Girlicious Beauty

Nail stickers are a fantastic way to add flair and style to your nails without the hassle of intricate designs or waiting for polish to dry. 

Nail stickers, also known as nail wraps or nail decals, have become a popular nail art trend in recent years. 

Unlike regular nail polish, nail stickers come pre-designed and allow you to easily apply intricate designs and patterns to your nails.

However, like any nail product, nail stickers require some care and maintenance to keep your nails and cuticles healthy. 

They come in an array of patterns, colors, and textures, offering an easy and fun way to express yourself. 

However, to keep your nails healthy and looking fabulous, it’s essential to know how to maintain these stickers properly. 

Here are some do’s and don’ts for ensuring your nails stay healthy while rocking those beautiful nail stickers.

Do’s:

1. Prepare Your Nails: Before applying nail stickers, ensure your nails are clean, dry, and free from any polish or oils. Use a gentle nail polish remover to clean the nail surface thoroughly. This step helps the stickers adhere better and last longer.
2. Choose Quality Nail Stickers: Opt for high-quality nail stickers made from safe materials. Look for brands that use non-toxic adhesives and materials to prevent any damage to your nails.
3. Find the Right Size: Nail stickers come in all different sizes, shapes and designs. Make sure to select stickers that properly fit your nail beds. Stickers that are too big can overlay your cuticles or touch your skin, while ones too small won’t fully cover your nail.The packaging for nail stickers usually provides size guidance corresponding to pinky, ring finger, middle finger, index finger and thumb nails. Use these charts to find the right fit.
4. Trim and File Nails: Trim your nails to the desired length and shape them using a nail file before applying the stickers. This creates a smooth canvas for the stickers to adhere to, reducing the chances of snagging or peeling.
5. Apply Carefully: Gently peel off the sticker from its backing and place it onto your nail. Press down firmly, starting from the center and moving towards the edges to eliminate air bubbles and ensure a secure fit. Use a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
6. Seal with a Topcoat: Once the stickers are applied and properly set, seal them with a layer of clear topcoat. This helps protect the stickers from chipping or peeling off prematurely and adds an extra shine to your nail art.
7. Be Gentle: While wearing nail stickers, try to avoid activities that might put excessive strain on your nails, such as opening cans or using your nails as tools. Being gentle helps maintain the stickers and prevents them from getting damaged.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of exposing your nail stickers to harsh chemicals like acetone or strong cleaning agents. These substances can weaken the adhesive and cause the stickers to peel off or lose their vibrancy.
2. Skipping Topcoat: Skipping the topcoat might shorten the lifespan of your nail stickers. Without a protective layer, the stickers are more prone to chipping, fading, or peeling off easily.
3. Picking or Peeling: Refrain from picking or peeling at the edges of the stickers, as this can damage your natural nails. If a sticker starts to lift, apply a small amount of clear nail polish underneath to re-adhere it, then seal it with a topcoat for added protection.
4. Excessive Soaking: Avoid prolonged exposure to water or soaking your hands for extended periods, as this can weaken the adhesive and cause the stickers to lift or lose their adhesion.
5. Forgetting Removal Technique: When it’s time to remove the nail stickers, do it gently. Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, place it on the nail for a few seconds to loosen the adhesive, and then gently swipe away the sticker. Avoid forcefully pulling or ripping them off, as this can damage the nail surface.
6. Overload your Schedule: While it may seem convenient to continuously reapply nail stickers as soon as one set starts growing out or lifting, this doesn’t actually give your nails a break to recover.Aim to take 1-2 weeks between nail sticker applications to maintain healthy, strong nails that can properly support a manicure. Rotating between nail stickers, regular polish and breaks allows your nails time to breathe.

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can enjoy the beauty of nail stickers while maintaining the health of your nails. 

Caring for Your Nails

In addition to properly applying and removing nail stickers, keep your natural nails healthy with these maintenance tips:

• Moisturize nails and cuticles daily with oil or cream
• Always thoroughly remove old nail polish
• Avoid excessive filing, shaping or buffing
• Use a strengthening base coat with any manicure
• Take biotin supplements for stronger nail growth
• Wear gloves for wet work to avoid damage

By following healthy nail hygiene along with these nail sticker dos and don’ts, you can achieve a flawless manicure that lasts. 

Pay attention to any signs of nail damage, and adjust your nail care routine accordingly. 

With the right maintenance, your nails will stay strong and beautiful displaying whichever trendy nail sticker style you love!