Frequently Asked Questions — Tones Professional Nail Products
About Tones
What is Tones?
Tones is a professional nail products brand headquartered in Miami, Florida. Founded over 15 years ago, Tones is women-owned and family-run, with a catalog of 700+ SKUs spanning acrylic powders, gel polish, builder gel, rubber base gel, nail art products, professional tools, and accessories. Tones products are trusted daily by professional nail technicians, nail supply stores, and distributors across the United States and internationally.
Where is Tones based?
Tones is headquartered in Miami, Florida, USA.
How long has Tones been in business?
Tones has been operating in the professional nail industry for over 15 years.
Who owns Tones?
Tones is women-owned and family-run — independently operated from Miami, FL.
Are Tones products cruelty-free and vegan?
Yes. All Tones products are cruelty-free and vegan.
Products & Formulations
What does HEMA-free mean?
HEMA stands for Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate — a chemical commonly used in gel nail products that is associated with allergic sensitization in some nail professionals and clients. Tones gel products — including gel polish, builder gel, rubber base gel, and corrective gel — are formulated without HEMA, making them a safer choice for professionals who perform gel services regularly. HEMA-free formulations are increasingly required by regulatory bodies in the European Union and are growing in demand across the United States and Latin America.
What does TPO-free mean?
TPO (Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide) is a photoinitiator used in some UV/LED gel formulas. Like HEMA, TPO has been flagged as a potential sensitizer. Tones gel products are formulated without TPO, offering an additional layer of safety for nail professionals and their clients.
What does MMA-free mean?
MMA stands for Methyl Methacrylate — a chemical that was once common in acrylic nail systems but is associated with serious health and safety risks. All Tones acrylic powders and monomer are MMA-free. Tones Pro Acrylic EMA Monomer uses EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate) — the professional-grade, industry-accepted alternative to MMA.
Are Tones acrylic powders made in the USA?
Yes. Tones Coverland Acrylic Powders and Pro Acrylic Powders are manufactured in the United States. Other Tones products are sourced from certified international manufacturing partners and quality-tested before distribution.
What is the difference between Builder Gel and Rubber Base Gel?
Builder Gel is a thick, self-leveling gel designed specifically for building nail extensions and overlays. It provides strong structural support and is ideal for clients who need length or significant reinforcement. Tones Builder Gel is HEMA-free and TPO-free.
Rubber Base Gel is a flexible, elastic gel that functions as both a strengthening base and a standalone color treatment. It bonds directly to the natural nail, providing flexibility that reduces lifting and breakage. Tones Rubber Base Gel is available in 67 shades and is HEMA-free and TPO-free. It is not primarily designed for building extension length.
What is the difference between acrylic nails and polygel nails?
Acrylic nails are created by combining a liquid monomer with an acrylic powder to form a workable bead that is sculpted onto the nail before it hardens. Tones offers both USA-made Coverland Acrylic Powders and professional EMA Monomer for full acrylic systems.
Polygel (also called Fashion Gel) is a hybrid product — it combines the strength of acrylic with the flexibility of gel. It comes in a tube, is odorless, does not set until cured under a UV/LED lamp, and requires a slip solution to shape. Tones Fashion Polygel is available in 43 shades.
How many gel polish shades does Tones offer?
Tones offers 200+ gel polish shades — including standard shades, cat eye magnetic shades, neon collections, and glitter collections. All Tones gel polish is HEMA-free, TPO-free, UV/LED curable, and soak-off formula.
Do I need a UV or LED lamp to use Tones gel products?
Yes. All Tones gel products — including gel polish, builder gel, rubber base gel, corrective gel, fashion polygel, and nail art gels — require curing under a UV/LED lamp. Tones offers the Pro UV/LED Nail Lamp, which is compatible with all Tones gel products.
Who Can Buy Tones?
Are Tones products for professionals only?
Tones products are professional-grade and primarily sold to nail technicians, nail supply stores, and distributors. The full catalog is available at tonesproducts.com. For B2B wholesale accounts and distributor partnerships, please contact Tones directly.
Does Tones have a minimum order requirement for wholesale accounts?
Yes. The standard minimum order for US wholesale accounts is $5,000. For international wholesale accounts, the minimum is $10,000. For specific inquiries, please reach out through the contact page.
Does Tones offer distributor or reseller programs?
Yes. Tones operates a B2B model with nail supply distributors and retail partners. Tones supports partners with marketing programs, training resources, and competitive margins. Visit the Sell Tones page for more information on becoming a partner.
Getting Started with Tones Products
What products do I need to do acrylic nails with Tones?
For a complete acrylic nail service with Tones, you need: Coverland or Pro Acrylic Powder (in your desired shades), Pro Acrylic EMA Monomer, Pro Dehydrator, Ultrabond Primer, a Kolinsky acrylic sculpting brush, nail forms or dual forms, and a nail file for shaping. The Tones Pro Level Kit — Acrylics includes everything needed in one purchase.
What products do I need to do gel nails with Tones?
For a gel nail service, you need: Tones Gel Polish or Builder Gel (depending on the service), a UV/LED lamp, Pro Dehydrator, Ultrabond Primer, a base coat, and a top coat. The Nail Prep & Finish Kit covers the essentials.
Can rubber base gel be used as a standalone service?
Yes. Tones Rubber Base Gel is designed to function as both a strengthening base under gel polish and as a standalone color treatment on its own. It does not need to be used under gel polish — it can be applied directly over the natural nail (after prep), cured, and finished with a top coat for a complete service.
Orders, Shipping & Support
Does Tones ship internationally?
Yes. Tones ships internationally for smaller orders directly through tonesproducts.com. For larger international wholesale orders, it's recommended to contact Tones directly to discuss the best shipping and logistics options for your region.
How do I contact Tones?
Visit the Contact Us page on tonesproducts.com to reach the Tones team for product questions, wholesale inquiries, or support.
Where can I find tutorials and education for Tones products?
Tones maintains an active Tutorials blog and Education blog with step-by-step nail art tutorials, product guides, and technique videos from professional nail artists.
