Pro Tips for Gel and Polish Nail Strips

The best way to make nail strips last is careful prep: clean, dry, oil-free nails, a strip slightly narrower than each nail and, for gel, a full 60 second cure with your thumbs done separately. After that, daily cuticle oil and gloves for washing up do most of the work.

Prep like a pro

Wash your hands in cool water and skip hand cream beforehand.
Push your cuticles back so the strip sits on bare nail, not skin.
Buff any ridges very lightly.
Wipe each nail with alcohol right before you place the strip.

Application tricks

Size all ten nails before you peel anything. The nail sizing guide shows how.
Work one hand at a time.
Press the middle down first, then smooth out to the sides and the tip to avoid bubbles.
Warm polish strips between your fingers for a few seconds so they're more flexible.
File downwards only, never back and forth.

Curing tips for gel strips

60 seconds for your four fingers, then 60 seconds for your thumb on its own.
Add 15 to 30 seconds for very dark or glittery shades.
Keep your hand flat inside the lamp. More in our lamp guide.

For a smooth, glossy finish

Before curing, run the manicure stick gently over the surface to push out any tiny air bubbles.
With polish strips, a thin clear top coat adds shine. Keep layers thin and run it along the tip.

Mix and match

Try an accent nail from a second set on your ring finger. A starter kit lets you pick two sets, which makes pairing shades easy.

Daily habits for longer wear

Use cuticle oil morning and night.
Wear gloves for cleaning, washing up and gardening.
Avoid long hot baths and saunas for the rest of the day after applying.

When it's time for a change

Take gel strips off with a few drops of cuticle oil, a short wait, then a gentle lift with a wooden stick. No acetone, and never peel them off dry. See how to remove gel nail strips. Polish strips come off with ordinary nail polish remover.

Common questions

What is the single most useful tip?

Prep. Clean, dry, oil-free nails help strips stick far better than any trick afterwards.

How do I stop strips lifting at the edges?

Size down so the strip never touches skin, and press the edges down firmly before curing. Our guide to gel nail strips lifting has more.

How do I make gel strips last the full 14 days?

Good prep, the right size, a full cure, then daily cuticle oil and gloves for chores. In our own wear tests strips typically last 10 to 14 days.