general faqs

What is the difference between DND, DC and DIVA Gel? 

The main difference is packaging and volume size. The DND line has our classic white packaging and a volume of 0.5 fl oz. (15ml). Our DC line has gold bottle packaging and a volume of 0.6 fl oz (18ml), making it 0.1 fl oz. larger than our DND bottles. DIVA line offers square gold bottle packaging with the same volume size as DND (15ml). All 3 lines offer a wide range of different colors that are available separately or in duo packs that consist of a gel polish and traditional air-dry lacquer.

What are the two bottles in the duo set?

The duo set comes with one gel polish and its traditional air-drying lacquer. Gel is a type of polish with components that cure under a UV/LED lamp to create a hard and durable finish. When properly applied, this glossy finish can last for several weeks without peeling or chipping. Lacquer is more commonly known as the traditional nail polish, which requires air-drying time but can be beneficial for those who like to change colors more often.

How can I tell which bottle is gel polish or lacquer?

Gel polish should not have prolonged exposure to any UV light, such as the sun, so they will always be in encapsulated bottles. The gel polish for the DND line is the white-coated bottle and for the DC line, it is the gold-capped bottles. Lacquer will always be in the clear bottle for easier color observation. 

Can I purchase gel polish and lacquer separately?

Gel polish and lacquer will always be available to purchase separately on our website– just locate your color of choice and choose from “duo, gel polish only, or lacquer only” options. However, if you are purchasing from our retailers, they will often be sold as a duo pack only.

How do I apply DND gel polish?

First, wash and prep your nails to remove any dirt, oil, or excess off of your nail beds. Next, apply 1-2 coats of DND or DC Base Gel and cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30-45 seconds. Then apply the first thin layer of gel color. Follow up by curing under a UV/LED lamp for 30-60 seconds. Repeat for 2-3 coats. Finally, apply DND or DC Top Coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30-45 seconds. If not using a non-wipe (no cleanse) top coat, make sure to remove the sticky residue with alcohol. PRO TIP: make sure to hydrate your cuticles regularly to avoid chipping or peeling. 

Why won’t some gel colors cure?

Some colors may not cure quickly depending on various factors of opacity and thickness. Colors like black of white may require a longer cure time in a LED lamp to prevent uncured gel from chipping or peeling after a gel manicure is done. 

How do I remove DND gel polish?

First, loosen up the top gel layer by filing with a coarse nail file. Next, place a cotton ball soaked in acetone on each of your nails and wrap the tip of your finger in foil to hold the ball in place. Soak for 10-15 minutes. If the gel is flaking off, use a pusher to gently remove the remaining loose layer. If the gel is still intact, continue to wrap with the acetone soaked cotton ball for a longer period of time. Finally, rinse and moisturize your hands. To remove without foil, soak the whole nail bed in a bowl of acetone on top of a bowl of warm/hot water, and go through the steps mentioned above. 

Can I use DND Gel Base and Top Coat with DC and vice versa? 

 Both DND and DC’s Base Gel and Top Gel can be used interchangeably. Both lines will keep gel manicures lasting up to 21 days of wear when applied properly

What do the different numbers for the Base and Top Coats mean?

DND Base Gel #400/DC Base Gel #800

Typical gel base coat for any type of application.

DND Top Gel #500/ DC top Gel #700

Top coat gels that require cleansing of the sticky top (inhibition layer) with alcohol.

DND Top Gel #600/DC Top Gel #900

Non-wipe (no cleanse) top coat gels with no inhibition layer after curing that needs to be wiped with alcohol. 

Foil Gel Base

Specifically used for foil design application during a gel manicure. 

Are your products vegan and cruelty-free?

Our products are proudly made without any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients. We are Cruelty-Free Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning our products are free from animal testing at all stages of product development. Additionally, we have pledged to recommit to the program annually. 

Orders Frequently Asked Questions

What payment methods are accepted?

We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Afterpay.

How do I know that my order is placed?

You will receive three emails throughout the order process. After placing an order, you will receive an invoice email of the transaction and another email confirming the order. Once your order is ready to be shipped, an email of completion will be sent out with tracking details. Please make sure to verify the email address before placing an order. If you believe you have mistakenly entered an incorrect email address, please message us on our contact form as soon as possible. 

Can I change or cancel my order?

 Orders may be canceled or changed, however, please note that we cannot guarantee a cancellation or update your order once it has been placed. Due to the current volume of emails and calls we are receiving, we may not get to your cancellation or change request in time. 

Do you offer a bulk or professional discount?

Unfortunately we don’t offer professional discounts, or wholesale prices for salons. We do offer a bulk discount for orders of 300+ duo sets. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information. PRO TIP: your local nail supply store also offers discounts when buying our DND gel in bulk (300+ duo sets). 

How do I apply promotional codes?

 Please apply any promotional codes during checkout. Sales, promotions, and discount codes are valid for a limited time only. Promotional codes can not be combined with any other offer or promotion, including but not limited to any items already discounted such as sale items, custom bundles, and collections. They cannot be redeemed for cash or gift cards and are not valid on prior purchases. 

Shipping/Delivery Frequently Asked Questions

How much does shipping cost? 

Shipping Type

Cost

Delivery Time

Standard USA Ground Shipping

Flat rate fee of $5

Free for orders of $100+

Processing: 1-3 business days

Transit: 3-10 business days

USA Express Shipping

Flat Rate of $30 | Excluding Puerto Rico Valid on small orders of 1-5 lbs.

Ships same day if placed by 12pm PST 

2 Business Days In Transit

USA Priority Shipping

Flat Rate of $20

Valid on orders between 1-10 lbs.

Ships same day if placed by 12pm PST 

3 Business Days In Transit

Shipping costs start at a flat rate fee of $5 within the Continental US. Orders over $100 qualify for free shipping, except for Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico. To qualify for free shipping, orders must be $100+ before taxes and after promotional discounts are applied.

Do you ship worldwide?

At this time, we only ship to the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. All Canada shipment fees cost a flat rate of $30, which includes the shipping fee and any duty/tax fees that may be imposed by your province. 

Do you ship to P.O. Boxes or APO addresses?

Yes, we currently ship to P.O. boxes but we do not ship to APO addresses. 

How soon will my order ship?

 For standard ground shipping, estimated processing times are currently is 5-7 days business days. During holidays or promotional events, processing and shipping times may be delayed.

Can I track my order once it has shipped?

Once your order is ready to be shipped, an email of completion will be sent out with tracking details. If your tracking does not load instantly, allow up to 24 hours for updates to become available. Please make sure to properly track your order and check the spelling of your address on your order. If your order gets sent back to us because of an address error, please contact us to have it re-shipped at your expense.

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

Standard USA ground shipping is an estimated 3-10 business days for transit. The shipping reference is an estimated window timeline provided by domestic shipping carriers, DND Gel is not responsible for any delays that may occur from USPS or FedEx.

My package says delivered, but I have not received it.

DND Gel will not be responsible for any lost or stolen packages once it has left our facility. If your package states it was delivered, but you believe the shipping carrier sent it to the wrong address, please contact us within 3 business days so we can help you open a lost package claim. We hope we can resolve your issue as seamlessly as possible, however, if the carrier denies the claim, we are not responsible for any lost fees.

Returns/Exchanges Frequently Asked Questions

What is your return policy?

If customers need to return an order purchased from dndgel, please contact us through email ([email protected]) within 14 days of delivery. Please reach out to our customer support team: [email protected] to initiate a return request. We will email over a return label to the email on file. Make sure to drop off your order within 14 days of delivery. Due to the nature of our products, refunds cannot be honored after that. All returns are subjected to a $10 return/restocking fee. Any original shipping fees are non-refundable. Please note, all items must be securely packed with proper bubble wrapping. If your return order arrives damaged, unfortunately- the return will not be accepted and we may ask you to pay for it to be returned back to you. We reserve the right to deny any returns that do not meet our return requirements. We regret to inform you that all sales are FINAL during our annual Holiday sales (including 40% off and higher Promotions) & $5 Gel Polish Sale. 

What if my product(s) came damaged?

If customers need to refund or exchange a product(s) due to being faulty, incorrect, or damaged, please contact us through email ([email protected]) within 10 business days. Make sure to document all photos for proof.

DND’s Other Asked Questions

Do you have brick and mortar stores?

 Our products are available in 300+ supply stores nationwide. You can locate your local nail store, call them, and ask about our products. If you need help locating a local store near you, please email us at [email protected].

What is blooming gel?

Blooming gel is a clear gel polish that is applied as a thin base before depositing a color on top for a watercolor effect. After applying and curing your base color, apply a thin layer of blooming gel to the nail without curing. While the blooming gel is still wet, drop desired colors onto the nail according to your design pattern. When satisfied with the design, place your nail(s) into a UV/LED lamp to cure. 

What is gel ink?

Gel Inks are colored gel polishes with a thin and watercolor-like consistency. After application, the Gel Ink does not need to be cured, only given approximately 10-15 seconds to air dry. After the design is completed, the Gel Ink can be sealed with a layer of Top Coat. 

How do you apply foil?

Apply our Foil Gel Base on top of the base gel color then cure in a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. Once cured, apply a desired design by lightly pressing the foil to the nail’s surface. Lightly peel off the foil and encapsulate the transferred design with a top coat. 

What are the best ways to store gel polish?

Gel polish should be stored in a dry and cool area because they are heat and light sensitive. If stored improperly, the gel polish can develop a thick and clumpy consistency because it has cure in the bottle. 

What is the difference between dip powder and acrylic?

Dip powders and acrylic are both powder polymers that bond together to create a stronger nail enhancement. The difference is in how they are both activated and applied. Acrylic powder is activated with a liquid monomer to create a cement-like liquid that is patted down with a brush and dried into a hardened nail enhancement. Dip powders are applied by dipping the nail into the powder and then activated with a monomer-based top coat, which hardens and gives it a glossy finish. Our Dap Dip powders can be used for either application.