Best Lighting for Nail Techs: Complete Setup Guide 2025

Jul 1 / TGB Academy

In today’s digital world, content creation isn’t optional for nail techs — it’s essential. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, showing your work on platforms like Instagram and TikTok helps grow your reputation, attract clients and position you as a true professional.  And when it comes to creating standout nail content, lighting is everything. 

Why Content Creation Matters for Nail Technicians

Posting high-quality content builds trust with your audience, showcases your skills and turns followers into paying clients. It’s your modern-day portfolio, and when done well, it can lead to salon bookings, brand partnerships or even education opportunities. But great content isn’t just about the nails, it’s about how you present them. 

The Power of Good Lighting

Good lighting:                                                                                                                                                                          
  • Enhances detail and colour                                                                                                                                                  
  • Softens skin tones
  • Minimises shadows 
  • Helps your camera focus properly 
  • Creates professional-looking content 


Bad lighting? It can make even your best work look dull or uneven. Investing in the right light is one of the smartest things you can do for your business.                                                                                                                                                          

Complete Lighting Recommendations for Every Budget

We’ve curated our favourite lighting setups for every budget, whether you’re new to content or levelling up your existing setup.      

Budget-Friendly Lighting Setup - (£50+)

 Perfect for: Students, beginners, or anyone just starting their content journey.                                                                        
A compact, affordable light that gives your content a serious glow-up. It adds highlights to the nails, reduces shadows and gives a soft, polished effect.                                                                                                                                                  
 Shop here: Neewer LED Video Light                                                                                                                                         
Price: ~£50                                                                                                                                                                             

Mid-Low Tier Lighting - (£100-£200)

Perfect for: Nail techs building a portfolio or improving social media content.                                                    
A great-quality ring light creates soft, flattering light and is super easy to position around your nail desk. This one’s dimmable, bi-colour and comes with everything you need to get started creating professional content. 
Shop here: Neewer 18" Ring Light Kit 
Price: ~£120 

Mid-Range Lighting Setup - (£300+)

    Perfect for: Techs who want more control and a studio-style setup. 
    This setup gives professional results with adjustable colour temperature and directional lighting. Use it to bounce light off the        ceiling or focus it directly using the softbox for stunning nail photography and video content. 
    Kit Includes: 

  • Neewer CB200C 200W RGB LED Light Price: ~£270 - link                                                                                                     
  • Neewer Reversible Cushioned Light Stand Price: ~£55 - link 
  • Neewer Softbox for Monolights Price: ~£35 - link 
     


High-End Lighting Setup - (£1000+)

Perfect for: Salon owners, educators or creators filming pro-level content.                                                                              
This is the gold standard of lighting. Mimic natural daylight, reduce harsh shadows and create cinematic top-down shots. Ideal for YouTube tutorials, detailed nail art demonstrations, professional reels and high-quality photography. 
Recommended Setup: 
  • Aputure LS 300X Light - link 
  • Aputure Light Dome SE Softbox - link 
  • Neewer Heavy-Duty C-Stand - link
  • Neewer Sandbags - link
  • Kiln-dried sand for weights - link

    Need help setting it up? Search “C-stand overhead lighting setup” on YouTube for easy tutorials. 

Tips for Optimal Nail Tech Lighting

Natural light is free: Position your nail desk near a north-facing window for consistent, soft light 
Avoid direct sunlight: It creates harsh shadows and colour distortion 
Test your setup: Take photos throughout the day to see how your lighting performs
Consider your background: Good lighting should illuminate both your work and your workspace 
Invest gradually: Start with budget options and upgrade as your content creation grows 

Final Thoughts

No matter your budget, good lighting is the fastest way to upgrade your content — and with it, your visibility, bookings, and brand presence.  Start small, grow gradually and remember: your work deserves to be seen in the best light possible. 

Want more tech tips and pro guidance? Explore our online courses such as our content creation workshop at TGB Academy and take your career to the next level.