Pedicure gel nail strips: how to apply, wear and remove them
By Velvora · Checked 14 October 2026
In short
Pedicure gel nail strips are semi-cured gel strips shaped for toes. You press them on, trim them and cure them under a UV or LED lamp, the same as on fingers, for about 60 seconds. They often last longer on toes than on fingernails, and come off with cuticle oil, no acetone. Velvora pedicure sets are £12.99 at full price.
What pedicure gel strips are
Velvora's pedicure strips are the same real semi-cured gel as its fingernail sets, cured to around 80 per cent in production and shaped for toes. They give you a gel pedicure at home, without a salon visit.
A pedicure set is £12.99 at full price, and is often £10.49 in sales.
How to apply gel strips to your toes
Toes take the same steps as fingers, with a little more care over sizing.
- Prep: trim and file your toenails, push back the cuticles, and make sure the nails are clean, dry and free of oil or lotion.
- Size: for each toe, pick the strip that covers the nail without touching the skin. For the smaller toes, choose the narrowest strips and trim them to shape.
- Place each strip a hairline off the skin and press it down firmly from the centre outwards.
- Trim the excess at the tip and file in one direction to seal the edge.
- Cure under a UV or LED lamp as you would on fingers, for about 60 seconds. Very dark or glittery shades can need an extra 15 to 30 seconds.
- Check each toe feels hard and glossy. If a strip still feels tacky, give it a little longer under the lamp.
How long do pedicure gel strips last?
Velvora gel strips last up to 14 days on fingernails and often longer on toes. Careful prep, a sealed edge at the tip and a full cure all help a pedicure last.
How to take them off
Add a few drops of cuticle oil round the edges of each strip and wait for it to soak in. Lift an edge with a wooden stick and peel slowly, adding more oil if it resists. No acetone is needed. Never peel a strip off dry, as that can take layers of nail with it.
Holiday and sandal season tips
Gel strips on your toes are an easy way to get holiday-ready feet. A few small habits help them go the distance.
- Apply them a day or two before you travel, so you can sort out any lifting edge at home.
- Pack a cuticle oil pen and a wooden stick if you might want to take them off while you are away. No acetone is needed.
- If you are taking a lamp, Velvora's mini UV/LED lamp is small and charges by USB-C.
- After the pool or the sea, rinse and pat your feet dry rather than rubbing at the edges.
More pedicure guides
For more detail, the guides linked below cover applying pedicure strips at home and how long they last, how they work and the best styles for sandal season, and whether gel strips work on toes if you are a beginner.
| Compared | Gel strips on fingers | Pedicure gel strips on toes |
|---|---|---|
| Gel | Semi-cured gel, around 80 per cent cured in production | The same semi-cured gel, shaped for toes |
| Cure | UV or LED lamp, about 60 seconds a hand, thumbs separately | UV or LED lamp, as with fingers, about 60 seconds |
| Wear | Up to 14 days | Often longer than on fingers |
| Removal | Cuticle oil and a wooden stick, no acetone | The same: cuticle oil and a wooden stick, no acetone |
| Velvora full price per set | £11.99 | £12.99, often £10.49 in sales |
Velvora full prices on 14 October 2026. Sale prices change, so check the pedicure collection for current offers.
From Velvora
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£10.49£14.99
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£10.49£14.99
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£10.49£14.99
30% offGelRose Pearl
£10.49£14.99
Questions
Do gel nail strips work on toes?+
Yes. Pedicure gel strips are the same semi-cured gel as fingernail strips, shaped for toes. You press them on, trim them and cure them under a UV or LED lamp, as with fingers, for about 60 seconds. They often last longer on toes than on fingernails.
How long do pedicure gel strips last?+
Velvora gel strips last up to 14 days on fingernails, and often longer on toes. Careful prep, sealing the edge at the tip and a full cure under the lamp all help a pedicure last.
Do pedicure gel strips need a UV lamp?+
Yes. Like fingernail gel strips, pedicure strips are semi-cured and need a UV or LED lamp to harden: about 60 seconds, the same as on fingers. Add 15 to 30 seconds for very dark or glittery shades. Velvora's mini UV/LED lamp is £11.
How do I size gel strips for small toes?+
For each toe, pick the strip that covers the nail without touching the skin. For the smaller toes, choose the narrowest strips and trim them to shape before you cure. Place each strip a hairline off the skin so the edges do not lift.
How do I remove pedicure gel strips?+
Add a few drops of cuticle oil round the edges, wait, then lift an edge with a wooden stick and peel slowly, adding more oil if it resists. No acetone is needed. Never peel a strip off dry, as that can take layers of nail with it.
How much are Velvora pedicure gel strips?+
Velvora pedicure gel strip sets are £12.99 at full price, and are often £10.49 in sales. Orders ship within the UK by Royal Mail, with free Tracked 48 delivery on orders over £35.