All the nail wraps out there will tell you that the key to making your manicure last is to properly prep your nail before you apply. This involves pushing back your cuticle, scuffing your nail (via buffing) and then dehydrating it (via an alcohol wipe, or something similar).
Both buffing and dehydrating your nail are methods of removing your nail's natural oils so that the nail wrap's sticky side is able to adhere fully.
It works! But it also has the potential to do some damage to your nails, especially if you repeat the process regularly over time.
But don't fret! If you don't like the thought of dehydrating and buffing your nail, then consider these alternative methods to make your manicure last:
Easy Options:
Basic Base Coat: Use a base coat on your nail to cover over those oils, instead. There are many base coats out there, some of which will even fill in your nail's ridges and imperfections.
Tough Top Coat: Find yourself a really tough top coat and layer it onto your nail wrap, giving it plenty of time to dry. There are plenty of top coats on the market that do a great job of resisting chips.
Base Coat - Top Coat Sandwich: After you use your base coat and apply your nail wrap, add a top coat, being sure to cap the free edge of your nail. You've encapsulated your nail wrap, offering it an additional layer of protection.
Semi-Cured Wrap Refresh: Semi-cured gel wraps are made to last a very long time already. Did you know that you can layer a nail polish wrap on top of them when you're ready for a change? Simply apply a 100% nail polish wrap over your existing semi-cured wrap. Since you're applying the wrap to a clean, non-organic surface, it will stick for a very long time.
Advanced Options:
Soak Off UV-Cured Gel Top Coat: Grab your UV-lamp and Gel Polish top coat from the back of your closet and layer it on top of your nail wraps. You get a tough, shiny top coat. The best part is that you don't have to mess with soaking off the gel polish when you're ready to change your nails. Just gently lift up on the edges of the nail wrap and you can peel it off with the strong top coat.
Soak Off Builder-In-A-Bottle Top Coat: If you haven't heard about Builder Gels in a bottle, then you are in for a treat. These UV-cured gels can be applied to mimic the look of an acrylic overlay without involving harsh monomers, etc. Use a builder gel on top of your nail wrap if you're craving that extra volume and strength of a dip or acrylic manicure. Just like with gel top coats, you can still remove your wrap by gently peeling it away - no soaking necessary!
Ultra Fabulous Option:
Make Your Own Press-On Nails: If you're interested in nail wraps, you may have already tried the new generations of press-on nails, too, and know that they can last an impressively long time. Have you tried applying a nail wrap on top of one of your press-on nail sets? Try it over one of your existing reusable sets; or, buy your own blank nail tips and make your own reusable pop-on favorites!
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