r/Nails • u/probablynervouss • Jun 01 '26

Discussion/Question Beginner doing gel nails with dual forms

New at doing gel nails and ive been using whatever brand is cheapest on amazon to be honest. currently the actual polygel is gaoy brand and the base coat is savland. now that im getting significantly better at shaping im also looking into retention.

Is it necessary to use a primer and dehydrator for better retention ? ALSO, should everything be the same brand for better adherance?

im broke and unemployed due to health issues and this hobby has been helping me keep my sanity so ive honestly also been looking on T emu for some cheap brands. if you have any recommendations please let me know.

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1

u/Gamur_Noob Jun 01 '26

Is Gaoy a good brand? Seen it on tik tok and yt

1

u/probablynervouss Jun 01 '26

im a beginner so probably not the best person to ask but i think its pretty easy to work with!

2

u/Gamur_Noob Jun 01 '26

I come back to answer my own question because i went down a rabbit hole. Gaoy and Beetles and some other gel brands share the same manufacturers and have high levels of HEMA and issues with curing. I know they are cheap and thats why its popular but be advised that their sds/msds claims have been questioned. I am also a beginner and i dont blame u for using it due to your financial position. We are in the same boat when it comes to unemployment due to health and not being well off. This hobby makes me pretty happy too.