Japanese Gel Nails : A Beginner's Guide to the Essentials

Hey if you've been curious about Japanese gels then you've come to the right place. I've been talking about Japanese gel brands but let's take down a notch. Let me introduce to you the neccessary products when it comes to Japanese Gels. Japanese gel nails has been trendy and also been gaining momentum in the nail beauty industry. By now we know that Korean gels has made a name for itself, with so many brands out there and new techniques coming from South Korea. If you've been a fan of gel nails, you're in for a treat as I explore the unique and artistic qualities of Japanese Gel Nails.

Japanese Gel Nails, much like their Korean counterparts, have become renowned for their durability and stunning designs. These gels are known for their endless creative possibilities. When it comes to Japanese Gel Nails, the focus isn't just on style but on quality. One of the features of Japanese Gel Nails is their versatility. Whether you prefer a classic, timeless look or a more vibrant and daring design, Japanese gels can cater to a wide range of preferences, and only a few brands have an acrylic system.

Let's navigate through some of the nail products Japanese gels offer. It can be very overwhelming, especially with so many brands and options to choose from. Today, I'll break down the MUST-HAVES and offer some tips to ensure you enjoy your Japanese Gel Nails experience to the fullest.

BTW, I do source some of my Japanese gel nail products from Zillabeau.com in which they offer top-quality Japanese Gel brands like Leafgel, Candy+, and Lily Gel( is leaving soon). Feel free to use my code NALEE07 for a 10% discount on your purchase—it means a lot to me and supports my research into these fantastic products and new ones to come.

Let's start with the essentials. We all should know by now that when it comes to gel nails your foundation is crucial, so here I'm going to talk about base gels.

Kokoist Ultra glossy top coat

In the realm of Japanese Gel Nails, different brands offer various types of gels for different steps. For instance, you'll find lower viscosity base gels suitable for regular color manicures or shorter nails. These are perfect for those who prefer a more liquid consistency. Another option for base would be the sanding-free bases, ideal for beginners or individuals who frequently change nail colors. You'll notice that with Japanese gels they don't offer any kind of prep and primer, and that is because they are a system where the base coat should be good enough. With this it goes into what a lot of Japanese gel brand stand by and that is that their gel is an Easy Soak off gel system. If you are starting out definitely look into a good base gel, so far my go to is by Leafgel or Vetro (black line) because of the low viscosity.

Leafgel Extreme Clear

When aiming for structured nails, you can use your everyday base to help. I always use the Extreme Clear Base with my Leafgel Structure and they both go hand in hand. Opting for the same brand for both base and builder gel is essential to avoid service breakdowns. Leafgel Sculpture Gel is perfect for extension with it's flexibility, and it provides a mirror-like shiny finish.

Another crucial product in your Japanese gel journey is the top coat. Japanese gel brands typically offer two types of top coats: thick and thin. If you have glitter or nail art, a thicker top coat, like the Perfect Shine from Leafgel, is ideal for smoothing out imperfections and achieving a scratch-resistant finish.

When it comes to top coats, there are wipe-required and non-wipe options. Wipe-required top coats are thicker in consistency, and need alcohol for cleaning. While non-wipe top coats offer a thinner option without the need for extra wiping. A lot of time - both options are anti-scratch, anti-yellowing, and high-shine, ensuring a flawless finish. Make sure to read the description of each top because not all top are scratch resistant. Lastly let's not forget the matte topcoat! Depending on which brand you choose Japanese gel brands might offer a couple different option. Like Leafgel they have Rich Matte top coat (potted) and Non-Wipe Matte (bottled).

Let's jump into tools. When using Japanese gels, they often involve potted gels, but some brands will have a hand-full of bottle gel polish. Now with potted gels its going to require the use of nail brushes for precision. Whether using a square flat or round brush for precise color application or a liner brush for intricate details, having quality brushes is essential. Leafgel brushes, one of my go to when it comes to brushes, come highly recommended for their user-friendly design, perfect bristle shape, length, and density. Every brand offers almost the same but slightly different design of brushes. So my suggestion when it comes to brushes is to alway invest in a flat, a liner and a round brush to help you decide which brand of brushes you want to invest in.

Now some Japanese brands offers tools like files and buffers but I would say that's up to you if you want to invest in the name brand. I do think when it comes to these types of tools you don't have to stick to a Japanese nail brand or Korean nail brand.

Round flat brush

When it comes down to choosing the right colors for your Japanese Gel Nails, play around with a few colors before making a big decision. While you don't need every shade available, having a selection of nude tones, reds, whites, blacks, pinks, and glitters will allow for a variety of styles. So consider what is in your budget to help you decide the best Japanese gel brand for you.

Leafgel colors

Congratulations on embarking on your Japanese Gel Nails journey! Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or considering professional training, remember to prioritize in investing into high quality products and what your budget allows for you. Overall just enjoy the creative process. Feel free to drop any questions or share your experiences below or DM me on Instagram—I'm always here to assist fellow nail enthusiasts and artists!

Until then,