By popular request, today I’m going to spill my juiciest secrets on how to apply nail stickers flawlessly and quickly, like a pro! But before we dive in, let’s clear one thing up – nail wraps and nail stickers are not the same thing. I often see people confuse the two, so let me explain the difference. You might already be familiar with it, but just in case…
Nail Wraps vs. Nail Stickers
Nail wraps cover your entire nail and are usually applied over bare nails. You don’t need to use a base coat or paint any polish over your nails before applying them. Jamberry nail wraps, for example, fall into this category. If you’re looking for tips on how to apply nail wraps, head over here.
On the other hand, nail stickers (also known as nail decals) don’t cover your entire nail. They come in the form of patterns or small objects/shapes and are usually applied over polished nails. For instance, the SoNailicious stickers fall into this category. So, to sum it up, this is the main difference between nail wraps and nail stickers. Now, let’s move on to the juicy tips for applying nail stickers flawlessly!
8 Tips for Flawless Application of Nail Stickers
1. Make sure your nails are clean and dry: Whether you’re applying stickers to polished or bare nails, gel or shellac, ensure that your nails are clean and dry. If your nail polish hasn’t completely dried, the stickers may not adhere properly or could lift the wet polish off your nails. For gel or shellac, make sure you cure the last layer of gel before applying the stickers.
2. Use tweezers: To lift the nail stickers you’ve chosen from their backing sheet, use tweezers. Avoid touching the sticky side of the sticker with your fingers, as that may reduce their adhesiveness.
3. Gently place the nail stickers on your nails: Be very gentle when placing the nail stickers on your nails. Only once you’re 100% satisfied with their position, press them down with a silicone tool.
4. Smooth the sticker from the center to the edges: When applying the sticker over your nail, smooth it out from the center towards the edges. This will eliminate any air bubbles trapped under the sticker that could cause slight bubbling in the top coat. Use a silicone tool for this task, as it’s much gentler on the stickers than an orange stick. The soft surface of the silicone tool ensures that the sticker adheres to your nails without any wrinkles or air bubbles.
5. Smooth long thin stickers: For long thin stickers, such as the Geo Pattern or Golden Goddess, start smoothing from the bottom to the top or from left to right. This will help get rid of any air bubbles trapped under the sticker.
6. Trim the edges of the sticker: Once the sticker is applied to your nail, trim any excess to ensure it fits perfectly and follows the shape of your free edge or nail bed. When applying the sticker right at the edge of your nail or at the nail bed, place the sticker so that it goes over the free edge/polish. Then, use cuticle nippers to trim the excess and ensure the sticker precisely follows your nail shape or nail bed.
7. Apply 2 coats of top coat: To seal and protect the stickers, apply two coats of top coat (or gel/shellac top coat) over the entire nail and the stickers. This will make your manicure last longer and smooth out the edges of the stickers. If you’re using the SoNailicious stickers, the clear edges will melt completely, leaving only the print visible on the nail surface.
8. Apply a base or clear nail polish: If you’re doing a negative space design or applying stickers over bare nails, paint your nails with a base or clear nail polish before applying the stickers. This is because your nails produce natural oils, and the stickers won’t adhere well unless the nails are polished.
There you have it! My top 8 tips on how to apply nail stickers flawlessly, like a pro. Of course, not all nail stickers are the same, but these tips will come in handy for most brands, especially for ultra-thin styles like our stickers. In fact, if you follow these tips when using the SoNailicious range, I guarantee you’ll achieve a flawless manicure EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. These are the exact techniques that I follow, and so far, so good!
Now, Over to You!
What’s your best tip for applying nail stickers flawlessly? Come on, spill! Sharing is caring 😉
- Maria, xx
This article was written exclusively for the beauty brand. To explore our full range of beauty products, visit beauty.