Nail polish replacement
Applying nail film correctly: the most important tips for applying and removing
Unlike ordinary nail polish, nail foil cannot chip off
© Izdebska / Getty Images
The idea isn’t new, but it’s still good: unlike conventional nail polish, self-adhesive nail polish can be applied quickly and easily – without smearing or chipping. Everything you need to know about correct use can be found here.
Painting fingernails is an art in itself: What looks child’s play at first glance is anything but easy for many women. Especially when they lack the necessary routine. The rarer the nails get a new coat of paint, the more difficult it is to embellish the color. It gets even more complicated when the paint dries slowly and smears with the slightest touch – or even splinters after a few days. For this reason, the self-adhesive gnawing foils are enjoying increasing popularity. As the name suggests, these are simply glued onto the fingernails. And that’s not the only benefit the slides offer.
The advantages and disadvantages of nail foil
As already mentioned, the application of self-adhesive nail film is much faster and easier than applying nail polish. In addition, the films are more durable and do not splinter even after being used for a long time. They fit every nail size and – depending on the manufacturer – can also be used for toenails. There are classic stickers (for example in Red or Metallic), but also Glitter nail foil and modern or colorful prints. Well-known providers such as Miss Sophie even advertise that their ultra-thin nail foils are made from recyclable material and are free from animal testing.
One of the disadvantages is primarily the price, since nail foil usually costs more than normal nail polish in direct comparison. Apart from that, the materials are not produced sustainably by every manufacturer, so that the films end up in the trash after use and cannot be recycled. And the quality of the products is – depending on the provider – not always the same. Therefore, if possible, you should opt for nail foil from reputable companies such as Miss Sophie set. Then the price-performance ratio is also right. In addition, the choice of colors and patterns is enormous. There is something for everyone.
Instructions: How to apply the nail foil
To apply the nail foil quickly and cleanly, only four steps are necessary:
- Step: the cleaning
In order for the foils to adhere better to the nails, they should be cleaned thoroughly before use. It is best to use a classic nail polish remover, with which you can remove all grease and dirt residues from your fingernails. Excess cuticles should then be carefully pushed back so that the film does not stick to it – and air or moisture can slide underneath, which would have a negative effect on durability. If your nails are particularly sensitive or damaged, for example by gel or acrylic nails, you can take care of them before applying the nail film Base coat (in this case cleaning is no longer necessary). This allows you to level out any unevenness and achieve a clean result. - Step: the gluing
Before peeling off the nail film from your paper, you should choose the right size. The sets always contain different sizes so that you have the right model at hand – from your little finger to your thumb. If you have very narrow nails, it makes perfect sense to cut the film to size before applying it to the backing paper. Because the more you touch the foil, the worse it sticks to the nails. If, on the other hand, you are unsure about the size, it is always safer to choose the smaller version – unless you have gel nails, then the larger version is the better choice. If more than half of the foil sticks out from the nail, you can cut off the part and use it for another finger. To attach the film, it is first placed in the middle of the fingernail and then pressed evenly from the middle to the sides. - Step: the finishing touches
After the nail film has been attached, there is usually always something protruding from the nail – you must never remove these “residues”, otherwise the material will crack. Instead, the film is first folded down at the end of the nail and then with a special one Glass file always filed down vertically (!). It is important that you only file in one direction and not in different directions – otherwise the edges will look unclean or frayed. - Step: The seal
Last but not least, the nail film still has to be sealed, which – as with normal nail polish – increases the durability. It is best to use a transparent one for this Top coat (also called a top coat) that dries quickly. The rule here does not apply: less is more, on the contrary. Apply the top coat only thinly so that it does not pull the film off the nails again. It is best to repeat the process again after a few days so that the film does not crack. And should the nail appear under the foil, you can carefully file the edge off and seal it again with the top coat.
How to remove the nail film again
If you want to remove the nail foil again, you have to proceed carefully here too. In plain language this means: Don’t just pull the film off your nails! Instead, you can use an ordinary nail polish remover and a cotton pad to peel off the stickers. First dab the film with the soaked cotton wool – or put it on the nails so that the remover can be absorbed properly. The nail foil can then be easily removed. For gel or acrylic nails, it is important to know that the nail polish remover should not contain acetone. After a short exposure time, the film can be easily removed from the artificial nails. Alternatively, you can also use nail polish remover jars, which contain prefabricated sponges that already contain the agent and can be placed directly on the foils. After removing the stickers, your hands should be cleaned again and treated with a nourishing cream.
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