Nail polish gel

Market Insights on Gel Nail Polish

Market Size: The global market for gel nail polish is anticipated to reach $5.18 billion by 2024, with a robust annual growth rate of 8.39%, projected to elevate the market volume to $7.75 billion by 2029. In the United States alone, revenue in the nails market is expected to hit $1.29 billion in 2024 and grow at a rate of 7.36%, reaching $1.84 billion by 2029. This growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in at-home nail care and the popularity of gel formulations that offer long-lasting wear.

Consumer Insights: The demographic for gel nail polish predominantly includes young adults aged 18-34, who are motivated by product efficacy, the appeal of DIY beauty solutions, and the desire for cruelty-free and vegan formulations. A significant portion of consumers is seeking products that are not only visually appealing but also safe and easy to use at home. Moreover, with the rise in demand for personalized beauty experiences, there is an opportunity for brands to address unmet needs, such as hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin.

Top Brands Dynamics and Innovators: Leading brands like Sally Hansen and OPI are innovating within the gel nail polish space, focusing on formulations that enhance user experience. New product launches include collections that emphasize emotional well-being and artistic expression, such as the Beetles Gel Polish Emotional Spectrum Collection, which combines colors with psychological benefits. Additionally, the introduction of products like Fabled Gemgel, infused with genuine gemstones, reflects a growing trend towards multifunctional beauty items that combine aesthetic appeal with holistic health considerations.

Types of gel polishes

• Classic Gel Polish:

  Traditional nail polish gel offers a durable finish and a wide range of colors. The formula is smooth and easy to apply, giving a salon-like finish. It usually requires UV or LED light curing to seal the polish for lasting wear. These polishes are famous for their long-lasting color and shine, often lasting up to two weeks or more without chipping. However, removal typically requires soaking the nails in acetone or special gel remover products to remove the stubborn layer.

• Soak-Off Gel Polish:

  This type can be soaked off with special solutions instead of using harsh chemicals like acetone. They are usually marketed as "soak-off" formulas and are designed to be more user-friendly for at-home removal. These polishes are often made with less stubborn ingredients, allowing them to lift off the nail easily with a soak in warm water or a cotton ball soaked in a gel remover. The benefit is that nails can quickly change color without using harsh chemicals that damage the nail bed.

• Shellac:

  This is a hybrid between traditional nail polish and gel, providing the best of both worlds. It usually dries quickly like regular polish but offers the long-lasting wear of gel. Shellac is a patented formula that combines regular nail polish and gel. It is applied like traditional nail polish but cured under UV lights in salons to create a chip-resistant, long-lasting manicure. Because it uses less harsh chemicals than other gel types, Shellac is less likely to weaken nails. However, the color range may be more limited than other gel systems.

• 3D Gel Polish:

  This innovative polish has raised, textured designs like rhinestones or glitter particles suspended in the formula. It requires only one application step - no separate curing under lights needed - making it convenient for busy users. The long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure looks professional without multiple product layers. While more costly than regular polish, 3D gel offers unique dimension effects that are worth a closer look for special events or when an eye-catching finish is desired. Examples include gradient or ombre styles and artistic patterns that stand out.

• LED Gel Polish:

  This gel polish is cured with special LED lights, which is faster than traditional UV gels. The formulas are often more flexible, so they cure completely when exposed for a short time under the new LED lamps. One advantage of LED gels is that they harden quickly, usually within 30 seconds to 1 minute max, compared to 2-3 minutes for older UV types. This means less time spent under the lights between coats. However, not all brands of gel nails are compatible with both UV and LED lights, so it's important to check labels.

• PolyGel:

  PolyGel combines properties of acrylic and hard gel into a moldable product that creates strong, natural-looking nails. It comes in a tube and can be shaped easily on the nail bed with a brush and alcohol. Unlike other gels, PolyGel doesn't require curing under lamps. Its unique formula stays soft until fully hardened by exposure to air. One benefit is that nails can be sculpted with minimal mess from excess product. Since no lights are needed, applications are also faster. However, special PolyGel colors are required to create nail enhancements like tips or extensions.

How to choose gel polishes

Wholesale buyers should consider these factors when choosing gel nail polish for their businesses.

• Types of Gel Polish

  There are different kinds of gel nail polish. Each type offers a unique user experience. Regular gel polish is the most common type. It is thick and requires a special UV/LED lamp for curing. Builder gel is thicker than regular gel polish. It helps to strengthen weak and natural nails. This gel is ideal for making long acrylic nails. So, buyers should stock up on builder gel in addition to regular gel polish. Another type of gel is the nail extension gel. It combines gel and acrylic. Nail extension gel makes creating nail extensions easy. Finally, buyers should consider buying one-coat gel polishes. They cure after applying just one coat instead of two or three coats.

• Variety of Colors

  Buyers should find suppliers that offer different gel polish colors. A diverse range of shades attracts more clients. Ensure that the supplier offers neutral, vibrant, classic, and trendy colors. Also, check if they provide different kinds of finishes, like matte, glitter, or luminous. This way, buyers can purchase various gel polish, which will appeal to different tastes.

• Quality and Reputation

  It is vital to choose gel polishes from reputable brands. After all, the goal is to offer high-quality products to clients. The gel polish should not peel off easily or cause skin damage. Also, the polish should cure fast and have a pleasant smell. Read the reviews of different suppliers to learn about their reputation. Talk to their customer support to ask questions about their products. Check their certificates to ensure that the products meet the required industry standards.

• Trends and Innovations

  Beauty products change due to new trends and innovations. Therefore, it is vital to choose suppliers that keep up with the latest gel nail polish trends. For instance, sustainable gel polishes are popular because they have a low impact on the environment. They also contain fewer harmful chemicals. So, buyers should stock these gel polishes. Also, watch out for new colors, textures, and nail art designs.

How to use, install, and product safety

• Preparation

  Start by removing any old polish using a gentle nail polish remover. Next, wash one's hands and nails with soap and water, then dry them thoroughly. Push back the cuticles with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick after placing the fingers on the hand for about five minutes to let them absorb moisture. This process will help prep the nails for a fresh coat of gel polish.

• Base Coat Application

  Using a nail gel brush, apply a thin layer of gel base coat evenly to each nail, avoiding the cuticles and sidewalls. The base coat creates a smooth nail canvas while preventing staining and increasing the longevity of the gel manicure. Cure the base coat under the UV/LED nail lamp for 30 seconds or according to the instructions on the gel polish bottle to harden it.

• Colored Gel Polish Application

  Apply a thin layer of your chosen colored gel polish to all ten nails after curing the base coat. Start at the nail's center and brush it toward the cuticle and sidewalls. Choose any color of gel nail polish, and remember that light colors require an additional coat for full coverage. Cure the lamp for 30 seconds after this first layer. Apply a second layer of gel color polish and cure it again, bringing the total number of coats up to two. Do not forget to seal the free edge of each nail with every layer to prevent chipping.

• Top Coat Application

  Once the final colored polish layer is cured, apply a gel top coat to all ten nails. The gel top coat provides shine and protects against fading and chipping. Cure the top coat under the lamp for 30 seconds. Do not forget to cure the nails thoroughly as instructed on the gel polish brand.

• Finishing Touches

  After curing the top coat, take off the sticky layer on the nails by wiping each one with a lint-free wipe or cotton ball that's been lightly dampened with nail polish remover. Apply cuticle oil to all ten nails to hydrate the cuticles and surrounding skin. Massage the oil into the cuticles for a minute. A gel manicure usually lasts two to three weeks without chipping or peeling.

Functions, features, and design of gel nail polishes

Although there are many different kinds of nail polish gels in the market, they all share similar functions, features, and designs that make them stand out.

Function

• Long-lasting

  The primary function of gel nail polish is its long-lasting ability. Unlike regular nail polish, gel nail polish can last for weeks without chipping. This is because it is cured under a UV or LED lamp, which hardens the polish and makes it more resistant to wear and tear.

• Quick-drying

  Gel nail polish is also quick-drying, which is another benefit. The curing process under the lamp dries the polish within minutes, so there is no need to wait for it to air dry. This is very convenient for busy people who do not have the time to wait for their nails to dry.

• Nail art

  Another function of gel nail polish is that it can be used for nail art. Many different types of gel polishes can be used to create designs and patterns. This is because they are thicker and easier to work with. One can use them to create 3D designs or drawings on the nails.

Features

• Wide color range

  One of the main features of gel nail polish is the wide range of colors available. From bright and bold to subtle and nude, there is a color for everyone. This makes it easy to switch up nail colors depending on the mood or occasion.

• Easy to apply

  Gel nail polish is also easy to apply, which is another advantage. The brush is similar to that of regular nail polish, and the consistency is also the same. However, it is important to note that gel nail polish must be used with a base and top coat to achieve the best results.

Design

• Packaging

  Gel nail polishes are well-packaged in small, glass bottles similar to regular nail polish. They have a wide variety of unique and creative designs that make them stand out.

Q&A

Q1. What is the shelf life of gel polishes?

A1. The average shelf life of gel nail polish ranges from 1 to 2 years. However, the shelf life depends on the ingredients, the brand, and the type. For example, beginners' gel nail kits usually have a shorter shelf life because they contain a lot of chemicals.

Q2. How to store gel nail polish?

A2. Proper storage can increase the shelf life of gel polishes. They should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Exposure to direct sunlight can affect the formula and cause it to thicken. They should be stored upright to prevent leakage from the bottle. Always make sure the lids are tightly closed. Gel polishes are sensitive to air and can dry out quickly.

Q3. Are there gel polishes that cure without a lamp?

A3. Yes, there are gel polishes that cure without UV or LED lamps. They are called air dry gel polishes. They are different from traditional gel polishes because they cure and dry on their own. This makes them a convenient and practical option for users.

Q4. What are the trends in gel polish colors?

A4. Just like any other type of nail polish, there are trends in gel polish colors. Currently, buyers prefer natural nude shades, pastels, and vibrant colors. Other popular options include glitter and metallic finishes, as well as seasonal and thematic designs.