How To Apply Gel Nail Strips

1. Prep: Complete nail prep (clean, shape, push cuticles, alcohol wipe). Hands cool & dry.
2. Size: Choose a strip slightly narrower than your nail; leave 0.5–1 mm at sidewalls.
3. Place: Hold strip by the tab. Align ~1 mm off the cuticle; anchor at center.
4. Press: Smooth center → sides → free edge to remove micro-air. Burnish gently.
5. Wrap & trim: Fold over the edge; file in one downward direction at ~45°.
6. Flash-cure: 5–10s per nail to lock placement (thumbs last).
7. Full cure: 60–90s under LED; cure thumbs separately facing LEDs.
8. Optional seal: Apply a thin top coat, cap the edge, cure 60s.

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• Pick the size that’s slightly narrower than your nail — never wider.
• Leave a tiny perimeter gap (0.5–1 mm) at sidewalls and 1 mm at the cuticle.
• Do not stretch strips to “make them fit”; stretching causes recoil and lifts.

After wrapping, file only downward. Re-cap the free edge with top coat after curing for extra chip resistance.

• Flash-cure: 5–10s per nail to hold placement while you finish the hand.
• Full cure: 60–90s. Keep nails within 1–2 cm of LEDs; cure thumbs separately.
• Wipe dust/oils off the lamp tray regularly for consistent performance.

Apply a thin top coat after full cure. Cap the free edge. Final cure 60s. Avoid water/steam for 2–3 hours and heat for 12 hours.

• Placing on oily/damp nails (skip lotions; alcohol wipe immediately before).
• Using a strip that’s too wide or stretched.
• Filing upward/sawing motions (causes lifts and fray).
• Under-curing or curing with thumbs angled away from LEDs.

Need a fix? See Troubleshooting.

• Apply cuticle/coconut oil daily.
• Wear gloves for dishes/cleaning; avoid harsh solvents.
• If an edge starts to lift, re-cap with top coat and give a quick 10s re-cure.
• When it’s time to change, use the oil/soak removal method—never peel dry.