FAQs
Questions
Everything you need to know about Ambedo’s three nail systems — application, removal, ingredients, and choosing the right system for your lifestyle.
Which Ambedo system is right for me?
Ambedo offers three systems designed for different goals:
- Series 01 · Solid Gel Polish — for nail art lovers, colour enthusiasts, and creatives who want full palette control and 30+ shades
- Series 02 · BIAB Builder Gel — for women with weak, brittle, or damaged nails who want to strengthen and protect without extensions
- Series 03 · Speedi Mani — for busy women who want salon-quality gel nails in under 10 minutes with just two steps
Not sure? Visit our System Guide for a full comparison.
Which system is best for weak or damaged nails?
Series 02 BIAB Builder Gel is specifically designed for weak, thin, peeling, or damaged nails. The 5-in-1 fibre-infused formula strengthens the natural nail while providing a polished finish — no extensions or acrylics needed. It is also suitable for nail biters and those recovering from acrylic damage.
Can I use gel nail polish if I bite my nails?
Yes — and Series 02 BIAB Builder Gel is actually one of the best tools for breaking the nail-biting habit. The BIAB formula adds a protective, strengthening layer over the natural nail that makes biting uncomfortable and helps nails grow longer and stronger over time.
What is the difference between solid gel and liquid gel polish?
Solid gel has a creamy, balm-like texture that does not drip, does not flood the cuticle, and does not spill. It stays exactly where you put it, giving you precise control. Ambedo’s solid gel is the world’s first patented solid-format DIY gel palette.
Liquid gel polish has a runny consistency that can flood the cuticle and is harder to control for beginners.
Which system is best for beginners?
All three systems are beginner-friendly. Speedi Mani has the fewest steps and is the simplest entry point. Solid Gel is best for beginners who want to explore colour and nail art. BIAB is best for beginners who also want to address nail health.
What is the difference between BIAB and regular gel polish?
BIAB is a thicker, structural gel designed to add strength to the natural nail. Regular gel polish is thinner and focused on colour and nail art. Ambedo BIAB is a 5-in-1 system — it replaces your base coat, builder, bonder, top coat, and treatment in a single product.
What is the difference between Speedi Mani and Traditional Gel?
Traditional Solid Gel uses three steps and a solid palette format. Speedi Mani uses two steps and a liquid gel bottle format. Both last 2 to 3 weeks. Speedi Mani is faster and simpler. Traditional Gel gives more colour and nail art capability.
Can I use Ambedo gels without an LED lamp?
No — an LED lamp is essential to cure the gel. All Ambedo starter kits include a 36W LED lamp. If you already own a compatible lamp, refill products and Speedi Mani colour packs are available without a lamp.
Does Ambedo offer products without a lamp?
Yes. If you already own a compatible LED lamp, Ambedo offers several options without a lamp:
- 6-Pan Nail Lover’s Kit — Solid Gel colours without a lamp
- Speedi Mani Twin Pack — 2 Speedi Mani colours without a lamp
- Fibre Fix BIAB single — BIAB Builder Gel refill without a lamp
- DIY Gel Capsule Refills — individual Solid Gel colour refills
Browse the full range in the Colours collection.
How long do I cure each coat under the LED lamp?
- Base Coat — 60 to 90 seconds. May feel slightly sticky after — this is normal.
- Colour Gel — 60 to 90 seconds per coat. Apply 2 thin coats.
- Top Coat — 60 to 90 seconds. Produces a fully hard, glossy finish.
My base coat feels sticky after curing — is this normal?
Yes, completely normal. The base coat stays sticky on purpose — this helps the colour gel grip and bond better. Only the top coat produces a fully hard, non-sticky finish.
How do I prep my nails for gel application?
- Remove all old polish and oils
- Lightly buff the nail surface
- Push back cuticles
- Wipe with a lint-free pad to remove dust and oils
- Apply base coat only when nails are completely clean and dry
Skipping prep is the most common reason for early lifting.
How do I avoid getting gel on my cuticles?
Apply gel starting from the centre of the nail and push towards the edges, leaving a 1mm gap from the cuticle. If gel touches skin, wipe it off before curing — gel cured onto skin causes lifting. Ambedo’s solid gel formula is easier to control than liquid gel.
Why does my gel colour look uneven or streaky?
Streaky colour is almost always caused by applying gel too thickly. Apply two thin coats and cure fully between layers. Thin coats cure evenly, build colour gradually, and last longer.
Can I apply gel polish on short nails?
Absolutely. Gel polish works on any nail length. BIAB Builder Gel is especially beneficial for short or bitten nails as it adds both strength and length gradually.
Can I apply Ambedo gel on fake nails or nail tips?
Yes. Ambedo gel can be applied over soft nail tips and extensions. Lightly buff the surface before applying base coat. Ambedo also offers Soft Nail Tips + Solid Glue Set and Bio-Based Nail Glue.
How many coats of colour should I apply?
Apply 2 thin coats of colour gel and cure between each coat. Thin coats cure more evenly and last longer than thick coats.
How do I remove Ambedo gel nail polish at home?
- Lightly file the surface of the top coat to break the seal
- Apply Ambedo Premium Gel Nail Remover Foil Wraps (acetone included)
- Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes
- Gently push off the softened gel with a cuticle pusher
Will removing gel damage my natural nails?
When removed correctly using the soak-off method, gel removal does not damage natural nails. Damage occurs when gel is peeled or forced off. After removal, apply cuticle oil and allow nails to rest before the next application.
How long does gel removal take?
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes — 2 to 3 minutes to file the top coat, then 10 to 15 minutes soaking with acetone foil wraps.
Can I peel off my gel nails?
We recommend against it. Peeling gel lifts the top layer of the natural nail causing thinning over time. Use the foil wrap soak method. Ambedo also offers a Peel-Off Base Coat for damage-free removal.
How long does Ambedo gel nail polish last?
With proper nail preparation, Ambedo gel manicures typically last 2 to 3 weeks chip-free. Many customers report 3 or more weeks of wear.
Why is my gel peeling or lifting early?
Almost always caused by insufficient nail prep — oily surface, skipping buffing, gel on the cuticle, or thick coats. Ensure nails are completely clean, dry, and oil-free before applying base coat.
My gel nails keep lifting at the edges — what am I doing wrong?
- Not capping the free edge — always seal base coat, colour, and top coat across the nail tip
- Gel touching skin or cuticle — gel cured onto skin will lift away
- Insufficient prep — oils prevent bonding
Capping the free edge is the most effective step for preventing edge lifting.
How do I make my gel nails last longer?
- Thoroughly prep nails — buff, clean, and degrease
- Apply thin coats and cure fully between layers
- Cap the free edge with base, colour, and top coat
- Avoid gel touching cuticle or skin
- Wear gloves when doing dishes or cleaning
- Apply cuticle oil daily
Are Ambedo gels HEMA-free and TPO-free?
Yes. All Ambedo gel formulas are HEMA-free and TPO-free. We use TPO-L — an EU-approved, safer alternative photoinitiator. All formulas are EU compliant.
Are Ambedo products vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. All Ambedo Beauty products are vegan and cruelty-free. The BIAB Builder Gel range is SGS-certified vegan.
Is Ambedo gel safe for home use?
Yes. Ambedo formulas are HEMA-free, TPO-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and EU compliant — formulated for safe at-home use without professional training.
Are Ambedo products safe during pregnancy?
Ambedo formulas are HEMA-free, TPO-free, and EU compliant. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before using nail products during pregnancy, and ensuring good ventilation during application and removal.
What is the difference between gel polish and regular nail polish?
- Regular polish dries naturally. Gel polish requires an LED lamp to cure.
- Gel polish lasts 2 to 3 weeks vs 3 to 5 days for regular polish.
- Gel polish is chip-resistant. Regular polish chips easily.
Does Ambedo ship across Australia?
Yes. Ambedo ships Australia-wide with free delivery on orders over $85. Same-day dispatch for orders before 2pm. Based in Brisbane, Queensland.
What is Ambedo’s return policy?
Returns and exchanges accepted within 60 days of delivery. Products must be unused and in original packaging. Contact info@ambedobeauty.com to start the process.
How is Ambedo different from other gel nail brands?
Ambedo is the only Australian brand with three distinct gel nail systems. Ambedo Solid Gel is the world’s first patented solid-format DIY gel palette. All formulas are HEMA-free, TPO-free, EU compliant, vegan, and cruelty-free. Best DIY Mani/Pedi 2025 — 4.8 stars from 580+ verified reviews.
