DND Gel Polish and Nail Lacquer Duos

Shop DND gel polish from all four lines: classic DND, DC, DIVA and HEMA & TPO Free. Most shades come as a duo with one gel polish and the matching air-dry lacquer, and the base and top coats for each line are here too.

Jump to a line: Classic DND duos | DND DC duos | DND DIVA | HEMA & TPO Free | Base and top coats

Last updated: November 1, 2026

Quick Answer: What is DND gel polish?

DND gel polish is a professional soak-off gel from DND (Daisy Nail Designs), sold in four lines: classic DND, DC, DIVA and HEMA & TPO Free. Most shades come as a duo of a gel polish that cures under a UV or LED lamp and a matching lacquer that air dries. DND says a properly applied gel manicure lasts up to 21 days (DND FAQ).

Key Observations

  • The gel is in the coated or capped bottle. The clear bottle is the air-dry lacquer.
  • DC bottles hold 0.6 fl oz (18 ml). Classic DND and DIVA hold 0.5 fl oz (15 ml).
  • Bases are #500 (DND), #800 (DC) and #100 (DIVA). No-wipe tops are #600, #900 and #300.
  • Only the HEMA & TPO Free line is sold as made without both ingredients.
  • Two of the three best-selling DND items in our store are base and top coats, not colors.

Here is the fast version of how the lines compare.

Line Gel bottle Size Base No-wipe top
Classic DND White coated bottle 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) #500 #600
DND DC Gold bottle 0.6 fl oz (18 ml) #800 #900
DND DIVA Square gold bottle 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) #100 #300

Source: DND FAQ, checked November 1, 2026.

What is the difference between DND, DC and DIVA gel polish?

DND, DC and DIVA differ mainly in bottle style, bottle size, shade numbering and the base and top coat made for each line. DND explains that classic DND comes in white packaging at 0.5 fl oz, DC comes in gold bottles at 0.6 fl oz, and DIVA comes in square gold bottles at the same 15 ml as classic DND (DND FAQ).

When you reorder, match both the line and the shade number. The table below adds the base and top for each line and how many listings we carry in each one.

Line Base No-wipe top Wipe top Listings on our site
Classic DND (Daisy) #500 #600 #400 347
DND DC #800 #900 #700 335
DND DIVA #100 #300 None listed by DND 335

Base and top numbers: DND FAQ. Listing counts: Universal Nail Supplies collections, November 1, 2026.

DND's FAQ does not list a separate base and top for the HEMA & TPO Free line, so follow the directions on that bottle or listing. We carry 287 HEMA & TPO Free listings.

Which DND line should you choose?

Pick the line by what matters most to you or your clients.

  • Widest choice of classic numbered shades: start with classic DND duos.
  • A little more product per bottle: choose DND DC, which holds 0.1 fl oz more than classic DND.
  • Seasonal, themed shade drops: browse DND DIVA.
  • Clients who want to avoid HEMA or TPO: go straight to DND HEMA & TPO Free.
  • Magnetic shimmer looks: see our 9D cat eye gels.

Which DND bottle is gel and which is regular nail polish?

In a DND duo, the gel polish is the bottle you cannot see through and the lacquer is the clear bottle. DND keeps gel in coated bottles because any UV light, including sunlight, starts to cure it. On classic DND the gel bottle is white, on DC it has the gold cap, and the lacquer is always the clear bottle so you can see the color (DND FAQ).

The two bottles share one shade number. Use the gel for a manicure that lasts, and the lacquer for quick changes, pedicures or touch-ups at home.

Is DND gel polish HEMA free or TPO free?

Only one DND line, HEMA & TPO Free, is sold as made without HEMA and without TPO. The classic DND, DC and DIVA lines are not marketed with that claim, so check the ingredient list on the bottle if you or a client need to avoid either ingredient. DND lists the HEMA & TPO Free shades as their own line on its official site.

What is HEMA, and why do people avoid it?

HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is one of the methacrylates used in many gel products. The British Association of Dermatologists has warned that (meth)acrylates in acrylic, gel and gel polish nails cause contact allergy, and that badly cured gel and skin contact raise the risk (British Association of Dermatologists).

  • Keep uncured gel off the skin and cuticles.
  • Cure every coat fully with a suitable UV or LED lamp.
  • Stop using the product and see a doctor if itching, swelling or a rash appears.

What is TPO, and why did the EU ban it?

TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is a photoinitiator, the ingredient that helps gel harden under the lamp. The European Union banned TPO in cosmetics from September 1, 2025, after classing it as a CMR 1B substance based on animal studies (Cosmetics Business).

The ban does not apply in the United States. TPO remains allowed in US gel products, and the FDA has not banned it (ABC News). If you would rather avoid TPO, choose a gel that is labeled TPO free.

Which DND line is HEMA and TPO free?

The DND HEMA & TPO Free line is a separate set of gel and lacquer duos. We list 287 of these shades in our DND HEMA & TPO Free collection. This page is general product information, not medical advice.

Which DND base and top coat should you use?

Use the base and top made for your line: #500 and #600 for classic DND, #800 and #900 for DC, and #100 and #300 for DIVA. DND says its DND and DC base and top gels can be used interchangeably and still give up to 21 days of wear when applied properly (DND FAQ).

What do the DND base and top numbers mean?

The number tells you whether the bottle is a base, a no-wipe top or a top that needs wiping.

Number What it is Needs wiping after cure?
DND #500, DC #800, DIVA #100 Base gel Not applicable
DND #600, DC #900, DIVA #300 No-wipe (no-cleanse) top gel No
DND #400, DC #700 Top gel with a sticky layer Yes, wipe with alcohol

Source: DND FAQ.

We stock DND Base #500, DND Top #600, DC Base #800, DC Tops #700 and #900, DIVA Base #100 and DIVA Top #300, plus sets that pair a base with a top. The DC Base #800 and No Cleanser Top #900 set is the best-selling item in this collection. For how each layer works, read our guide to base coat and top coat.

How do you apply DND gel polish?

Apply DND gel in thin layers: a base, two to three thin color coats and a top, curing each one under a UV or LED lamp. These are DND's own steps and cure times (DND FAQ).

  1. Wash and prep the nails so there is no dust or oil on the nail plate.
  2. Apply one to two coats of DND or DC base gel and cure for 30 to 45 seconds.
  3. Apply a thin coat of gel color and cure for 30 to 60 seconds.
  4. Repeat the color step for a total of two to three thin coats.
  5. Apply the top coat and cure for 30 to 45 seconds.
  6. If you used a wipe top (#400 or #700), remove the sticky layer with alcohol.

DND also recommends keeping cuticles hydrated to help prevent chipping and peeling. If you see tiny bubbles in the finish, our guide to gel polish bubbles covers the usual causes. Need a lamp? Browse our UV and LED nail lamps.

Why do dark DND shades sometimes stay soft?

Very dark, very light or thick coats of gel can need more time under the lamp. DND notes that shades like black or white may need a longer LED cure, because uncured gel underneath leads to chipping and peeling. Thin coats are the simplest fix.

How long does DND gel polish last, and how do you remove it?

DND says its gel lasts up to 21 days when applied properly. To remove it, DND recommends breaking the seal and soaking in acetone rather than peeling (DND FAQ).

  1. File the shiny top layer with a coarse file to break the seal.
  2. Place an acetone-soaked cotton pad on each nail and wrap it in foil.
  3. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Gently push off the loosened gel. If it is still intact, soak a little longer.
  5. Rinse and moisturize your hands and cuticles.

Peeling gel off can take layers of the natural nail with it. Our article on whether gel polish is bad for your nails explains what really causes damage.

Which DND products do our customers buy most?

Base and top coats sell as fast as colors in our DND collection. We checked Shopify's best-selling ranking for this collection on November 1, 2026 and kept only items that are live and in stock. Two of the top three are base and top coats, which is a useful reminder to reorder the system with your shades.

  1. DND DC Base #800 and No Cleanser Top #900 set
  2. DND Daisy Gel Duo, DND Red #563
  3. DND DC Top Coat No Cleanser Needed #900
  4. DND Daisy Gel Duo, Pink Watermelon #645
  5. DND Daisy Gel Duo, Pool Party #433
  6. DND DC Gel Duo, Black Ocean #055
  7. DND Daisy Gel Duo, Lavender Blue #573

Want to see more shades side by side first? Our DND gel polish shade guide walks through popular Daisy, DC and cat eye colors.

Where can you buy DND gel polish?

You can buy DND gel polish online here at Universal Nail Supplies, from DND's own website, or from nail supply stores. DND says its products are sold in more than 300 supply stores across the US (DND FAQ). On this page you can shop every DND line in one place, along with the matching base and top coats.

Shopping for a salon? Classic DND, DC and DIVA duos, the HEMA & TPO Free line and DND DC dip powder are all listed here, so you can restock colors and the system pieces in one order.

DND gel polish FAQs

Is DND a gel polish or a regular nail polish?

Both. Most DND shades are sold as a duo: one soak-off gel polish that cures under a UV or LED lamp and one matching lacquer that air dries like regular nail polish.

Can I use DND gel polish without a UV or LED lamp?

No. DND gel polish only hardens under a UV or LED lamp. If you want to skip the lamp, use the matching lacquer bottle from the duo, which air dries.

Can I mix DND and DC base and top coats?

Yes. DND says its DND and DC base and top gels can be used interchangeably and will still give up to 21 days of wear when applied properly.

Do I need a base coat with DND gel polish?

Yes. DND's own application steps start with one to two coats of DND or DC base gel, cured for 30 to 45 seconds, before any color goes on.

Is DND nail polish vegan and cruelty-free?

DND says its products are made without animal or animal-derived ingredients and that the brand is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.

How should I store DND gel polish so it does not thicken?

Keep the bottles closed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and your lamp. Gel is heat and light sensitive and can start to cure in the bottle, which makes it thick and clumpy.

Why does my DND neon shade look different from the bottle?

DND says neon gels show their true color only after curing. Apply thin coats, avoid over-curing, let each coat cool for about a minute, and use a white base under neon shades for the brightest result.

Shop more DND

How we wrote this page: product facts come from DND's published FAQ and our own live catalog, safety and regulation points come from the sources linked above, and a member of our team checked every fact before publishing.

FAQs

FAQ

DND gel polish is known for its long-lasting wear. When applied correctly and accompanied by proper nail preparation and application techniques, DND gel polish can last up to two weeks without chipping or peeling. The durability of DND gel polish is attributed to its high-quality formulation and the use of a UV or LED lamp for curing. However, individual results may vary based on factors such as nail health, lifestyle, and proper nail care. To maximize the longevity of your DND gel polish, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.

Removing DND gel polish is a straightforward process. Start by lightly buffing the shiny top layer of the gel polish with a nail file to break the seal. Next, soak a cotton pad with dnd daisy nail polish remover and place it directly on the nail. Securely wrap the nail with aluminum foil and leave it for about 10-15 minutes to allow the remover to dissolve the gel polish. Gently remove the foil wraps and use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently scrape off the softened gel polish. Finally, moisturize your nails with cuticle oil.

No, DND gel polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp to achieve its desired long-lasting and durable finish. The gel polish contains photoinitiators that react to the specific wavelengths of light emitted by UV or LED lamps, causing it to harden and adhere to the nail. Without proper curing, the gel polish will not dry completely and may remain sticky or prone to smudging. It is essential to use a DND dip powder and follow the manufacturer's recommended curing times to ensure optimal results and the longevity of your DND gel polish manicure.