How to Apply Nail Wraps

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Nail wraps can give you a professional, artistic manicure in minutes and they are much less expensive than a professional manicure. If you want to try these popular nail decorations, then you might want to learn more about how to apply them. It is important to make sure that your nails are prepped first. After you apply the strips, you will also need to smooth them out and get rid of the excess material. Before you decide what strips to use, you might also take some time to think about the look you want to create.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting Your Nails Ready and Applying the Strips

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    It is important to remove any old nail polish before you apply your nail wraps. Use some nail polish remover to take off your old nail polish. Even if you do not have any nail polish on, you might want to swipe each of your nails with a little nail polish remover to ensure that they are totally clean. [1]
    • You can also wash your hands and nails to ensure that they are free of grease and dirt.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    Next, you will need to trim your nails to your desired length. If they are already at the length that you’d like them to be, then just take a minute to even them out by shaping them with a nail file. Buff the tops of your nails with a nail buffer as well to ensure that they are smooth and even. [2] [3]
    • It is important to get the surface of your nails really smooth or they may not look right. [4]
    • If you have dry, brittle nails, then you might also want to apply a layer or two of strengthening top coat before you apply the wraps. Otherwise, the adhesive might damage your nails.
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    Hold the strips up next to your nails to determine where the best placement for each strip would be. Try to select a strip for each nail that will fully cover the nail and line up with the cuticle. It may not be possible to find a perfect fit for every nail, but do the best you can. [5]
    • Don’t worry about choosing the strip that is meant for a specific finger. Just go with the one that fits your finger best. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    Some nail wraps are heat activated, so you will need to heat them up using a hair dryer. Turn on your hair dryer and set it to warm. Then, pick up one of your nail wraps and aim the hair dryer at it. Heat the nail wrap for about three to five seconds. [7] [8]
    • Not all nail wraps require heat to work. You might be able to just apply the wrap directly to your nail and smooth it out. Check the package instructions to be sure.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    Use a cuticle pusher to apply the nail wrap and smooth it out on your nail. Make sure that there are no bumps and that the nail strip goes all the way to the edges of your nails. They should be lined up with your cuticles on all sides. [9] [10]
    • Try not to touch the adhesive layer with your fingertips as you apply it or some if it may come off.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Shaping and Shining the Nail Strip

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    Applying heat to the nail wraps again will help them to adhere to your nails better. It will also give you a chance to smooth out any bumps in the nail wraps. Hold each nail under the hair dryer for about three to five seconds. [11] [12]
    • Use a cotton swab or an orange tipped cuticle pusher to smooth out any bumps after you apply heat for a few seconds.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    The nail wraps are quite long, so most people will have some excess material at the ends. Use some nail scissors or a nail clipper to cut this excess material off. [13]
    • You do not have to cut it right along the nail, there can be a small amount of nail wrap material hanging over because you will be filing the ends as well.
    • If you have really short nails, then you might even find it easier to cut off some of the excess strip material before you apply the strips. [14]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    Next, use a glass file or emery board to file away the edges of the remaining excess nail strip material. File your nails from underneath the nail, not the top of the nail. This will help to prevent jagged edges. [15] [16]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Nail Wraps
    Finish off your nail wrap manicure by applying a coat of clear nail polish over the top of the nail wraps. You might even want to apply a couple of coats for an extra glossy look. [17] [18]
    • You can skip the clear nail polish if you like, but the nail wraps may have more of a matte look to them if you skip it.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Choosing and Using Nail Wraps

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    You can use any design you like, but shorter nails may not show a larger design as well. Therefore, you might want to stick with a small design or something that has a repetitive pattern on it, such as polka dots or stripes. [19]
    • Try holding different designs up to your nails to get an idea of how much of your nails the strips will cover.
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    Nail wraps often come in prints and intricate designs. However, if you want to create an even more interesting look, then you could pick out a few different patterns in coordinating colors.
    • For example, you could use pick a few different black and white designs and alternate the designs so you have a different one on each nail. Or, for a holiday look, you could pick out some red nail wraps and some green ones and alternate those.
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    Different nail wrap brands have different specifications for application and removal. Always check the package instructions before applying or removing your nail wraps.
    • For example, some nail wraps can be removed by peeling them off with a cuticle pusher, while others require some acetone nail polish remover.
    • Ensure that you have everything you need to use the strips you purchase. For example, you might need a hairdryer, nail polish remover, and an orange tipped cuticle pusher to use some strips.
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Common Questions: Application Tips for Nail Wraps

Do I need to apply nail polish before putting on nail wraps?

No, you don’t need to apply nail polish before putting on nail wraps. All you need to do to ensure proper adhesion is clean your nails first with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove any oils. Then, lightly buff each nail to smooth the surface of your nail. [20]

How do you get nail wraps to stay on?

Clean your nails with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove oils (which interfere with adhesion). Use nail wraps that fit your nail beds and press the wraps down firmly during application. Finish with a clear top coat to seal the edge of your nails. [21]

Should you put a top coat over nail wraps?

Yes, you should apply a clear top coat over the nail wraps immediately after applying them. This seals the edge of your nails so the wraps stay in place and your manicure lasts longer. [22]

How do you apply nail wraps to acrylic nails?

Most nail wraps work for both natural and artificial nails. The application process is exactly the same. [23]

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Tips

  • Keep in mind that nail wraps are not just for your fingernails. You can also use them to give yourself a stylish pedicure.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  2. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 14 April 2021.
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  4. ↑ http://sonailicious.com/how-to-apply-jamberry-best-tips/
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  6. ↑ http://www.allure.com/story/three-tips-for-applying-nail-wraps-short-nails
  7. ↑ http://sonailicious.com/how-to-apply-jamberry-best-tips/
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  9. ↑ http://sonailicious.com/how-to-apply-jamberry-best-tips/
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  2. ↑ http://sonailicious.com/how-to-apply-jamberry-best-tips/
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  5. ↑ http://www.allure.com/story/three-tips-for-applying-nail-wraps-short-nails
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  7. ↑ https://intothegloss.com/2014/05/best-nail-wraps/
  8. ↑ https://intothegloss.com/2014/05/best-nail-wraps/
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgloV329A7Q
  10. ↑ http://www.allure.com/story/three-tips-for-applying-nail-wraps-short-nails
  11. ↑ https://manicurefx.com/blogs/manicure/how-to-apply-nail-wraps
  12. ↑ https://prettyfabnails.com/blogs/the-club/nail-polish-wrap-application-tips-advice
  13. ↑ https://prettyfabnails.com/blogs/the-club/nail-polish-wrap-application-tips-advice
  14. ↑ https://www.goscratch.it/pages/faq
  15. Videos provided by Boots UK

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