Everyone seems to love DIY nails these days. From push-on manicures to traditional manicures, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for an alternative that can dramatically speed up your nail art, nail stickers should be on your radar. Nail stickers are perfect for those who don’t have time for a salon chair but want to partake in the latest manicure trend (hello, neon manicures!). Give your nails a professional touch with stunning nail designs and patterns from the comfort of your own home with this vibrant grooming tool. Since nail stickers have their own set of rules, it’s important to get a 4-1-1 before testing a trend. Follow us as we bring you facts about nail decals and how to apply them.
What are nail stickers?
As the name suggests, nail stickers (or nail stickers) are nail polish stickers that have an adhesive layer on one side and a nail polish color or design on the other. Nail stickers usually come in pre-cut sizes that cover the entire nail and completely replace nail polish. You’ll also find smaller stickers that can be used to accentuate regular manicures.
Of course, nail stickers aren’t just reserved for cool designs. If you like to rock minimalist manicures, you can find options for solid nail polishes for a clean look. This allows you to skip the mess and drying time that often accompanies traditional nail polish.
Choose your designs wisely
Sure, your cat face picture or elaborate landscape design looks great on long nails, but if you have a smaller surface area, you may need to cut out a fair amount of the sticker before applying it. It’s best to choose small or repeating patterns, such as polka dots or stripes. If you have to do a more elaborate design, make sure the bulk of the image is close to your cuticle.
Don’t just stick them on
According to Los Angeles manicurist Holly Falcone, you should always start with a fresh foundation. Wash your hands, remove old nail polish and wipe your nails with acetone. Then customize your decal by cutting the film to your size
nail. Most stickers come pre-made for each of the five nails, but that doesn’t mean you have to use them on a given nail.
“Apply the decal as close to your cuticle as possible, then dab it with the rest of your fingers,” she tells Allure. “Finally, file off the excess foil and blow-dry the nail to apply the decal to the nail, making sure They won’t move.” For extra security, apply a top coat to seal the decals. I’m currently loving the Revlon Ultimate Shine Top Coat because it’s so shiny it almost looks wet. Plus, it’s $7 to pick up at the drugstore while I’m out shopping for essentials.
How do you apply nail stickers?
Are you ready to get intricate nail designs with nail stickers? Grab your picks and follow our step-by-step guide below to master the look.
Step 1: Remove old nail polish
Before you can apply nail stickers, you need to make sure your natural nails are nice and clean. Use nail polish remover to remove any old nail polish left on your nails.
Step 2: File your nails
The overall goal is to make your nail decals look like your natural nails, so it’s important to file your nails flat first. Trim your nails and make sure they are even, then file your nails for a nice smooth finish.
Step 3: Clean your nails
Put your hands in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to quickly soak your nails. Grab an orange stick and push away your cuticles for a refreshed look.
Editor’s Note: If you want to trim your cuticles, don’t! Cutting can cause irritation or infection.
Step 4: Choose Your Nail Stickers
Once your nails are dry, it’s time to get out your nail stickers. Each set of nail stickers comes on a sheet of transparent paper of different sizes to accommodate people of different nail shapes and sizes. The best way to choose the right size for you is to apply the decal to your nails before removing them from the patch. Once the decal is selected, it’s time to do some pasting.
Step 5: Peel off the nail sticker
All you have to do is use your fingers to pry the strip away from its backing. But if your nails are extra long or the stickers are super sticky, you can also use tweezers to pick them up.
Step 6: Apply nail stickers
Carefully place the glued side as close to the cuticle as possible. Smooth along the nail from cuticle to tip. When using nail stickers as an accent to a base nail color, apply the nail art sticker anywhere and smooth for a seamless finish.
Step 7: Discard excess
If you notice some extra polish streaks on your nails, simply use a nail file to buff away the excess polish for a clean finish. Repeat this process until your nails are covered with a full set of stickers.
Step 8: Add a clear top coat
After applying the nail stickers, apply a top coat for a glossy finish. This step is not required, but we recommend it for a long-lasting and professional look.
