what gel nail polish do salons use? | Insights by Hanyinails
- Professional Gel Nail Polish Brands: A Comprehensive Guide for Salon Owners and Technicians
- 1. What Are the Top Gel Nail Polish Brands Used by Salons?
- 2. How Long Does Gel Nail Polish Typically Last?
- 3. Are There Gel Nail Polishes That Are Free from Harmful Chemicals?
- 4. What Are the Differences Between LED and UV Lamps for Curing Gel Polish?
- 5. Can Gel Nail Polish Be Removed at Home Safely?
- Conclusion: Why Choose Hanyinails?
Professional Gel Nail Polish Brands: A Comprehensive Guide for Salon Owners and Technicians
When it comes to providing clients with durable, vibrant, and long-lasting manicures, selecting the right gel nail polish is paramount. Salons often choose brands that offer superior quality, a wide range of colors, and formulations that promote nail health. Below, we address five common questions to guide your purchasing decisions in the nail gel industry.
1. What Are the Top Gel Nail Polish Brands Used by Salons?
Salons typically categorize their inventory into two types: Retail Giants (for brand recognition) and Manufacturer-Direct Brands (for profitability and customization).
Here are the top players dominating the salon market in 2025:
-
Hanyinails (The Smart Business Choice): For salons looking to build their own brand or maximize profit margins without sacrificing quality. Hanyinails offers OEM/ODM services with a library of 6,000+ colors. Known for high-gloss formulas and ISO-certified manufacturing, it is the go-to for businesses seeking wholesale gel polish solutions.
-

-
OPI GelColor: A household name famous for its heavily pigmented shades and matching lacquers. It is a staple for clients who buy based on brand familiarity.
-
CND Shellac: The original "power polish." Salons prefer it for clients with weak nails due to its gentle removal process, though it creates a thinner coat than traditional gels.
-
Gelish: The pioneer of brush-in-bottle gels. Gelish is favored for its robust durability and compatibility with various LED lamps.
-
DND (Daisy Nail Design): A budget-friendly favorite in many busy salons. DND is known for offering duo-packs (gel + lacquer) that provide excellent value for money.
-
Kiara Sky: Popular on social media for their dip powders and "Gelly Tips," their gel polish line is highly pigmented and trend-focused.
Expert Insight: While big brands offer recognition, many top-tier salons now partner directly with manufacturers like Hanyinails to create Private Label lines, allowing them to offer exclusive colors and increase brand loyalty.
👉 Read More: Top 10 Nail Gel Polish Manufacturers You Can Trust
2. How Long Does Gel Nail Polish Typically Last?
A standard answer is "2 to 3 weeks," but for a professional salon service, the benchmark is higher. High-quality salon gels should maintain their shine and integrity for 21+ days.
Key Factors Influencing Longevity:
-
Formula Quality: Premium gels (like those produced by Hanyinails) use high-quality resins that provide flexibility, preventing cracking when the natural nail bends.
-
Nail Prep: 90% of lifting issues are due to improper prep. Dehydrating the nail plate and using a pH bonder is crucial.
-
Base Coat Adhesion: The base coat is the anchor. Salons use rubber base coats or structure gels to add strength for clients with brittle nails.
2025 Industry Stat: A survey by the Professional Beauty Association indicates that 78% of clients switch salons if their gel manicure chips within the first 10 days. Quality matters.
3. Are There Gel Nail Polishes That Are Free from Harmful Chemicals?
Yes, and this is the fastest-growing trend in the nail industry. Modern clients are educated; they demand "Clean Beauty" products.
What to Look For:
-
HEMA-Free Formulas: HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is the #1 allergen in nail products. Hanyinails specializes in HEMA-Free gel polish, which significantly reduces the risk of skin irritation and allergies for both technicians and clients.
-
21-Free & TPO-Free: Top-tier brands now exclude chemicals like Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, and TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide).
-
Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Ensuring no animal testing and no animal-derived ingredients is now a standard requirement for premium salon menus.
Why Hanyinails? Our R&D team prioritizes eco-friendly formulas that pass rigorous FDA and CE standards, ensuring your salon stays compliant and safe.
4. What Are the Differences Between LED and UV Lamps for Curing Gel Polish?
Understanding curing technology is vital for preventing under-cured gel, which causes lifting and allergies.
-
LED Lamps (The Salon Standard):
-
Time: Cures gel in 30-60 seconds.
-
Wavelength: Narrow spectrum (365nm - 405nm).
-
Pros: Faster turnover means more clients per day; bulbs last up to 50,000 hours.
-
-
UV Lamps (Traditional):
-
Time: Takes 2-3 minutes per coat.
-
Wavelength: Broad spectrum.
-
Cons: Bulbs need replacing every few months; heat spikes are more common.
-
Pro Tip: Most modern professional gels, including Hanyinails collections, are formulated to be LED/UV Curable, but optimizing for LED increases salon efficiency by 50%.
5. Can Gel Nail Polish Be Removed at Home Safely?
While salons prefer professional removal to upsell services, educating clients on safe home removal builds trust and saves their nail health.
The Safe Soak-Off Method:
-
File: Gently break the top coat seal with a 180-grit file.
-
Soak: Saturate cotton in 100% Acetone (not standard remover).
-
Wrap: Secure with foil for 10-15 minutes.
-
Push: The gel should crumble off. Never force it.
-
Hydrate: Apply cuticle oil immediately.
Salon Secret: Using a "Peel-off Base Coat" or specific "Easy Soak-Off" formulas (available via Hanyinails OEM) can make this process faster and less damaging.
Conclusion: Why Choose Hanyinails?
Knowing what gel polish salons use is only the first step. For salon owners and wholesalers, the secret to success lies in sourcing high-quality, safe, and cost-effective products.
Hanyinails goes beyond being just a supplier. We are your partner in growth.
-
Customization: Build your own brand with our OEM/ODM solutions.
-
Innovation: Access the latest trends like Magic Poke Gel and HEMA-Free formulas.
-
Support: From logo design to global logistics, we handle it all.
Ready to upgrade your salon's offerings? 👉 Contact Hanyinails Today for a free consultation and sample kit.
Boosting Salon Revenue: The Ultimate Guide to Upselling Cuticle Oil for Nails (2026 Strategic Plan)
Top Benefits of Magic Poke Gel Polish for Creative Nail Artists
Toxic-Free Glam: Top 10 Vegan & Organic Salon Gel Nail Polishes Experts Swear By (2026 Guide)
Soft Gel Nail Tips Kit vs. Acrylics: Which Method is Better for Your Nails? (2026 Comparison)
Magic Poke Gel Polish vs Regular Gel: What's the Real Difference?
HEMA-Free Gel Polish
Can I mix HEMA and HEMA-free products?
We don’t recommend it. Cross-contamination may:
Trigger allergies
Reduce HEMA-free benefits
Stick to one system per service.
Are HEMA-free gels as durable as regular gels?
Yes! Modern HEMA-free formulas:
Last 14-21 days with proper application
Resist chipping/peeling
Offer comparable shine
Pro Tip: Prep (dehydrate/buff) is extra important for adhesion.
For Customization
How many gel nail polish colors can Hayi Offer?
Simplify Your Color Selection: Expert Recommendations for Buyers
With 5,000+ stunning shades in our collection, we understand that choosing the perfect colors can feel overwhelming. That’s why we recommend curated selections tailored to your needs—whether you’re a salon owner, nail artist, or reseller.
🎨 How to Navigate Our Color Range
1. Start with Best-Sellers (Top 50 Colors)
✔ Timeless Classics – Nudes, reds, pinks, and blacks that never go out of style.
✔ Salon Favorites – High-demand shades for client bookings.
✔ Low Risk, High Reward – Proven to sell quickly.
2. Seasonal Collections (Pre-Curated Palettes)
✔ Spring/Summer – Bright corals, pastels, and neon trends.
✔ Fall/Winter – Deep berries, metallics, and moody tones.
✔ Holiday Editions – Glitters, reds, and greens for festive looks.
3. By Finish (Simplify Your Search)
• Sheers & Nudes – Perfect for French manicures.
• Glitters & Shimmers – Eye-catching party shades.
• Mattes & Crellies – Modern, velvety looks.
• Special Effects – Cat eye, thermal, glow-in-the-dark.
How do you do Customization of our Brand?
Your Brand, Your Vision: Private Label Customization Services
At Hanyi, we help you create a unique, professional nail product line with our full private label customization options. Whether you're a salon owner, beauty influencer, or startup brand, we provide high-quality OEM/ODM solutions to match your branding perfectly.
Customization Options
1. Logo & Branding Application
✔ Silk Print (Permanent) – Direct printing on bottles/jars for a sleek, high-end look.
✔ Sticker Labels (Removable) – Easy-to-apply labels for flexible branding updates.
✔ Laser Engraving – Premium, scratch-resistant branding (ideal for luxury lines).
2. Custom Packaging
✔ Jars & Bottles – Choose from various sizes (5ml-30ml), shapes (round, square, dropper), and materials (glass/plastic).
✔ Boxes & Sleeves – Design eco-friendly or luxury packaging with your logo & artwork.
✔ Color Matching – Pantone color accuracy for brand consistency.
3. Formula Customization
✔ Gel Polishes – Create your signature shades (sheer, opaque, glitter, thermal, etc.).
✔ Builder Gels (BIAB, Rubber Base) – Adjust viscosity, flexibility, and opacity.
✔ Special Effects – Cat eye, magnetic, glow-in-the-dark, and more!
Process Overview
Consultation – Discuss your branding & product needs.
Sample Development – Receive prototypes for approval.
Mass Production – We manufacture your custom order.
Quality Check – Ensure consistency before shipping.
Delivery – Shipped worldwide via Express or Sea DDP.
⏳ Estimated Time: 10-35 days (faster options available).
💰 Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Standard Private Label: 100 units per shade/packaging type
Fully Custom Formulas: 5,000+ units (depending on complexity)
For After-sales
What can I do if the gel nail polish colors don't match what l purchased?
If you think you have received the wrong set you ordered, please contact our customer support team and we will get back to yousoon.lf it is the corect product but you are unsatisfied with the color match, we work very hard to closely match each color to adigital replication for our image. lt is impossible to match an exact color with any digitalrepresentation of a physical product;however, we have worked closely on each set making sure that each color is as close as it can be to the color in the bottle.lfyou arestill unsatisfied, please contact us. We are here to help and make it right in any way!
Recommended for You
🔑 Key Features:
-
🌸 Vibrant Pitaya Pink Color—Trendy and bold, perfect for all skin tones and seasons.
-
💅 Long-Lasting Formula—Stays chip-free for up to 21 days with proper application.
-
✨ High Gloss Finish—Provides a salon-quality shine that won't dull.
-
🌿 Eco-Friendly & Cruelty-Free – Made with non-toxic ingredients, gentle on nails.
-
🛠️ OEM/ODM Support—Customize color, packaging, logo, bottle shape, and more.
-
✨ Key Features:
✔ 100% HEMA-Free Formula—Gentle on nails and skin, ideal for sensitive users and allergy-prone customers.
✔ Vegan & Organic—Cruelty-free, eco-conscious, and skin-friendly.
✔ Vibrant Colors & Pigmentation—Rich, full-coverage colors with intense pigment that require only a thin layer for bold results.
✔ Quick & Easy Application—Smooth consistency that applies evenly for professional-looking results at home or in the salon.
✔ Safe for Sensitive Skin—Formulated without harmful chemicals and safe for most nail types, including sensitive skin.
✔ OEM/ODM Support—From formula tweaks to bulk orders, we bring your brand to life.
Ideal for salons, indie brands, and retailers who value safety, sustainability, and standout style.
"Get vibrant, long-lasting color—unlock creativity with Pat Pat Gel ."
✨ Key Features:
✔ 100% HEMA-Free Formula—Gentle on nails and skin, ideal for sensitive users and allergy-prone customers.
✔ Vegan & Organic—Cruelty-free, eco-conscious, and skin-friendly.
✔ No-Wipe Formula—The finish leaves no sticky layer, eliminating the need for additional top coats or wipe-off solutions.
✔ Vibrant Colors & Pigmentation—Rich, full-coverage colors with intense pigment that require only a thin layer for bold results.
✔ Quick & Easy Application—Smooth consistency that applies evenly for professional-looking results at home or in the salon.
✔ Quick & Easy Application—Smooth consistency that applies evenly for professional-looking results at home or in the salon.
✔ Safe for Sensitive Skin—Formulated without harmful chemicals and safe for most nail types, including sensitive skin.
✔ OEM/ODM Support—From formula tweaks to bulk orders, we bring your brand to life.
Ideal for salons, indie brands, and retailers who value safety, sustainability, and standout style.
"Get vibrant, long-lasting color—unlock creativity with Paint Gel."
✨ Key Features:
✔ Vegan & Organic—Cruelty-free, eco-conscious, and skin-friendly.
✔ Deep Moisturizing Formula—Softens dry, cracked cuticles and nourishes surrounding skin
✔ Promotes Healthy Nail Growth—Supports stronger, longer nails with regular use
✔ Natural & Plant-Based Oils—Infused with ingredients like Vitamin E, Jojoba, and Sweet Almond Oil
✔ Non-Greasy & Fast-Absorbing – Leaves no residue; perfect for daily use or on-the-go hydration
✔ Lightweight & Refreshing Scent – Gentle floral or fruity aroma adds a spa-like touch to your nail routine
✔ Perfect for At-Home or salon use—great for professional manicures or personal nail care routines
✔ Suitable for All Skin Types—Gentle on sensitive skin, cuticle areas, and nail beds
"Perfect for repairing dry cuticles and promoting healthy nail growth."
Looking for a creative, premium, and reliable nail product manufacturer?
Whether you're an Amazon seller, Shopify store owner, chain store buyer, brand owner, distributor, wholesaler, or nail supply retailer — Hanyinails is your trusted partner for custom and wholesale nail solutions.
Hanyinails
Hanyinails
Hanyinails
Hanyinails