Press-on decals make nail art easy for amateurs
Image courtesy of Jamberry
Nail art can be a fun way to express your personality, but it can be difficult to do well. It takes a skilled hand to paint a pretty design on such a small canvas – especially when you’re using your non-dominant hand.
Nail art lovers can achieve professional looking results with much less effort by using nail decals. These products, which are often referred to as nail wraps or nail strips, are available in a variety of patterns and colours making it easy to find one that suits your taste. They also last longer than traditional nail polish, when applied correctly.
Nail decals have actually been around for a few years, but not all products have been successful. Popular nail polish brands that once offered decals, such as Essie and O.P.I., have discontinued these products in favour of traditional liquid nail polish. However, there are still some great options on the market for those who want to try out the trend.
A word of warning though: nail decals can be an expensive habit. While a regular bottle of nail polish can cost between $8-$10 (giving you about 25 manicures or pedicures per bottle), nail decals can cost from $10-$18 (giving you 2-4 manicures or pedicures). The difference is really just a few dollars per manicure, but it can add up in the long run.
That being said, you are paying for a pre-designed product that lasts much longer than regular nail polish.
My first attempt at applying Jamberry Nail Wraps. Photo credit: Shareba Abdul
Jamberry Nail Wraps
Price: $17.50 CDN per sheet + $10.00 CDN for shipping
These non-toxic, vinyl-based nail wraps are available in over 300 designs, and are sold in sheets of 18 decals. Each sheet has a variety of decals to ensure that you can find a size that properly fits your hands.
The decals are applied to your nails using a combination of heat and pressure, which helps the sticker to conform to the shape of your nails. When applied properly, they can last up to two weeks on fingers and four weeks on toes without chipping or discolouring.
If you’re a woman who regularly uses Facebook, you’ve probably been invited to at least one Jamberry “party” on the social media platform. That’s because Jamberry runs on a business structure that is similar to Avon, where independent consultants can sell the products to you directly. If you don’t know a representative, you can also purchase products from Jamberry.com.
These nail wraps are a bit thick and can be tricky to apply. For best results, be sure to follow the recommended tips and tricks found on there website.
Image courtsey of Minx Nails
Minx Nails
Price: $15.99 USD per pack + $5.50 USD for shipping
This small business became an overnight success after Beyoncé wore their gold nail decals on the 2007 American Music Awards. Now, seven years later, the company offers 533 nail designs on their website and ships worldwide.
Minx nail wraps are made from a patented, heat-activated polymer material that adheres to nails like shrink-wrap. These decals are very thin and pliable, which helps them to conform to the curved shape of your nails. The delicate nature of these nails can make them tricky to apply, so be sure to follow their how-to video for best results.
Each pack of Minx Nails includes 22 wraps with decals of various sizes. These decals should last 10 - 14 days when applied correctly.
Image from sallyhansen.com
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips
Price: $8.97 CDN per box
Definitely the least expensive option we could find, these nail decals are actually made from real (freeze-dried) nail polish. These decals are easy to apply, but they are prone to chipping when worn alone. They also smell like nail polish, which may be off-putting to customers who want to avoid the smell of freshly-painted nails.
Each box includes 16 nail decals along with a cuticle stick, mini file and buffer. These tools are also needed to apply the other brands of nail decals, but you often have to purchase those tools separately.
These decals should not be removed from their packaging until you are ready to apply them. Exposure to air will dry out the decals, making them brittle and impossible to adhere to your nail.
For best results, apply the decals immediately after removing the packaging, then store remaining decals in an airtight bag. Top your nail decals with a good-quality top coat to extend the life of your manicure.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips can be purchased at most drugstores, and at well.ca.
