Isla Bennett
Nail art is all the rage right now, and stickers are a fun and easy way to get creative with your manicure. But can you put stickers on gel nails? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your stickers adhere properly and last a long time. Firstly, make sure your nails are clean and dry before applying stickers. This goes for polished and bare nails as well as gel or shellac. If your nail polish is not completely dry, the sticker may not attach properly. For gel/shellac, make sure you cure your last layer of gel before applying stickers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail preparation | Nails should be clean and dry before applying stickers. |
| Sticker application | Use tweezers to lift stickers from their backing sheet. Place them gently on the nail and smooth from the center to the edges to remove air bubbles. |
| Trimming | Trim the edges of the sticker to ensure it follows the nail shape. |
| Topcoat | Apply two coats of a topcoat (or gel/shellac) to seal and protect the stickers and extend the life of the manicure. |
| Negative space design | For negative space designs or bare nails, paint a base coat or clear nail polish before applying stickers. |
| Adhesion | Use an extra dab of nail adhesive to increase the pasting power of the sticker. |
| Longevity | On average, nail stickers last 5-7 days but can last longer with proper application and care. |
| Brands | ManiMe, OPI, Qdsuh, and Augoog offer a range of nail sticker options. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture or oil on your nails can affect the adhesion of the stickers. You can use a prep pad or a lint-free wipe to clean your nails and remove any natural oils.
Next, if you are applying stickers to polished nails, make sure your nail polish is completely dry. Applying stickers to wet polish can cause the polish to lift, resulting in an uneven surface. This applies to gel nails as well; cure your last layer of gel before placing the stickers.
If you are using bare nails, consider applying a base coat or clear nail polish first. This step will provide a smooth surface for the stickers to adhere to and prevent natural oil buildup, which can cause the stickers to lift.
Before applying the stickers, use tweezers to gently lift them from their backing sheet. Avoid touching the sticky side of the sticker with your fingers, as this can reduce its adhesiveness.
Now you are ready to place the stickers on your nails. Position the sticker gently on your nail, and once you are happy with its placement, use a silicone tool to press it down gently. Start from the center and smooth out the sticker towards the edges to remove any air bubbles.
Finally, trim the edges of the sticker to ensure it perfectly follows your nail shape. If you are applying the sticker at the edge of your nail or nail bed, place the sticker slightly over the edge and then trim the excess with cuticle nippers.
By following these steps, you will have well-prepared nails that are ready for nail stickers!
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Applying the stickers
Applying nail stickers to gel nails is a simple process, but it requires careful preparation to ensure the best results. Firstly, make sure your nails are clean and dry. This is an important step, as any leftover moisture or oil can prevent the sticker from adhering properly. If your nails are not dry, the sticker may lift up wet polish from the nail.
Next, use tweezers to gently lift the nail sticker from its backing sheet. Avoid touching the sticky side of the sticker with your fingers, as this can reduce its adhesiveness. Carefully place the sticker on your nail, and once you are happy with its position, gently press it down with a silicone tool. Do not use an orange stick, as this may scratch the sticker.
Smooth the sticker from the centre outwards to the edges of your nail. This step helps to remove any air bubbles that may be trapped underneath, which can cause slight bubbling in the topcoat. Again, use a silicone tool for this step to avoid scratching the sticker.
If there is any excess sticker hanging off the edge of your nail, carefully trim it with cuticle nippers. Ensure the sticker follows your nail shape precisely.
Finally, apply a thin coat of base coat or topcoat over the entire nail and the stickers to seal and protect them. This will help your manicure last longer and smooth out any remaining edges. Cure your nails under an LED light for 30 seconds, or for two minutes if you are using a UV light.
If you are using a brand such as ManiMe, follow their specific instructions for application and curing. Their gel nail polish stickers are set before application, so you do not need to expose your hands to UV light.
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Trimming the edges
Prepare Your Nails: Start by ensuring your nails are clean and dry. This applies to both polished and bare nails. If you have nail polish on, make sure it is completely dry to prevent the sticker from lifting. For gel nails, cure your last layer of gel before applying stickers.
Choose Your Stickers: Select the nail stickers you want to use and use tweezers to lift them gently from their backing sheet. Avoid touching the sticky side of the sticker with your fingers, as this may reduce its adhesiveness.
Position and Smooth: Place the nail stickers on your nails and adjust them until you are happy with their position. Then, gently smooth the sticker from the center outwards to the edges. This step helps remove any air bubbles that may cause bubbling in the topcoat.
Trim the Edges: Once the sticker is in place, carefully trim any excess material that extends beyond the edges of your nails. Use cuticle nippers to ensure a precise fit along your nail shape or nail bed. Take your time with this step to achieve a neat and tailored result.
Apply a Top Coat: To seal and protect your stickers, apply a thin coat of a suitable topcoat, such as a gel or shellac topcoat, over the entire nail and the stickers. This step helps extend the life of your manicure and further smooths out the edges of the stickers.
Final Touches: If needed, use a lint-free wipe moistened with acetone or alcohol to wipe each nail and ensure a smooth finish. If you still feel any bumps or edges, apply another layer of the top coat to create a seamless finish.
Remember, when trimming the edges, less is more. You can always trim a little more, but you can't add back any excess that you've cut. Take your time, and you'll be left with a professional-looking manicure that showcases your nail stickers beautifully.
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Sealing the stickers
If you are using a gel top coat, you can cure it under a UV lamp for a smooth finish. You can also apply a second layer of the top coat for extra durability. To avoid any issues with your top coat, like flooding, you can apply two thin coats instead of one thick coat.
If you are using a regular clear nail polish, let it dry thoroughly. To maintain your manicure, reapply a top coat every few days. Using gloves when doing chores can also help to prolong the life of your manicure.
Before applying your top coat, ensure that your stickers are smooth and bubble-free. Use a lint-free wipe to press down on the stickers and remove any air bubbles. Pay special attention to the smaller nails, like the ring and pinky fingers, as stickers will want to lift naturally due to the greater curve of these nails.
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Removing the stickers
Removing stickers from gel nails can be tricky and may cause potential damage to your nails. The quality of your nail stickers also matters as lower-quality stickers may adhere too strongly, making removal difficult, or they may not adhere well enough, leading to premature peeling.
To remove your stickers, you can try the following methods:
The Natural Method
- Soak a cotton ball or cotton round in non-acetone polish remover.
- Place the soaked cotton on your nail and "clip it" using a gel wrap remover or a large pink clip.
- Leave it for a little bit.
- Use coconut oil and a nail stick to gently remove the sticker.
- Rub coconut or cuticle oil into your nails.
The Faster Method
- Pour a little bit of nail polish remover into the lid of the bottle.
- Dunk your finger into the lid.
- Use a wooden cuticle stick to trace and gently push the edges of the sticker.
- Repeat this process until the sticker slides off.
- Wash your hands.
- Apply cuticle oil to your nails multiple times until bedtime.
Additional Tips:
- Soaking your nails in warm water for a few minutes before attempting removal can help soften the stickers and make them easier to remove.
- Using a nail file to gently buff the surface of your nails can also help loosen the stickers' grip.
- Always be gentle when removing stickers to avoid damaging your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put stickers on gel nails. It is important to remember to cleanse the inhibition layer with an expert touch nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 before applying nail stickers.
To apply nail stickers, first, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Then, use tweezers to lift the sticker from its backing sheet and place it on your nail. Once you are happy with its position, press it down and smooth it out from the center to the edges to remove any air bubbles.
To seal nail stickers, apply a thin coat of base coat or two coats of a top coat over the entire nail and the stickers. This will help protect the stickers and make your manicure last longer.
On average, nail stickers can last between 5-15 days, depending on the brand and how they are applied.
