Essential things for Gelpolish application

Starting your journey as a nail stylist is exciting, creative, and full of opportunity—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools and products. With so many options available on the market, how do you know what’s truly essential for delivering a flawless Gelpolish service?

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide: to help you get started with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a student just beginning your training, a self-taught enthusiast, or preparing to take your first clients, this list covers all the must-have items you’ll need for a clean, professional, and long-lasting Gelpolish application.

From lamps and files to prep liquids and brushes, we’ll walk you through each product’s role in your kit and why it matters. Whether you’re building your starter kit from scratch or reviewing your setup to make sure nothing’s missing — this guide is made for you.

1. Nail Cleanser

Before you apply anything, you need a clean canvas. A nail cleanser removes oils, dust, and residue from the natural nail plate, helping products adhere better and last longer. Magnetic has a product called PREP & WIPE – this liquid is to prep the nail , remove dust and also wipe off a sticky layer if needed.

2. Lint-Free Nail Wipes

Regular cotton pads can leave fibers behind — not ideal. Use lint-free wipes to avoid imperfections in your polish.

3. Gloves

It’s important to protect your hands from dust, chemicals, and light exposure during every service. For this reason, nitrile gloves are a popular and practical choice among professional nail technicians. Not only are they durable and comfortable, but they also provide excellent protection without compromising dexterity.

4. Cuticle Pusher & 5. Cuticle Nipper

Proper cuticle prep is crucial for clean work and longer-lasting manicures. A metal cuticle pusher helps gently push back the cuticle, while the nipper removes any excess skin for a tidy nail plate.

6. Dust Brush

After filing or buffing, use a firm dust brush to remove debris from the nails and surrounding skin. The brush shouldn’t be very soft, and not like a makeup brush. It is important that you can clean the brush when needed. It is much harder to clean and remove all nail dust from soft bristles (like makeup brushes have)

7. Nail Files

Next, you’ll need a variety of nail files to suit different steps of the Gelpolish application. For example, a 180/220 grit file is ideal for shaping natural nails and gently refining the surface without causing damage. Specifically, the 220 grit side is perfect for prepping the natural nail surface, while the 180 grit side works well for shaping and can also be used to remove artificial product when needed.

8. Primer

A nail primer improves adhesion and helps prevent lifting. Be sure to apply it sparingly and only on the natural nail.

9. Base Coat, 10. Gelpolish Colours & 11. Top Coat

These are your core products:

Base Coat: Creates a strong foundation and protects the natural nail.

When it comes to colour, always choose high-quality Gelpolishes with strong pigmentation. This is important because well-pigmented products allow you to achieve vibrant, even coverage without applying multiple layers. Applying too many layers not only wastes time but can also result in a thick, uneven, and unattractive finish.

To finish your application, a good top coat is essential. It not only locks in your color but also adds the desired effect—whether that’s a high-gloss shine or a modern matte finish. In short, it seals the look and protects your manicure from chipping or dulling.

12. UV/LED Nail Lamp

You’ll need a reliable UV/LED lamp that fully cures your products. Choose a lamp that matches the brand of gel polish you use, and always follow the recommended cure times.

13. Table Lamp

Good lighting is non-negotiable. A professional table lamp (ideally with adjustable brightness and a daylight color temperature) helps you see details clearly and work safely.

14. Cuticle Oil

After the manicure is done, always finish with a nourishing cuticle oil. It hydrates the skin, promotes nail health, and gives your set that polished, professional look.

 Summary Checklist for Beginners:

Nail Cleanser

Lint-Free Wipes

Gloves

Cuticle Pusher & Nipper

Dust Brush

Nail Files

Primer

Base Coat

Gelpolish Colours

Top Coat

UV/LED Nail Lamp

Table Lamp

Cuticle Oil

Starting with the right tools not only makes your job easier, but also sets the standard for clean, long-lasting, salon-quality results. Over time, as you grow in your journey and gain more experience, your technique and product preferences will naturally evolve. However, this solid foundation will support you every step of the way.