How to Apply Polish Nail Strips
To apply nail polish strips, clean and dry your nails, pick a strip slightly narrower than each nail, press it on from the centre outwards and file away the excess at the tip. There is no lamp and no drying time, and you can expect around a week of wear.
What you need
- Velvora nail polish strips
- An alcohol wipe or nail cleanser
- A nail file and a cuticle pusher or wooden stick
- Optional: a clear top coat for extra shine
How to apply polish strips, step by step
- Prep. Wash and dry your hands, shape your nails, push back your cuticles and wipe each nail with alcohol. There is more on prep in getting started.
- Warm the strip. Rub it between your fingers for a few seconds so it becomes a little more flexible.
- Place it. Peel it off, line it up just short of your cuticle and press down in the middle.
- Smooth it down. Press firmly from the centre to the sides, then down to the tip. Don't stretch it.
- File off the excess. Fold the overhang over the tip and file downwards, in one direction only, until it comes away.
- Add a top coat if you like. A thin layer of clear top coat adds gloss. Run it along the tip too.
That is it. No lamp, and no waiting around for polish to dry.
Fit and filing
- Pick a strip slightly narrower than your nail. If you are between sizes, go smaller, as our nail sizing guide explains.
- Leave a tiny gap at the cuticle and sidewalls so the strip never touches skin.
- Never stretch a strip to fit. It shrinks back and lifts at the edges.
- File downwards only. Sawing back and forth frays the edge.
Tips to make them last
- Use cuticle oil on the skin around your nails every day.
- Wear gloves for cleaning, washing up and gardening.
- Keep your hands out of hot water for a little while after applying.
- If you used a top coat, a fresh layer along the tips every few days helps.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying to oily or damp nails. Always wipe with alcohol first.
- Stretching strips to fit.
- Filing upwards or side to side.
- Getting your hands wet straight after applying.
Need a fix? See the troubleshooting guide.
Common questions
Do nail polish strips need a UV lamp?
No. Polish strips are real nail polish in a strip, so there is nothing to cure. Press on, file and go. Gel strips are the ones that need a lamp, as explained in how to apply gel nail strips.
How long do nail polish strips last?
Around a week, depending on your prep and how hard your hands work. They are ideal for a quick change of colour.
How do I take polish strips off?
With ordinary nail polish remover, just like painted polish. Our polish strip removal guide walks you through it.
Should I choose gel or polish strips?
Choose gel for up to 14 days of wear with a 60 second cure, or polish for no kit and quick changes. See the two ways compared.
Shop
- Nail polish strips, from £5
- Cuticle oil pens
- Starter kits, if you fancy trying gel strips too