Nail Techs Agree—These 12 Acrylic Nails Kits Create Salon-Worthy Manicures at Home (2024)

Our Top Picks

Shades: 3 | Dry Time: 5 to 10 minutes

DipWell's popular Easy Acrylic Dip System pulls out all the stops for fresh DIY nails. You'll get two little pots of dip powder, a base, and a finishing powder, five liquids (a bond, a base, an activator, and two sealers), plus a buffer, a file, and a cuticle tool. If this sounds like too many things, don't sweat it because, as the name suggests, it's designed to be easy-peasy. The Starter Kit is user-friendly enough for beginners, but advanced dippers shouldn't shy away. With this salon-level system, your manicure will last for up to six weeks—expect your nails to grow out faster than they chip. What's more, each pot contains enough powder for 30 full sets, all the formulas are low-odor, and your nails will cure without UV light.

Shades: 1 | Dry Time: 5 to 10 minutes

For babes on a budget, we recommend Kiss Salon Dip. It comes with a dip powder, a brush-on gel, an activator liquid, and a set of white and natural tips. It's super easy to use—no light necessary. Even more, there is no strong odor with this kit. Our only gripe with this set is that it's not as long-lasting as others. But, considering you get a lot for the price, we're willing to overlook it.

Shades: 5 | Dry Time: 2 minutes

If you usually hit the nail salon every couple of weeks, splurging on an acrylic kit will actually save you money in the long run. "The Kiara Sky System has a recycling system that allows for a single use of the product per individual application, so you can discard the unused products after and properly sanitize the container for further use," says nail artist Christine Doan. This kit does not include tools, but it does include five exciting color options.

Shades: 1 | Dry Time: ≈ 10 minutes

This professional manicure system by Mia Secret checks all the boxes. The kit includes a full set offalse nails, nail glue, acrylic powder, monomer, nail brush, nail buffer, top coat, and a glossy topcoat. We love this all-inclusive set, which is perfect for beginners who don't know what products to buy. For only $25, it's an excellent value purchase and includes everything you could need to create a customized look.

Shades: 8 color kits, multiple shades in each | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes

If you're new to the DIY acrylics game, your best bet is the Serendipity Dip Kit because it's not a big investment. It comes with three powder colors, a liquid bonder, activator, and finish gloss—all free of formaldehyde and phthalates. The gentle formula goes on easy, dries instantly, and lasts for up to three weeks. It is worth noting, however, that this formula dries matte, but a separate glossy top coat can add some shine.

Shades: 12 | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes

If you're considering trying your hand at professional nail artistry, practice at home with the Morovan Acrylic Kit. This pro-level system includes 15 powders, a generous bottle of monomer, tips, glue, a gel base, a top coat, a bunch of handy tools, and even a practice finger. Heads up—you'll need to buy a UV light separately.

Shades: 8 color kits, multiple shades in each | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes

Those who gravitate toward neutrals will love the Azure Beauty's Nude Kit. It comes with eight dip powders, ranging from chic brown to blush pink to tawny taupe, and offers a fresh-from-the-salon finish for two whole weeks. This kit gains points for its easy-to-use products and high-quality formulation that can easily be mistaken for a professional manicure.

Shades: 3 color kits, 3 shades in each | Dry Time: 5 to 8 minutes

Pink nails are seasonless, and this acrylic powder kit has the prettiest shades, all easy to use and fast-drying. You'll get a pale blush, a ballerina-inspired hue, and a glittery pink with flirty flecks. Use them individually or combine them for an on-trend ombre look. We love the long-lasting formula (it lasts up to 21 days) and its yellow-resistant formula, so you'll never have to deal with discoloration.

Shades: 12 | Dry Time: ≈ 10 minutes

Get your glitter on with the Coscelia Acrylic Nail Kit. With 12 sparkly dip powders, two packs of rhinestones, and enough glue to nail—pun intended—any look, this system was made for the glamorous among us. The kit also includes acrylic powders in clear, white, and pink, nail tips, a nail art brush, nail files, nail clippers, nail separators, nail buffer, and a curved tweezer. Be warned, however, that this kit does not include acrylic liquid or nail glue.

Shades: 1 | Dry Time: 1 to 2 minutes

Once you get into a groove and run out of powder from your original kit, replenish your stash with a few pots of OPI Powder Perfection. "The OPI system is great because you've got the selection of colors that are well-known and loved," says Doan. "It's actually easy to use and so is removal." Even better, you can match your manicure to your pedicure since OPI has the same colors in their dip powders and regular polishes.

Shades: 1 | Dry Time: None

If you like the look of French tips, the Kiss Acrylic French Nail Kit has your name on it. It has 40 nail tips for a glue-on French manicure look with zero dry time. Use the included file to file the nails to the desired shape and size. The kit also comes with a brush, manicure stick, acrylic liquid, powder, and glue. Just keep in mind that this is the only style you'll be able to do with this kit.

Shades: 60

With 12 glitter shades and a collection of rhinestones, this kit has everything you need to do your nails at home and never get bored. We love that this kit includes a practice finger for aspiring pros and beginners. You'll also find accessories here that are missing in a few other kits, including a toe separator, nail clipper, tweezers, cup, and cuticle fork.

FAQ

• How do you use acrylic nail kits?

  All acrylic nail kits follow roughly the same methodology, though they vary in terms of instructions and the hardening process. Having said that, it usually goes something like this: push your cuticles back, buff your nails, attach the tips with glue (optional), apply the primer, activator and/or monomer, coat your nails with dip powder, allow them to set, then shape them with a file.

• How much do acrylic nail kits usually cost?

  Acrylic nail kits cost anywhere from around $10 to roughly $100. Budget-friendly systems (between $10 and $40) typically come with the basics: one to three dip powders, three to five liquids, and potentially some tools. Pricier kits (in the $50 to $100 range) often include more dip powders, tips, nail glue, additional tools, and sometimes a practice finger.

• Are acrylic nails hard to do yourself?

  Though there's definitely a learning curve, it's not overly difficult to do your acrylic nails at home. That said, it is a process, so it's best to be prepared before you start. Some starter sets and kits are designed to be beginner-friendly, so choosing one of those will ease some stress.