Start by washing your hands to remove oils or residue. Push back your cuticles, lightly buff the nail surface, and clean with an alcohol pad or acetone. This ensures a smooth, clean surface for the strips to adhere to. 

Proper nail preparation ensures the strips adhere securely and last longer. Clean nails are free of oils and debris, while buffing creates a slightly rough surface for better adhesion. Skipping this step could lead to premature lifting or peeling.

Oily nails can make it harder for the gel strips to adhere properly, potentially causing lifting or peeling. To improve adhesion, use a nail dehydrator or apply rubbing alcohol to your nails before applying the strips. A nail dehydrator removes excess oils and moisture, creating a clean, dry surface that ensures the strips bond securely to your nails. This step is especially important if you’ve had issues with strips not lasting as long in the past.

Match each strip to your nail by holding it over without removing the backing. Ensure it covers the nail edge to edge without touching your skin. If necessary, trim the sides for a custom fit. A smaller strip is better than one that’s too large.

Peel the strip from the backing carefully, avoiding touching the adhesive side too much. Align it at your cuticle and press down firmly. Smooth it outwards from the center to the edges to eliminate wrinkles and air bubbles.

Use scissors or a nail clipper to trim the excess. File gently in one direction using a fine-grit file to shape the tip. Filing at a downward angle prevents the strip from lifting.

Curing hardens the gel and locks the strip into place, creating a durable, glossy, and chip-resistant finish. Cure each nail for 60 seconds or individually if edges start to lift during application.

Immediately! Once cured, there’s no drying time.

Use a rubber cuticle pusher to press down the edges firmly during application. Curing the nail under the lamp can help secure any areas that feel loose or prone to lifting.

When applied and cured properly, semi-cured gel nails can last up to two weeks. To maximize their lifespan, avoid soaking your hands in hot water for the first few hours and wear gloves when doing chores or using harsh chemicals.