Gel Product Guide: Builder, UV/LED, and Soak-Off—What to Stock and How to Bundle

If you want an assortment that actually moves, anchor it to the real salon flow: prep → build → color → finish → aftercare. I map builder (hard) gels, UV/LED systems, and soak‑off lines to daily use, then propose good‑better‑best tiers and bundles that lift AOV and inventory turns.

Product Roles and Core Differences

• Builder Gel (Hard/Builder)

  • Purpose: Structural overlays, extensions, apex and architecture.

  • Chemistry: Non‑soakable hard gels; removal by filing only.

  • Rheology: Medium‑high to high viscosity; self‑leveling vs sculpting.

  • Best for: Longevity, heavy‑use clients, shape correction.

• UV/LED Gel (Color/Base/Top)

  • Purpose: Pigmented color, base adhesion, and glossy/matte top.

  • Curing: Formulated for UV/LED wavelengths for fast polymerization.

  • Ideal: Fast services and reliable finish.

• Soak‑Off Gel (Soft/Removable)

  • Purpose: Flexible overlays and gel‑polish systems removable with acetone.

  • Wear: 2–3+ weeks with proper prep; gentler removal.

  • Ideal: Natural‑nail protection and frequent color changes.

Stocking Strategy

• Good‑Better‑Best Tiers

  • Base/Top: One hypoallergenic base, one rubber base for tricky nails, one no‑wipe top, one matte top.

  • Builder: Two viscosities in clear (self‑leveling + sculpting); add cover pink/nude.

  • Color: 60–120 curated SKUs across nudes, reds, sheers, seasonal pops; double the bestsellers.

  • Soak‑Off System: Keep base/top compatible; stock remover, wraps/foils, and cuticle oil for add‑ons.

• Shade Planning

  • Neutral backbone: 30–40% nudes, pinks, milky sheers.

  • Core classics: Reds, black, white, French sheers.

  • Rotating capsules: Quarterly 12–18‑shade drops tied to trends.

Curing and Compatibility

• Lamp & Technique

  • 48W+ dual‑wavelength (365–405 nm) LED for speed and depth; follow the TDS for timing.

  • Apply thin, even color coats for better cure and gloss.

• System Matching

  • Keep base/top within brand families where possible; cross‑brand combos need testing.

  • Rubber bases layer well under builder overlays for tricky nails.

Service Flow Bundles

• Express Gel Manicure

  • Rubber base + 2 thin color coats + no‑wipe top; aim for 2–3 weeks; upsell cuticle oil.

• Strength & Shape Rehab

  • Self‑leveling builder overlay + corrective apex; use matte top for filing visibility, then gloss.

• Extension Set

  • Sculpting builder with forms or tips; add cover nude; finish glossy or soft‑matte.

• Soak‑Off Refresh

  • Soak‑off base/color/top + remover and wraps; schedule 2–3‑week returns.

Merchandising & Pricing

• Bundle Logic

  • Build S/M/L kits around use cases (Express, Strength, Extension, Soak‑Off Care).

  • Ladder pricing; include a lamp and care add‑ons in the top tier.

• AOV Levers

  • Cross‑sell remover, wraps, cuticle oil, hand SPF, files/buffers.

  • Offer seasonal color capsules as add‑on trays.

Operations Tips

• QA & Training

  • Keep MSDS/TDS on file; train on thin‑even coats, proper apex, and safe removal.

  • Patch‑test hypoallergenic bases for sensitive clients.

• Inventory Rhythm

  • ABC color analysis; double A‑SKUs, watch C‑SKUs for markdown.

  • Quarterly review to refresh capsules and retire underperformers.

Quick Reference

• Lamps: 48W+ dual‑wave LED.

• Bases/Tops: Hypoallergenic base, rubber base, no‑wipe top, matte top.

• Builders: Clear self‑leveling + sculpting; add cover nudes.

• Colors: 60–120 curated; double bestsellers.

• Soak‑Off Care: Remover, wraps/foils, cuticle oil.