Leveling Gel Polishes Nail Techs Are Using In 2026

In 2026, the nail industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and one trend worth noting among professionals is the widespread adoption of self-leveling gel polishes. These formulas have become indispensable for nail technicians, from salon owners to freelancers, thanks to their smooth application. As nail art becomes increasingly intricate, self-leveling gel polishes enable beauty pros to deliver high-quality results with less stress.

Below, we review the best self‑leveling gel polishes that nail technicians are turning to this year.

If there's one gel line that consistently tops professionals' lists in 2026, it's the Kokoist collection from FOX Nails USA. These Japanese‑made gels have earned a reputation among techs for ease of use and creative versatility.

Kokoist gels are made to flow and settle with precision, reducing pooling around the cuticle and creating a flawless base for further design work. This is valuable when working on natural nails or overlaying with art.

The colours are striking and saturated, meaning fewer coats are needed to achieve full opacity. This translates to quicker service times without sacrificing depth of colour for busy techs. ⁘Japanese gel⁘ has a syrup-y consistency that is amazing for doing really thin layers for fun nail art combos⁘ I use Japanese/Korean pure gel and builder gel. It's very pigmented.⁘ – Kara Nails It (professional nail tech with years of gel experience). Curing times are efficient under LED/UV lamps (typically 30–60 seconds with LED), and the soak‑off process with acetone takes about 10–15 minutes. This combination of fast cure and straightforward removal helps keep clients comfortable and manage time.

LeafGel Premium hails from a respected Japanese brand known for creating high‑quality formulas suited to both aspiring technicians and full‑time artists in salons. LeafGel Premium emphasises cleaner formulation with a "10‑Free" system, which appeals to techs and clients looking for gentler ingredients without compromising performance. One advantage cited by some techs is the strong adhesion without manual roughening of the nail plate. The brand's colour range provides solid results, and the finish tends toward consistency, though the self‑leveling properties are slightly more moderate compared to other lines.