Sophia Delgado
Adding crystals to your nails can be a fun way to adorn them with glitter, shine, or glow-in-the-dark effects. The key to making crystals stay on your nails lies in proper placement and adhesion. The right techniques can make your crystals last longer. Here are some tips to make your crystals stay on your nails:
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of crystals | Crystal dust, flatback rhinestones, crystal shapes, pearls, pointy back crystals, cabochons, glass or synthetic crystals, acrylic gems |
| Adhesive | GEMGEL Adhesive, Rachael Wilders Crystal Fix, nail glue, resin, gel polish |
| Application process | Use a pick-up tool, tweezers, toothpick dipped in clear polish, wax stick or wax pencil |
| Placement | Closer to the cuticle, avoiding the skin |
| Top coat | Required over gel or regular polish and under the crystals; not required over the crystals as it may dull the sparkle |
| Durability | Lasts for at least two weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail glue or resin
Using nail glue or resin is a great way to make crystals stay on your nails for longer. The right adhesive will ensure your crystals are secure and do not dull in appearance.
Firstly, it is important to prepare your nail. If you are applying crystals over regular nail polish, make sure the top coat is completely dry. If applying over gel polish, cure your nails, then lightly buff the shine from the design area for better adhesion. You can also apply a gel base coat that is cured with UV light to help with the wear of the polish.
Next, you will need to choose the correct adhesive. The number one go-to glue for sticking crystals to nails is Rachael Wilder's Crystal Fix, a thick but easy-to-use glue that dries crystal clear and is extremely durable when cured under a UV/LED lamp. However, nail glue can corrode the top of some gems and damage stones' silver backing over time. If you are using nail glue, squeeze a tiny amount onto the tip of your crystal pick-up tool, such as the Crystal Katana, or a wax-tipped tool.
Alternatively, you can use a strong resin adhesive such as GEMGEL Adhesive, which was designed with the strongest resin adhesive, the same as that used on space shuttles! Resin will not dull the sparkle of your crystals like nail polish can. If you are using resin, gently buff the nail before application.
Once you have applied your adhesive, carefully place your crystal onto the nail. You can use a moistened cuticle stick or wax-tipped tool for maximum control. Additional glue or resin can be placed at the base of each stone for more strength. If you are using gel, you can also carefully secure the crystal using a medium-thin viscosity gel to cap the edges.
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Pick the right adhesive
Picking the right adhesive is crucial to achieving the perfect finish for your manicure. The type of adhesive you choose depends on the look you want to create and how long you want the crystals to stay on your nails.
If you're looking for a short-term option, you can use nail polish as an adhesive. Apply a top coat to your painted nails and let it dry completely. Then, gently press and compact the crystals onto the nail. However, keep in mind that nail polish doesn't have the same staying power as heavy-duty adhesives, and the crystals may fall off fairly quickly.
For a longer-lasting option, you can use nail glue or resin. Nail glue is a strong adhesive that sets quickly. It is recommended to use glue specifically designed for attaching crystals to nails, such as Rachael Wilders Crystal Fix, which dries crystal clear and is extremely durable when cured under a UV/LED lamp. When using nail glue, apply a small amount of glue directly to the nail, not the crystal, and then use a tool such as a wax pencil or a pick-up tool to place the crystal onto the glue. Avoid using too much glue, as it can corrode the top of the crystal.
Another option for a strong and long-lasting hold is to use a gel adhesive, such as GEMGEL Adhesive, which is known for its durability and ability to cure under UV/LED light. When using a gel adhesive, it is recommended to have a hard acrylic or hard builder gel surface under the gel polish to create a stronger and less flexible base for the crystals.
The type of crystal you choose can also impact the adhesive you use. If you're using glass or synthetic crystals, gel polish is a good option as it won't harm the crystals, and you can soak them off and reapply them later. Acrylic gems, on the other hand, may not work well with gel polish and can lack lustre.
By choosing the right adhesive and following the proper application techniques, you can ensure that your crystals stay securely on your nails, creating a stunning and long-lasting manicure.
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Use a pick-up tool
Using a pick-up tool is a great way to apply crystals to your nails. The best-selling and highest-quality rhinestone pick-up tool on the market is the Crystal Katana. One end is made from premium jeweller's wax, which is durable and won't leave a mark on the crystal. The other end is a thin tip that is useful for adjusting the crystals and ensuring they are sitting in the correct position.
There are other less expensive pick-up tools available that perform similar functions, so there are options for any budget. When applying rhinestones to nails, it is recommended to use a pick-up tool rather than tweezers or your fingers. They are quick and easy to use and achieve a neat finish. The crystal katana can pick up any nail art embellishment, including crystals, pearls, pointy backs, glitter flakes, and decals.
- Prepare your nail by removing any old polish, pushing back and removing excess cuticle, shaping the tip of the nail, and buffing the surface of the nail bed.
- Paint your nails with nail polish or gel polish. If using gel polish, cure it under a UV lamp. If using nail polish, allow it to dry completely.
- Apply a small amount of nail glue to the tip of your crystal katana or pick-up tool. You can also use a wax pencil or wax pen, which has a pointed tip for precision work and a broader end for larger pieces. The wax will allow you to easily pick up and place the crystals without dropping them.
- Use the wax end of the pick-up tool to select your crystal and place it onto the glue.
- Add another glue dot for each additional crystal.
- Once you have placed all your crystals, gently press and compact them onto the nail.
- If desired, apply a top coat over the crystals for added security. However, note that a top coat may dull the sparkle of the crystals.
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Apply a top coat
Applying a top coat is an important step in making your crystals stay on your nails. However, it is essential to note that applying a top coat over the crystals is not recommended, as it could dull their sparkle. Instead, the top coat should be applied as a base for the crystals to adhere to. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, if you are using nail polish, ensure that it is completely dry before applying the top coat. This is crucial, as it provides a stable base for the crystals and prevents smudging. Once the nail polish is dry, apply a clear top coat. Allow the top coat to dry slightly, but not completely. The surface should be wet enough for the crystals to set, but not so wet that they slide or smudge.
At this point, you can gently press the crystals onto the nail. A wax pencil or a tool specifically designed for transferring crystals, such as the Crystal Katana, can be helpful for precise placement. You can also use tweezers or a toothpick dipped in clear polish. Once the crystals are in place, do not apply another layer of the top coat over them. Instead, use a small nail art brush to carefully apply additional top coat around the base of each crystal, if needed.
If you are using gel polish, the process is slightly different. After curing the gel polish under a UV lamp, you can apply a top coat around the edges of your nails for extra security and durability. Once the top coat is dry, use a nail file to gently file the edges, removing any excess crystal.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your crystals are securely attached to your nails and maintain their sparkle.
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Place crystals closer to the cuticle
When applying crystals to your nails, placement is key. It is recommended that you place crystals closer to the cuticle because your nails don't bend or flex in those areas, providing a more stable base. This means the crystals are less likely to snag on things and pop off.
However, it is important not to place the crystals too close to the cuticle, as this can cause skin irritation. Additionally, when your nails grow out, there is a higher chance of the crystal catching on something and being pulled off.
To apply crystals near the cuticle, you can use a variety of tools and adhesives. A popular method is to use a pick-up tool, such as the Crystal Katana, which has a wax tip for picking up the crystal and a thin tip for adjusting its position. You can also use tweezers, a toothpick dipped in clear polish, or a wax pencil.
When using a pick-up tool, squeeze a small amount of nail glue onto the tip before picking up the crystal. Place the crystal on the desired spot and gently press it down. You can also add a small amount of glue at the base of the crystal for extra strength.
Another option is to use a clear top coat instead of nail glue. Apply a dot of clear polish on the nail, place the crystal, and let it dry. Finish by applying a thin layer of top coat around the base of the crystal for added security.
With the right placement and technique, you can achieve a long-lasting and stunning crystal manicure.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use nail glue or resin to stick crystals to your nails. You can also use a strong adhesive like GEMGEL Adhesive, which cures like a gel.
Glass or synthetic crystals are typically more sparkly and durable than acrylic gems, but they can be more expensive. If you are using large gems, look for ones with a slight curve on the bottom, as large and flat gems can snag on things.
You should always apply glue to the nail, not the gem, and place the stone on the nail using a moistened cuticle stick or wax-tipped tool. You can also use a pick-up tool, like the Crystal Katana, instead of tweezers or your fingers for a neater finish.
If you are using nail polish, you should apply a top coat before applying the crystals. You should avoid applying a top coat over the crystals, as it can dull the sparkle. However, if you are using gel polish, you should apply a top coat around the edges of the crystals for extra security and durability.
