined in our removal instructions.

If you’ve chipped one or two nails, you don’t need to redo your entire gel manicure.

Follow these quick and easy steps to fix it:

1. Using the 180 grit side of your Nail File, gently buff away the shiny Top Coat from the chipped area, and smooth the edges.
2. Wipe away any dust with a Lint Free Wipe moistened with Gel Nail Polish Remover, or use a Pure Acetone Wipe.
3. Apply a thin layer of Base Coat over the exposed area and the sides of the chip, then cure for 60 seconds.
4. Apply your Colour Coat in the same way, cure for 60 seconds, and repeat if needed for full coverage.
5. Finish with Gelous Top Coat in the same way, and cure for 60 seconds to seal it in.

Your fix might not be as flawless as your other nails, but it will blend in well and extend the life of your manicure.

Proper storage is essential to keep your UV-cured nail products in good condition and ensure they perform at their best.

Where to store:

• Store your products in a cool, dry, and climate-controlled area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them near windows or in rooms with strong natural light. Instead, choose a dark space like a drawer, box, or cupboard.
• Keep them out of bathrooms, where frequent temperature and humidity changes from showers, heaters, and hairdryers can shorten their lifespan.
• Always store bottles upright to prevent leaks and ingredient separation, which can make the product thick, uneven, or difficult to apply.

During use:

• When using UV-cured products, don’t work in direct sunlight or too close to your Gel Nail Lamp while it's turned on. These products are sensitive to UV light, and even small amounts of exposure can start the curing process prematurely.

After use:

• Wipe the neck and rim of each bottle after use using a Lint Free Wipe.
• For stubborn product around the neck and rim, dampen the wipe with Gel Nail Polish Remover.
• Always screw lids on tightly after use to keep contents airtight and prevent drying.

To make your gel manicure last longer, focus on thorough nail prep, avoiding Gel Nail Polish on the cuticles or skin, applying thin coats, proper curing under the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp, and good aftercare. Small improvements in prep and technique make the biggest difference to wear time.

If your first few manicures don't last as long as expected, don't be disheartened—small details in prep and technique make all the difference. It gets easier with practice.

Tips and tricks:

• Read our Application Guide and watch our YouTube tutorials before starting.
• Always use Gelous Base Coat, Colour Coat, Top Coat, and Gel Nail Lamp together. Our Gel Nail Polish and Gel Nail Lamp are formulated to work as a system, curing at 365+405nm for a safe and effective cure. Avoid mixing brands, as incompatible lamps or polishes can under-cure, leading to poor wear, lifting, or potential nail and skin damage.
• Address weak or flexible nails. If your nails are naturally weak or bend easily, Gel Nail Polish may not hold properly and can crack or lift. Start by applying a layer of Rubber Base Coat to add flexibility and improve adhesion. If additional strength is needed, apply one or two thin coats of Builder Gel. As your nails grow longer, you can also build an apex with Builder Gel to improve structure and durability.
• Nail prep is critical for long-lasting wear. Apply Cuticle Remover to loosen overgrown cuticle and the eponychium, then gently push it back with a Cuticle Pusher, or Orangewood Cuticle Stick. Trim and shape your nails, then gently buff the nail surface with the fine side of a Nail File, removing any shine. 
• Clean nails thoroughly after buffing, as any residual buffing dust, oil or other contaminants can reduce adhesion and affect the longevity of your Gel Nail Polish. Brush away buffing dust with the Dust Brush, then apply Gel Nail Polish Remover to a Lint Free Wipe, or use a Pure Acetone Wipe to thoroughly clean the surface of your nails. Pay attention to the area under your nails and around the cuticles.
• Apply pH Bond to dehydrate the nail plate, followed by a thin layer of Nail Primer to ensure maximum adhesion.
• Apply Gel Nail Polish in thin, even coats. Take care around the cuticles and sidewalls, where product can build up and cause lifting. Remove excess Gel Nail Polish from the brush by circling it around the inside of the bottle neck before applying.
• Cap each coat of Gel Nail Polish by running the brush horizontally across the free edge of your nail. For shorter nails, use a Nail Art Brush to cap cleanly.
• When applying, start in the centre of the nail then gently push the Gel Nail Polish toward the cuticle without touching it. Leave a thin gap between the Gel Polish and cuticle when applying to avoid lifting as your nail plate grows.
• Aim to avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin or cuticle, however if you do, remove it before curing with an Nail Polish Remover Pen, Orangewood Cuticle Stick, Nail Art Brush or Silicone Tool. 
• Avoid washing dishes or using cleaning products without gloves.
• Use Cuticle Oil regularly to keep your nails looking fresh for longer.
• If you notice a snag, gently file it down to prevent catching and further damage.

Your Base Coat and Colour Coat should remain a little sticky after curing. This tacky layer helps the next coat adhere properly. As long as you’re applying thin, even layers and curing for the full 60 seconds, both coats will be fully cured.

Your Top Coat, however should cure to a smooth, hard finish after 60 seconds under the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp, leaving no stickiness behind.

A brief heat sensation can occur during curing due to a chemical reaction as the Gel Nail Polish changes from liquid to solid. This reaction releases heat and can feel stronger on thin or damaged nails, or when Gel Polish is applied too thickly. Applying thin layers, using compatible products, and selecting the low-heat curing mode can help reduce this sensation.

To minimise heat spikes:

• Apply Gel Nail Polish in thin, even coats.
• Avoid getting Gel Nail Polish on your skin.
• Only use Gelous brand products for compatibility.
• Make sure your nail plate is healthy—avoid over-buffing, harsh chemicals without gloves, frequent removal, or incorrect removal.
• Use the low heat mode on the Gel Nail Lamp by pressing the 99S Low Heat Mode button to cure at 12W for 50 seconds, then 24W for 49 seconds, for a gentler curing process.

Gel Nail Polish is naturally thicker than regular nail polish—especially formulas like Glitter Gel Nail Polish, Builder Gel and Rubber Base Coat.

To make your Gel Polish easier to manage:

• Turn the closed bottle upside down and roll it between your hands (don't shake). The heat from your hands will help to warm and thin out the Gel Nail Polish. 
• When applying your Gel Nail Polish, wipe the brush against the neck of the bottle to remove excess Gel Polish.
• Place the closed Gel Nail Polish bottle in a cup of hot water for a minute or so, then roll it between your hands. Be careful—the bottle may be hot.
• Store your Gel Polish in a cool, dark place, as heat and light exposure can thicken the formula over time.

Yes, you can place an order as a guest without creating an account. We do recommend that you create an account, as this allows you to check your order history, save your payment details, save your address details, save your wishlist and save your shopping basket. 

It’s quick and easy to create an account. Just click here and follow the instructions on-screen.

Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page and click ‘Check out as guest’. You’ll still be able to use your Gelous account, but you’ll have the option to choose a different payment method such as Afterpay, PayPal, Zip, POLi, and more.

This email is automatically sent to the email address used at checkout. If you haven’t received your order confirmation within 24 hours, please check your spam or junk folder.

If you still can’t find it, get in touch with us at info@gelous.co with your order number. If you don’t have your order number, please include your full name, shipping address, and phone number so we can help locate your order.

Yes, if you’re in Auckland. To place a click & collect order, select the pick-up option during the 'Information' step at checkout.

Pick-up orders are processed first thing the following business day. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready. If you need your order sooner, please contact us.

Once ready, orders can be collected from Gelous, 3A Whetu Place, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand. Please bring your order number (starting with #GLS) when collecting.

You can purchase the full Gelous range at our Auckland store, where you’ll find complete displays of all Gel Nail Polish colours, Nail Art Supplies, Tools, and Accessories.

Our store is located at Gelous, 3A Whetu Place, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand, with Afterpay, EFTPOS, and cash available.

We are open:

• Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm
• Sat-Sun: 9:00am-3:00pm

Spend over $100 to receive free shipping across New Zealand or Australia. To qualify, your cart total must be over the threshold after any discount codes are applied and before shipping fees are added.

You can view shipping information including processing times, shipping times and pricing here.

You can view returns information here.

Orders can be altered prior to processing. Please note that once your order has been assigned a tracking number or shipped, we're unable to make any changes. For alterations to be processed, our customer service team must first receive and confirm your request. If your order ships before we can review your email, we won’t be able to make any changes. To ensure faster assistance, please call us during our office hours. Products can be returned for store credit if they meet the guidelines in our Returns Policy. 

Adding or Swapping Products

Additional costs can be paid via any of our standard payment methods. Orders will not be shipped until any additional payments are received.

Removing Products

If you request to remove products from your order within one hour of it being placed, we are able to offer a full refund. A refund takes 5-10 business days to be processed.

How to Add, Remove or Swap Products

You can email us at info@gelous.co to request to add, remove or swap products in your order. 

Orders can be cancelled prior to shipment. For the quickest response and to avoid disappointment, please contact our customer service team by phone during office hours. Alternatively, you can email us at info@gelous.co with your order number. If you don’t have the order number, please include your shipping address, phone number, and full name. Please be aware there may be a delay in response via email, and we are unable to make any changes once your order has been shipped.

Within 1 Hour

If you cancel within one hour of placing your order, you’ll receive a full refund. Refunds typically take 5-10 business days to process.

After 1 Hour, Before Shipment

If you cancel before your order has been assigned a tracking number, we can offer store credit or a refund. Store credit takes 1-3 business days to process and is valid for 3 years. Refunds are processed within 3-7 business days.

If an address is input incorrectly or without appropriate detail, we take no responsibility or liability for the customer not receiving their product. If you contact us before your order is processed we will do our best to update this prior to shipment. 

Changes Before Shipment

For address changes prior to shipment email info@gelous.co.

Changes After Shipment

For address changes after shipment, check your tracking to find out which company your order has been shipped with and contact them directly for the fastest result.

You can apply your discount code after clicking 'checkout' from your cart.

You cannot use a discount code: 

• More than once (excluding kit, bundle and sale discount codes). 
• In conjunction with another discount code (excluding kit or bundle discount codes).
• On gift cards (you can use a gift card in conjunction with a discount code when purchasing).

Percentage Off Discount Codes

• If you haven't added your Percentage Off Discount Code at checkout, you can email us at info@gelous.co to receive the value of the discount as store credit.
• We are unable to offer you store credit after the discount code has expired.

Buy One Get One Free Discount Codes

• If you haven't added your Buy One Get One Free Discount Code at checkout, you can email us at info@gelous.co to add this.
• Please include the free item you would like if applicable.
• We are unable to add Buy One Get One Free Discount Codes after the discount code has expired.
• If your order has been shipped and you would still like to receive your free item, you will be charged for the shipping.

Join The Gelous It List, our exclusive loyalty program, and enjoy 10% off your first order. You'll also be the first to hear about sales and promotions, and start earning points with every purchase—redeemable for $10, $15, $20, or $30 vouchers.

Plus, take advantage of ongoing savings with our discounted Bundles.

Yes, Gift Cards are a form of payment. Simply enter the Gift Card code in the 'Gift card or discount code' box and press 'Apply'.

Each country has different recycling rules. See your local government website for more information:

Helpful links:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• United States
• British Columbia, Canada
• Toronto, Canada
• Quebec, Canada
• United Kingdom

Sustainability is an ongoing focus at Gelous, from how our products are packaged to how they’re made.

Product Packaging

All Gelous products are now packaged in cardboard, a far more sustainable option than plastic packaging. This change helps reduce our environmental footprint and supports a cleaner, greener future for all.

Order Packaging

All orders are protected with eco-friendly Geami WrapPak and FillPak and shipped in cardboard cartons or recycled courier bags. 

Our courier bags are made from 100% recycled post consumer and post industrial plastic waste. Even the removable adhesive backing and the inner bag is made from recycled plastic! After use, these can be recycled where soft plastics are accepted.

Products

Gelous supports the progression of the beauty industry by offering products that are vegan, cruelty free and non-toxic. Our Gel Nail Polish is 10-free which means it is free from common toxic nail polish ingredients including Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Parabens, Fragrances, Phthalates, animal testing & animal-derived ingredients.

We are certified vegan and cruelty-free by New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS).

Yes, we offer 20% off for qualified nail technicians and salons on orders over $300. If you're interested in taking advantage of this professional discount, complete the form here.

Yes, offer wholesale pricing based on purchase quantity and monthly spend. If you’re interested in becoming a Gelous stockist for your retail store, online store, or salon, complete the form here.