The UK nail brand built by a nail tech to support nail techs
By Jess Watts | 14 June 2026 | Business & Education
From mixing her own glitter acrylic in 2003 to founding EL Nail Systems, Emma Sarda’s journey is one of grit, passion and an unshakeable belief that nail technicians deserve better products.
Lead image courtesy of EL Nail Systems brand ambassador, Ashley McCann (Instagram.com/the_exquisite_nail_fairy).
Emma Sarda qualified as a nail technician in 2003. “The nail industry looked very different back then,” she reflects. “The vast range of products and colours available today simply didn’t exist. If you wanted coloured or glitter acrylic, you mixed it yourself.”
Alongside her practical knowledge honed behind the nail desk, Emma boasts a background in manufacturing, while her husband has extensive experience in regulatory affairs. The combination of these skills would prove transformative.
“We wanted to develop high-quality products that meet the needs of modern nail technicians, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and performance,” she explains. “That vision ultimately became EL Nail Systems.”
The brand was built on a clear and simple mission: ‘To create products that nail technicians can trust, developed by people who genuinely understand the nail industry.’ With growing awareness of allergies and nail product ingredients, it became important to develop HEMA-free and TPO-free products without compromising on quality – and ensure manufacture in the UK where possible.
Product portfolio
The EL Nail Systems product range reflects Emma’s ambition to offer variety. It features an acrylic system with 20 core powders and over 700 coloured powders, a gel polish system with more than 200 shades, a HEMA-free and TPO-free builder gel range and the recently launched SculptX full cover tip system. The brand also caters to nail art lovers with its gel paints and glitters.
EL Nail Systems’ Builder Gel is perhaps its proudest achievement. “We’ve worked closely with our UK manufacturer over the years to develop our formula, creating a hybrid gel that sits somewhere between a soft builder gel and hard gel,” Emma reveals. “It’s strong, versatile and can be used for extensions, making it a favourite among customers.”
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Bestselling products include Builder Gels in Nude Pink and Cotton Candy, alongside Acrylic Core Powders in Raya and Dolly Daydream. “Pink shades never seem to go out of style, and these colours offer natural, wearable and polished finishes,” Emma says.
Accessibility is central to the brand. “Trying EL Nail Systems doesn’t require a huge investment,” Emma is keen to point out. “We offer small pot sizes and trial kits across many of our ranges – and once nail pros try the products for themselves, they can see why so many technicians choose to stay with the brand.”
In addition to its vast product offering, EL Nail Systems recently launched a YouTube channel. “We’re gradually uploading educational content, course material and free hints and tips for nail techs,” Emma shares. “We’re currently working on a ‘Back to Basics’ series, designed to help both new and experienced techs refine their skills and build confidence.”
The brand also runs a private Facebook community where nail technicians can ask questions, share experiences and seek advice in a supportive environment. “We firmly believe that no question is a silly question, and we’re always happy to help,” Emma states.
Looking ahead
The future looks exciting for EL Nail Systems. “We’re always working on new ideas and products, but our next major launch is currently in the trialling and testing phase,” Emma teases. “It’s something we’re really excited about, and we’re taking the time to ensure it meets the high standards our customers expect.”
As for the long-term? “Hopefully we’ll go global,” Emma says with a smile. “But if in five years’ time there’s a little bit of EL Nail Systems on every nail desk, I’d consider that a huge success.”
Browse EL Nail Systems’ product range via www.elnailsystems.com and follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok.
