Every gel manicure needs a good top coat to add that final layer of shine, strength and protection. Not only does it help prevent premature chips and scratches, but a good quality gel top coat also helps bring out the vibrancy of your colours, glitters or nail art.

 

How to use gel top coats…

When using gel polishes, to get the best results it is advised you stick to the same brand system for each layer – your base layer, colour and top coat. These are often designed to work together, and ingredients might not work as intended with another brand’s system.

Similarly, using a gel top coat over a normal nail polish isn’t recommended, as it can take up to 24 hours to fully dry. This means you could end up sealing wet polish, which won’t adhere to the top coat.

So, what are the best gel top coats available for use in your salon? Take a look at our bestsellers below – are you using any of them?

 

“What is the Best Gel Top Coat?”

 

Glitterbels No Wipe Top Coat

Perfect for keeping your manicure time down to a minimum, Glitterbels No Wipe Top Coat does just what its name suggests – this tac-free formula does not need to be cleansed after curing.

However, that’s not the only reason this is one of our best gel top coats. It also has a high gloss finish that goes on wonderfully smooth, plus makes your colours really pop when used with the stunning Glitterbels acrylic powders and gel polishes.

OPI Gel Color Top Coat

Curing in a super speedy 30 seconds, OPI Gel Color Top Coat is easily one of the best LED gel top coats. When used with the rest of the highly pigmented OPI Gel Color range, you will be left with a perfectly strong and shiny manicure.

Containing no DBP, Toulene or Formaldehyde, it also features the brand’s exclusive ProWide brush for superior application.

Gellux Shiny Top Coat Gel Polish

While applied just like a regular nail polish, there is nothing average about Gellux Shiny Top Coat Gel Polish. Compatible with both LED and UV lamps, it can cure in just 30 seconds. The strength, shine and resistance to scratches and chips is exceptional, no matter what nail extension you apply it over.

Take a look at the full Gellux Gel Polish range to see their gorgeous glitter polishes, hardworking base coats and more.

Related: Brand Spotlight Q&A With Gellux

Gelluv Pure Matt Top Coat

While we all love a high shine finish, sometimes you want something a little different. Gelluv Pure Matt Top Coat offers a chic matt finish, this professional standard gel top coat can be used as part of the Gelluv 3-step system.

Made in the UK with no harmful ingredients, you can use Gelluv with either a UV or an LED lamp – their range of shades is fantastic, with colours for all skin tones.

Related: Which Is The Best LED Nail Lamp?

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