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

Whether you want a solid hue, ombre nails,French tips, pared-downshort nails,a bit more length, or a natural-looking finish, an acrylic nail kit is all you need.Gel and shellacmay have taken center stage recently as go-to options for chip-free digits, but the acrylic manicure isn't going anywhere. Beloved by many, the dip-powder approach to augmented nails is more accessible (and affordable) than you think.

Luckily, in the age of DIY, you don't have to spend a fortune at the nail salon to get professional-looking manis and pedis—even if you're a beginner to acrylic nail kits. We spent hours searching for the best at-home sets, including those with dip powders, liquid bonders, sealers, activators, monomers, and top coats. We also sought out kits that include files and buffers for that smooth-as-glass finish. We evaluated each kit on several criteria, including the number of shades and dry time. No matter your skill level or budget, there's a kit for you.

Our Top Picks

What We Like

  • Comprehensive 12-piece kit

  • Great for beginners and pros

  • Pots contain enough powder for 60 full sets

What to Consider

  • Powder doesn't always apply smoothly


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.

What We Like

  • Great value

  • UV light not necessary

  • Comes with brush-on gel, activator, and two sets of tips

What to Consider

  • Not as long-lasting as other kits


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.

What We Like

  • Creates professional results

  • Helps you properly sanitize in between uses

  • Includes several color options

What to Consider

  • Doesn't include tools


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.

What We Like

  • Contains set of nails, nail glue, powder, monomer, brush, buffer, and two topcoats

  • Nails adhere easily

What to Consider

  • Brush is not high-quality

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.

What We Like

  • Reasonably-priced option great for beginners

  • Makes DIY easy

  • Free of formaldehyde and phthalates

What to Consider

  • Nails look very matte

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.

Best for Aspiring Nail Artists

Morovan Acrylic Nail Kit

Nail Techs Agree—These 12 Acrylic Nails Kits Create Salon-Worthy Manicures at Home (6)

What We Like

  • Comprehensive, pro-level kit

  • Contains 15 powders among other elements

  • Includes practice finger

What to Consider

  • Requires UV light, sold separately


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.

What We Like

  • Range of neutral shades that work with all skin tones

  • Easy to use

  • High-quality

What to Consider

  • Can be rough on nails


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.

What We Like

  • Each kit comes with three shades

  • Chip-resistant finish

  • Powder is easy to work with

What to Consider

  • Nails are not included

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.

What We Like

  • Contains 12 glitter shades and a pack of rhinestones

  • Acrylic powders come in clear, white, and pink for variation

  • Generous amount of product included

What to Consider

  • Powder may clump


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.

What We Like

  • High-quality, pro-grade powder

  • Sets in place quickly

  • No strong odor

What to Consider

  • Can be sticky

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.

What We Like

  • Helps nail the French tip

  • Good value

  • Strong, durable products

What to Consider

  • Not for a variety of looks

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.

What We Like

  • All-inclusive kit contains 60 shades

  • Great for beginners and aspiring pros

  • Includes assortment of tools

What to Consider

  • Can be hard to store

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.

What to Look for When Buying an Acrylic Nail Kit

  • Dip Powder: All acrylic nail kits come with dip powder, which is essentially a powdered form of acrylic. With the help of a bonder and an activator or a monomer, it solidifies into a molded shape. Basic systems will come with one or two colors, but you can also find more robust kits with a range of neutral and bright hues and some glitter powders.
  • Other Elements: Additionally, acrylic nail kits come with liquids that typically look a lot like regular nail polish bottles. While each system is different, they often include a base, a bonder, an activator or a liquid monomer, a sealer, and potentially a top coat. Each acrylic nail kit should also come with an assortment of tools. Some basics to look for include nail brushes and files, nail drills, and cuticle tools. If you are starting out, it's a good idea to get a comprehensive kit with everything you'll need, versus if you're looking to enhance an existing kit or tools you already have at home.
  • Process: Like gel and Polygel nail kits, each acrylic nail kit is different. Some call for a more involved manicure process with several steps and sometimes a drying lamp, while others are quick-drying and require only a few steps. "Traditional salon acrylic manicures are not the easiest to accomplish at home or user-friendly, so I would recommend a dip system that allows a better user experience," adds Doan.

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.

Add to Cart

Before you check out, here are some other products to make your at-home manicures as close to salon quality as possible:

  • Infeling Solid Gel Nail Glue: Nail glue is essential to long-lasting nail extensions, and this one is a prime pick. Since this glue requires curing, it has more staying power.
  • SunUV UV Light for Nails: Speaking of curing your nails, this UV light is essential for curing acrylic manicures, glues, and specific top coats. This lamp is foolproof for long-lasting nails since it has sensors and a timer setting, so nails can cure perfectly every time.
  • Cuccio Cuticle Oil: For the ultimate salon experience, apply cuticle oil as a finishing touch to your manicure. This makes for a neater-looking nail since the cuticles will be less visible. This one from Cuccio is nourishing and infused with vitamins to strengthen the nails.
  • Artdone Chrome Nail Powder: Spice up your manicure with chrome powder for a mirrored effect. This set from Amazon includes 16 unique color options and buffer tools for easy application.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a contributing writer at Byrdie. She is a lifelong DIY nail enthusiast. A big fan of consumer tech and beauty innovation, she's dabbled in at-home gel polish, curing lights, and recently, a DipWell Starter Kit.

Team Byrdie also consulted with experts to ensure the accuracy of this story:

  • Christine Doan is a nail artist and owner of Gloss House.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any acrylic nail kits from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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