Nail Wraps Offer a Quick & Mess-Free Manicure at Home

If you love doing your own nails but hate the time and mess (not to mention carefully waiting for them to dry so you don’t smudge them), then you need to think outside of a traditional polish. Lacquers and gel polishes are great if you have a steady hand and enough time to dry and cure, but when you’re in a rush or looking for a low-effort nail upgrade, they aren’t the best choice. Enter the nail wrap, not-quite a polish and not-quite a press-on, nail wraps are quickly gaining popularity as the perfect choice for girlies on the go.

What Is a Nail Wrap?

Pre-shaped strips that you adhere to your natural nail and then file to perfection, nail wraps are basically a lacquer without the mess. They’re moldable, allowing for a tight fit against your nail that you can easily snip and file down to match your natural length. Essentially, you can think of nail wraps as a nail polish sticker. And with the right application, you can get almost double the wear time as a traditional lacquer.

Correct application is essential to getting the most out of your nail wraps. “Nail prep is key!” explains celebrity manicurist, Bana Jarjour. “Use the prep pads included in the kit in order to dehydrate the nails so they’re ready for application. Apply the strip above the cuticle line so it does not have contact with the skin, and be sure to press the strip all the way around the edges of the nail to avoid bubbles and lifting.”

Pro Tip: If you’re between sizes, you’ll want to size down to avoid contact with your skin and cuticle.

Semi-Cured Strip or Nail Wrap?

Similar to a nail wrap is the semi-cured gel strip. They both come in pre-designed strips that come in a variety of sizes, but semi-cured strips require curing and can be trimmed to your desired length. Nails wraps, on the other hand, don’t typically require curing and will need to be trimmed to your natural nail length to avoid lifting. Additionally, both semi-cured options and traditional wraps offer around the same length of wear time, typically 14 days.

“A nail wrap acts as more of a lacquer, but a semi-cured nail wrap allows you to achieve a gel-strength manicure at home,” adds Jarjour. “I love the Dashing Diva Glaze (semi-cured) strips because they are perfect for those of us on the go who simply don’t have time or patience for a traditional gel manicure.”

If you like the length of your natural nail, then wraps offer a quick and mess-free way to experiment with polishes and designs. They’re especially useful if you’re looking to try nail art at home and come in the latest trends and shades, offering delicate florals, stunning chromes and detailed designs.

The Nail Wraps We Love

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These nail wraps are made of pre-cured gel, meaning you can file and go after application. Choose from classic florals and seasonal favorites alongside a variety of finishes from glossy to super shimmery. You also don’t need a base or top coat to complete this mani.

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Choose from dozens of beautiful designs with these self-adhesive nail wraps, designed to last between one to two weeks without a base or top coat. Extend the life of this mani with an optional top coat and get even more wear time out of these super easy-to-use wraps.

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With hundreds of designs, you’re sure to find a look you love with Peachy Peach Nails wraps. By filing downwards, you can achieve a sleek and long-lasting manicure that avoids peeling and lifting.

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These are technically semi-cured gel strips, but since there’s no UV or LED lamp needed, they pretty much fit the nail wrap bill. Just be sure to let your nails cure in the natural sunlight for a few minutes to fully set your look.