Why Gelish? 10 reasons nail technicians in South Africa choose the original gel polish

Gelish invented gel polish in a bottle. Here is what makes it different, the full Gelish system, and the training, reps and after-service support you get when you buy Gelish through Sparkle and Lime Light.

What is Gelish?

Gelish is a professional soak-off gel polish made by Nail Alliance - North America in Brea, California. It was created in 2009 by Danny Haile, a two-time international nail competition champion. He saw a gap in the market: gel and polish were separate products. By putting gel in a bottle with a brush, he made gel manicures faster and easier, and changed the nail industry.

Today Gelish is sold in more than 80 countries and its sister brand Morgan Taylor offers matching nail lacquer. In South Africa, Gelish and Morgan Taylor are distributed through Sparkle Cosmetics, part of the Emsa group alongside Lime Light.

Why do nail technicians choose Gelish?

1. It is the original gel polish in a bottle

Gelish was the first brush-in-bottle gel polish, and its formula is patented in the US and internationally. When you use Gelish you are using the product that started the category.

2. Up to 21 days of colour

Gelish performs like a gel and lasts until you soak it off. According to Gelish, it does not peel, chip or fade, giving clients up to 21 days of colour, and a reason to rebook.

3. Clean soak-off removal

Lightly buff the shine off the top coat, wrap with Gelish remover and foil, and the colour soaks off in 10 to 12 minutes. No drilling into the natural nail means healthier nails and happier clients.

4. Kind to the natural nail

The Gelish system uses pH Bond to balance the nail and Foundation base gel to grip the keratin in the natural nail, working like double-sided tape. Gelish states that the system causes no chemical damage to the natural nail.

5. A simple system that gives consistent results

Every Gelish service follows the same short sequence, so results are consistent from one technician to the next.

6. Excellent value per service

Most Gelish applications use two thin coats. Gelish says one 15ml bottle does approximately 50 full sets, which makes the cost per service very low.

7. Hundreds of shades and new collections every season

Gelish has produced well over 100 colours since 2009 and launches new seasonal collections every year, so your colour wall always has something new for clients.

8. Matching shades across gel, lacquer and dip

Many Gelish shades share the same name and colour across Gelish gel polish, Morgan Taylor lacquer and Gelish Dip, so a client can match fingers and toes, or keep up her colour at home.

9. One brand for every nail service

Gelish is a complete professional system, so you can grow your service menu without changing brands.

10. Backed by training and local support

Great products need great technique. In South Africa, Gelish comes with reps, trainers, training sessions and after-service support from Sparkle and Lime Light. More on that below.

Which Gelish products does a nail salon need?

What is the difference between Gelish gel polish, Dip, PolyGel and Soft Gel?

Which Gelish lamp should I use?

Gelish products are designed to cure under Gelish LED lights. The 18G Plus is the salon workhorse, while the 18G Unplugged is cordless for mobile techs and pedicure stations. The Soft Gel Touch LED is a compact light for tacking Soft Gel tips.

What support do I get when I buy Gelish in South Africa?

This is where buying from the official channel matters. When you buy Gelish through Sparkle and Lime Light, you get people as well as product:

• Reps: a Sparkle rep visits your salon, helps you build your colour wall and keeps your essentials in stock.
• Trainers: Gelish-trained educators teach correct application and removal, Soft Gel, PolyGel and nail art.
• Training sessions: free hands-on workshops in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Book through your branch or our Education page.
• After-service support: help with technique and product questions after you buy, and local spares for Gelish lamps.
• Genuine stock: buy from the official channel so you know your Gelish is authentic and stored correctly.

How do I apply Gelish correctly?

1. Prep: push back the cuticle, remove non-living tissue and lightly buff the shine off with a 180 grit buffer.
2. Cleanse and balance: wipe with Nail Surface Cleanser, then apply pH Bond.
3. Base: apply a thin coat of Foundation and cure.
4. Colour: apply two thin coats of Gelish, curing after each coat.
5. Seal: apply Top It Off, cure, then cleanse the sticky layer.
6. Finish: massage in Nourishing Cuticle Oil.

How do I remove Gelish without damaging the nail?

1. Lightly file over the top coat with a 100/180 buffer to break the seal.
2. Soak a cotton pad in Gelish Soak Off Remover and place it on the nail.
3. Wrap with foil and wait 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Gently push the loosened gel off with an orangewood stick.
5. Buff lightly and finish with cuticle oil.

Frequently asked questions

Who invented Gelish?

Gelish was created by Danny Haile, founder and CEO of Nail Alliance - North America, and launched in 2009 as the first gel polish in a bottle with a brush.

How long does Gelish last?

Gelish gives up to 21 days of colour that does not chip, peel or fade, until it is soaked off.

Does Gelish damage your nails?

Applied and removed correctly, Gelish soaks off without drilling. Gelish states its system causes no chemical damage to the natural nail. Damage usually comes from incorrect removal, so always soak off rather than peel.

Do I need a primer with Gelish?

No primer is needed for standard Gelish gel polish: use pH Bond and Foundation. ProBond is available for clients whose nails need extra adhesion.

Do I need to cleanse Top It Off?

Yes. Top It Off leaves a sticky layer after curing that must be cleansed.

Can Gelish go over acrylic or hard gel?

Yes, as long as the surface is buffed rough. Remember you cannot soak Gelish off acrylic without removing the enhancement.

How many manicures does one bottle of Gelish do?

Gelish says a 15ml bottle does approximately 50 full sets with a two-coat application.

What is the difference between Gelish and Morgan Taylor?

Gelish is soak-off gel polish cured under a lamp. Morgan Taylor is the matching nail lacquer from the same company, ideal for pedicures, top-ups and retail.

Is Gelish cruelty free?

Nail Alliance - North America, the maker of Gelish, shows PETA certification on its official website.

Where can I buy genuine Gelish in South Africa?

Gelish is distributed in South Africa through Sparkle Cosmetics and is available to professionals online at limelighthb.co.za and through Sparkle and Lime Light branches and reps.

Does Lime Light offer Gelish training?

Yes. Our trainers run hands-on nail training in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Check the Education page on limelighthb.co.za or ask your rep.

Where to buy Gelish in South Africa

• Shop online: limelighthb.co.za, Nail Brands > Gelish (trade account required)
• Sparkle Cape Town: Building 3, Waverley Business Park, Wyecroft Road, Mowbray. 079 509 4657, orders@sparklesa.co.za
• Lime Light branches: Sandton, Boksburg and Durban, plus Hands Down in Cape Town
• Your rep: ask for a Gelish colour wall, starter kit or training session
• Open a trade account: visit limelighthb.co.za, click Login / Register, fill in your details and we approve your account