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Extensions · Updated October 2026

Gel-X at home: soft-gel extension kits for beginners

A salon full set in Miami runs $70 at the median (see prices). Soft-gel extensions are a way to add length at home.

Updated October 2026

A nail technician working on artificial nail extensions — Photo: Oswal Darks / Pexels

Our top pick

Beetles Gel Nail Kit Etch-X (504 tips, 12 sizes)

Soft-gel tip extension kit (Gel-X style) for beginners.

Shop at Beetles (official)(paid link)Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Also great

APRÉS Gel-X Professional Nail Extension Starter Kit

The original Gel-X brand's starter kit.

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

SAVILAND Gel Nail Kit with 500 almond tips and drill

Tips, gel and an e-file in one box.

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Picks are chosen from ingredients, brand reputation and large Amazon review counts — we have not personally tested every product. We earn commissions from Amazon and from brand partners like Beetles (via Awin) on qualifying purchases.

Product comparison
#	Product	Good for	Notes
P28	Beetles Gel Nail Kit Etch-X (504 tips, 12 sizes)	Beginners	Soft-gel tip extension kit (Gel-X style) for beginners.
P29	APRÉS Gel-X Professional Nail Extension Starter Kit	The original Gel-X brand	The original Gel-X brand's starter kit.
P30	SAVILAND Gel Nail Kit with 500 almond tips and drill	Comes with an e-file	Tips, gel and an e-file in one box.
P31	Poly Extension Gel Nail Kit (14 pc)	Polygel alternative	Polygel kit for building length.
P32	Morovan Natural Nail Prep Dehydrate & Acid-Free Primer	Prep step	Prep step that helps extensions and gel stick.
P06	SUNUV SUNONE UV LED Nail Lamp	You'll need a lamp	The best-known budget lamp brand; cures both UV and LED gels, with timer settings.

How we chose

We picked well-known salon brands and popular at-home options for each job, and wrote down what each one is for. We haven't tested all of these ourselves yet — when we do, we'll add our own photos and notes here.

How soft-gel extensions work

Soft-gel (Gel-X style) extensions are pre-shaped tips that you attach with gel and cure under a UV/LED lamp. Polygel is a different method: you shape the gel yourself on the nail to build length, then cure it.

How to choose

Tip sizes: more sizes make it easier to match each nail.
Everything in one box vs separate: some kits include tips, gel and tools; others need a lamp.
Prep: a dehydrator and primer help extensions and gel stick to the natural nail.
Lamp: you need a UV/LED lamp to cure — see our lamp guide.

Extension kits

Good for: BeginnersExtensions

Beetles Gel Nail Kit Etch-X (504 tips, 12 sizes)

Soft-gel tip extension kit (Gel-X style) for beginners.

Shop at Beetles (official)(paid link)Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Good for: The original Gel-X brandExtensions

APRÉS Gel-X Professional Nail Extension Starter Kit

The original Gel-X brand's starter kit.

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

Good for: Comes with an e-fileExtensions

SAVILAND Gel Nail Kit with 500 almond tips and drill

Tips, gel and an e-file in one box.

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

A nail technician in black gloves shaping a client's nails — Photo: Pexels

Good for: Polygel alternativeExtensions

Poly Extension Gel Nail Kit (14 pc)

Polygel kit for building length.

Check price on Amazon(paid link)

On sale today

All deals

Gel-X & soft-gel tips

Look for tip sizes, prep and a compatible curing lamp.

See today's deals on Amazon

A hand curing gel polish under a UV/LED nail lamp — Photo: Pexels

UV/LED nail lamps

Look for a dual UV/LED lamp with a timer.

See today's deals on Amazon

Live listings on Amazon; availability varies. We earn commissions from Amazon and from brand partners like Beetles (via Awin) on qualifying purchases.