These days, it seems like everyone is opting for DIY nails. From press-on nails to traditional manicures, the possibilities are endless. However, if you’re looking for an alternative that pairs down your manicure routine, nail stickers should be on your radar. Nail art stickers are perfect for those who just can’t find the time to sit in a salon chair. Thanks to this buzzy beauty trend, you can give your nails a professional touch with fancy nail art designs and patterns right in the comfort of your home. Since nail stickers come with their own rulebook, it’s important for you to go through this guide before you test drive the trend. Follow along as we give you the lowdown on nail art stickers.

WHAT ARE NAIL STICKERS?

Nail stickers aka nail polish strips, are simply stickers with an adhesive layer on one side and a fancy design on the other. Nail stickers are typically available in pre-cut sizes that cover the entire nail, replacing polish completely, but you can also find them as smaller stickers that can be used to accent a regular manicure.

Of course, nail art stickers aren’t only reserved for cool designs. If you prefer to rock a minimalist mani, you can find options in solid nail colors that provide a clean-cut look. These allow you to skip the mess and dry time that often come with traditional nail polish.

ARE NAIL STICKERS SAFE?

Let’s cut to the chase: Are nail stickers bad for your nails? The answer to your question is a resounding no! As we mentioned above, nail stickers are made from nail polish with a bit of adhesive. Since nail stickers can peel off without damaging your nails, you’re totally in the clear.  

HOW MUCH DO NAIL STICKERS COST?

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly manicure, nail stickers are just the ticket! Nail art sticker sets typically cost between Rs.99/- to Rs.299/-. So, your days of spending a pretty penny to score a gorgeous manicure are over!

HOW LONG DO NAIL STICKERS LAST?

Now that we have the basics on nail stickers out of the way, it’s time to explore how long nail art stickers last. When applied to your nails correctly, you can expect nail stickers to last up to two weeks. Keep in mind, the more precise your application technique, the longer your nail stickers will last.

HOW DO YOU APPLY NAIL STICKERS?

Ready to give nail stickers a try? Grab your set of nail stickers and follow our step-by-step tutorial to master the trend.

STEP #1: REMOVE OLD NAIL POLISH

Before you can apply your nail stickers, you’ll need to make sure that your natural nails are nice and clean. Set the stage by removing old nail polish that's left on your nails. 

STEP #2: FILE YOUR NAILS

The overall goal is for your nail stickers to look like your natural nails. So, it’s essential to file and shape your nails first. Trim your nails and make sure that they’re even. Follow up with a nail file to shape your nails for a nice and smooth finish.

STEP #3: CLEAN UP YOUR NAILS

Place your hands in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to give your nails a quick soak. Pick up an orange stick and push your cuticles out of the way for a fresh look.

STEP #4: SELECT YOUR NAIL STICKERS

Once your nails are dry, it’s time to whip out your nail stickers! Each set of nail stickers comes on a transparent sheet featuring various sizes so that they can work for people with different nail shapes and sizes. You can make sure you select the right size by placing the sheet over your nails. Once you have your stickers picked out, it’s time for some sticking action!

STEP #5: PEEL YOUR NAIL STICKERS

If you’ve tried nail stickers before and found yourself asking, “How do you get nail stickers off the sheets?”, it’s time to listen up! You should be able to remove the strip from its backing with just your fingers, but this may give you some trouble if your nails are extra-long or the stickers are super sticky. If that’s the case, pick them up with a pair of tweezers. 

STEP #6: APPLY YOUR NAIL STICKERS

Gently place the side with the adhesive as close to your cuticle as possible. Smooth it down against your nail from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. 

Note: If you’re using nail stickers as an accent to your base nail color, place the nail art sticker wherever you please and smooth it down for a seamless finish. 

STEP #7: FILE AWAY THE EXCESS

If you find that you have a bit of extra polish strip hanging off of your nails, there’s no need to panic. Simply use a nail file to smooth away the excess for a clean finish. Repeat until you have a full set of nail stickers on your nails!

BONUS STEP: ADD A CLEAR TOP COAT

Want to give your nail stickers a shiny finish? Apply a top coat to your nails for a glossy effect. 

HOW TO REMOVE NAIL STICKERS

Once your nail stickers start to lift at the edges, it’s time to remove them. Below, find three ways to get the job done.

1. PEEL AND GO

If your nail stickers have been in place for at least two weeks, they will probably peel off with ease when the time comes. Peel the stickers off from the lifted edge, and you’ll be all set.

2. ACETONE SOAK

A great way to remove stubborn nail polish stickers is with an acetone soak. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your cuticles to protect your nails during the removal process. Pour acetone into a small bowl, place your fingers in the bowl, and let your nails soak for 10 minutes. 

Once your soak session is up, use an orange stick to gently lift the stickers off of the nails. If the nail stickers won’t budge, repeat the acetone soak for an additional five minutes.

3. HOT WATER SOAK

Prefer to remove your nail stickers without acetone, but you’re having trouble? A hot water soak will do the trick. All you need to do is fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Place your hands in the bowl and allow your nails to soak for 20 minutes. Once the nail stickers are loose, you can gently peel them off.