If you have ever watched a nail technician work, you have probably noticed that they always apply a clear coat first, then the color, and finally another clear coat on top. Two extra steps, and they look almost identical. But are they really necessary? The answer is yes, yes, yes. The two unsung heroes of […]
Jahr: 2026
How often should you take a break from gel nails?
Let’s face it—gel polish has changed the face of nail artistry forever. It’s given us long-lasting, high-gloss color in a range of shades from classic and elegant to wild and crazy, and has eliminated the need for constant touch-ups. Plus, even builder gels come in a range of fun colors so you can add a […]
What is HEMA-free gel polish? Is it better for you?
And then, it’s most likely that you’ve heard of the term “HEMA-free gel polish” more often in your favorite salons, stores, or even online forums. For several years now, gel polish has been the most sought-after product for individuals who wish to achieve long-lasting, glossy, and perfectly manicured nails. However, with the increasing number of […]
Can You Mix gel Polish Colors?
When it comes to at-home manicures as well as professional nail art, gel polish has certainly become the rage in the beauty world, providing long-lasting wear, shine, and color payoff that surpasses the competition in the form of traditional nail polish. For the individual who enjoys changing up their nail color as well as self-expression, […]
How to remove builder gel?
Builder gel has lived up to its reputation as one of the essential products that everyone needs to have in the nail world, and it is loved for its incredible strength, long-lasting wear, and beautiful glossy shine. Whether you’re looking to add length to your nails, repair weak and brittle natural nails, or build a […]
Can gel nails cause onycholysis?
Understanding Onycholysis — and Its Link to Gel Polish Ingredients nail bed has become compromised through an allergic reaction, lifting becomes a recurring, frustrating problem. I’ve had clients come in whose nails have been lifting within a week of being done, no matter where they got them done. In some instances, the culprit has turned […]

Salon Gel Polish Goes 21-Free: How the Clean Beauty Standard Is Reshaping the Professional Nail Market in 2026
The professional nail market is shifting decisively toward 21-free and HEMA-free gel polish in 2026. With the global vegan cosmetics market projected to reach USD 5.75 billion this year and EU TPO restrictions in force, salons that have not yet switched are falling behind client expectations.

BIAB and Builder Gel Take Over European Salons in 2026 as Clients Demand Stronger, Healthier Nails
Builder gel and BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) have become the most talked-about salon services of 2026 in Europe and the US. Driven by the Clean Girl aesthetic and demand for 4-week wear without damage, the category is reshaping salon menus from Berlin to London.

UK Sets August 2026 Deadline for TPO-Free Gel Polish as Nail Industry Races to Comply
UK regulators have confirmed that manufacturers must remove TPO from gel nail products by 15 August 2026. With six months remaining, brands including The GelBottle Inc and Glossify are accelerating reformulation — and salon owners face an urgent stock audit.

Can You Skip Base Coat for Nail Art? Are Base Coat and Top Coat Important?
Hi everyone, I’m Starry. Okay, let’s get to the point. Can we skip the base coat for nail art? Which top coat do we use—wipe-on or no-wipe? And what if our base coat does not dry at all—have we fallen victim to a fake product? Today, we’re going to cover all the essential information we […]
