Troubleshooting Nail Strips: Lifts, Chips & Wrinkles

• Strip too wide or stretched during placement.
• Residual oils/lotion left on nail.
• Insufficient pressure during application.

• Press edges down firmly with a silicone tool.
• For gel: add a 10s re-cure and seal with top coat.
• For polish: apply a thin top coat over edges.

• Filing upwards or side-to-side during application.
• Not capping free edge with top coat.
• Frequent contact with water/chemicals.

• File tip to smooth chipped area.
• Re-cap with top coat and cure (gel) or air dry (polish).
• Wear gloves for cleaning and washing dishes.

Strips stretched too much, or not smoothed from center to edges during placement.

• Lift strip gently before curing (gel) and re-place.
• Burnish with a silicone tool to flatten.
• Pop small bubbles with pin, press flat, then seal with top coat.

• Nails weren’t fully dehydrated (oil/lotion present).
• Skipping alcohol wipe during prep.
• Hands too warm/sweaty during application.

• Always cleanse nails with alcohol wipe just before application.
• Apply strips in a cool, dry room.
• Press firmly and flash-cure quickly (gel).

• Skipping daily cuticle oil (nails get dry and lift strips).
• Excess exposure to water and cleaning chemicals.
• Incorrect sizing (strip too wide at sidewalls).

• Use cuticle oil daily.
• Seal edges with top coat every 3–4 days.
• Choose a strip slightly narrower than your nail plate.