Sophia Delgado
Striping tape is a quick and easy way to upgrade your gel manicure. It's a simple process that can be done at home and will give your nails a timeless look. The process involves applying tape to your nails and then painting over it with a contrasting colour. The tape is then removed, leaving a crisp line. However, applying striping tape can be challenging, and many people struggle with getting the tape to stick to their nails without peeling or lifting off the gel polish underneath.
Applying Striping Tape to Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Start with a fresh set of nails and apply two coats of the color of your choice. Cure the nails in a lamp for 60 seconds. |
| Step 2 | Wipe the nails with 90% alcohol to remove the tacky layer. |
| Step 3 | Cut the striping tape with scissors or tweezers into 2-3 inch long pieces. |
| Step 4 | Apply the tape and cut it 0.5 mm away from the edge of the nail with scissors, cuticle nippers, or nail art nippers. |
| Step 5 | Use a base gel to seal the edges of the tape. Cure in a lamp for 10 seconds. |
| Step 6 | Apply a thin layer of base coat followed by a layer of top coat to smooth out the surface. |
| Step 7 | Cure the nails with an LED lamp. Cure for 1-minute increments until the nails are hardened. |
| Bonus Step | Finish with a high-shine gel top coat for a long-lasting manicure. |
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What You'll Learn
Prep nails by removing cuticles and cleaning with rubbing alcohol
Before applying striping tape to your gel nails, it's important to prepare your nails properly to ensure the best adhesion and prevent peeling or chipping. Start by removing your cuticles with a gentle cuticle remover. This step is crucial as applying gel nail strips or polish over your cuticles can lead to peeling or chipping. Allow the remover to sit for about 2 minutes, and then gently push back your cuticles until your nail plate is clean and ready for the next steps.
Once your cuticles are removed, it's time to clean your nails with rubbing alcohol. This step will help remove any remaining debris or oils from your nail beds, ensuring a clean surface for the gel nail application. Use a cotton pad or ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and wipe each nail thoroughly. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove any sticky residue after curing your gel nails.
It is important to note that you should avoid getting rubbing alcohol on your cuticles and surrounding skin as it can cause dryness and irritation. Be gentle and precise when cleaning your nails with rubbing alcohol.
After cleaning your nails, you can move on to choosing the appropriate size of gel nail strips or starting to apply your gel polish. If you're using gel nail strips, stretch them gently to fit your nail plate if needed and trim any excess with scissors or clippers. Place the strip onto your nail, ensuring it doesn't touch your skin or cuticle, and smooth it out with a wooden cuticle pusher.
By properly preparing your nails by removing your cuticles and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol, you'll create a clean and healthy canvas for your gel nail application, ensuring a longer-lasting and more flawless manicure.
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Choose the right-sized gel nail strips
Choosing the right-sized gel nail strips is crucial for achieving a neat and professional-looking manicure. Here are some detailed tips to help you select the correct size:
Firstly, it is important to note that gel nail strips are flexible and can be stretched or cut to fit your nails. Each box typically contains a variety of sizes and accents, allowing for customization. Before selecting a strip, ensure your nails are prepped and clean. Use a gentle cuticle remover to push back your cuticles, creating a clean nail plate.
When choosing a gel nail strip, opt for a size that perfectly matches the width of your nail. Selecting a size slightly smaller is often optimal, as you can gently stretch the strip to fit your nail without distorting the design. Avoid choosing a strip that is too large, as this may lead to peeling or chipping. If you need to, you can use makeup scissors or nail clippers to trim the strip to the desired size.
It is crucial that the gel nail strip does not touch your skin or cuticle, as this will affect its adhesion and cause peeling. Ensure the strip only adheres to your nail plate, and use a wooden cuticle pusher to smooth it out and create a seamless finish.
Finally, after applying the strip, gently file off any excess and cure your nails with an LED lamp. Start with one-minute increments and check periodically to see if your nails have hardened sufficiently. Finish with a top coat for an extra long-lasting manicure.
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Seal the edges of the tape with a base gel
Sealing the edges of the tape with a base gel is an important step in ensuring your striping tape manicure lasts. The process requires precision and attention to detail, but the results will be worth it!
Firstly, cut your striping tape with scissors or nail art nippers. You want to cut as close to the edge of your nail as possible, leaving about half a millimetre of space. The closer you cut to the edge, the better the final look will be. Be sure to use a sharp tool for this step.
Now, take your base gel. A thin layer of an adhesion gel, such as Gelip Bond, works well. Carefully swipe the gel over the end of the tape. Be sure to only do one nail at a time to prevent the gel from seeping under the tape. Cure each nail in a lamp for around 10 seconds, repeating on the other end of the tape.
At this point, you can choose to seal the tape with a thin layer of base coat, creating an extra barrier between the tape and top coat. This is especially useful if your top coat is on the thinner side.
Sealing the edges of the tape with a base gel helps to create a smooth surface for your manicure and ensures the tape is securely in place. It is a crucial step in achieving the desired look and longevity of your gel nail art.
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Smooth the surface with a thin layer of base coat
To smooth the surface with a thin layer of base coat, you must first apply the striping tape. Start with a fresh set of nails and apply two coats of the colour of your choice. Then, take your nails to a lamp for a full cure. Next, cut the striping tape with scissors or nail art nippers. You want to cut about half a millimetre away from the edge of your nail so you can seal it. The more precise your cut, the better it will look, so use a sharp tool.
After cutting the tape, use a base gel to seal the edges of the tape. Do a thin swipe over the end of the tape and cure in a lamp for 10 seconds, then repeat on the other end of the tape. Do this one nail at a time so the gel does not seep under the tape. You can then seal the tape with a thin layer of base coat, followed by a layer of top coat to smooth out the surface.
Alternatively, you can apply the base coat first, then the striping tape, and then the polish. Leave the polish to settle for a few minutes and then peel the tape off towards where you've painted it. Then, cure your nails under a lamp.
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Finish with a top coat
Once you have applied your striping tape to your gel nails, you can finish with a top coat. This will help to seal the tape and prevent it from peeling or lifting off. It is important to note that not all top coats are created equal, and some may not work well with striping tape. Some people have reported issues with certain brands, such as Seche, which can melt the tape. HK Girl, on the other hand, has been recommended as a suitable alternative.
When applying the top coat, use a thin layer and be careful not to get it on the skin, as this can affect the adhesion. You can use cuticle nippers or scissors to carefully cut the tape to the desired length and shape before sealing it with the top coat. It is recommended to do this one nail at a time to prevent the gel from seeping under the tape.
After applying the top coat, you may need to cure your nails again under an LED lamp. Start by curing for one minute, then check if they have hardened. If more curing is needed, do so in one-minute increments until your nails are sufficiently hardened.
Finally, be sure to store any leftover gel nail strips or wraps in a dark place, as exposure to UV rays can cause them to harden prematurely.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by removing your cuticles with a gentle cuticle remover. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean your nails and remove any debris.
Choose the right size of gel nail strip for your nail. If you can't find a strip that fits your nail, you can gently stretch it until it's large enough. Place the strip onto your nail plate, making sure it doesn't touch your skin or cuticle, as this will cause it to peel off easily. Smooth out any bubbles with a wooden cuticle pusher, then trim off any excess with fingernail clippers.
First, apply two coats of nail polish and cure them under a lamp. Then, apply the striping tape and cut it with scissors or nail art nippers. Seal the edges of the tape with a thin layer of base coat, followed by a layer of top coat.
Make sure the tape only touches your nail and doesn't touch your skin, as this will prevent it from sticking well. Seal the tape with a top coat.
Apply the tape, then apply polish. Let the polish settle for a few minutes, then slowly peel off the tape towards the direction you painted it in. Cure your nails under a lamp.
