There is no doubt that nail polish strips and stickers are popular products. They’re convenient and affordable, and they give you some fun options when it comes to nail art. However, do they live up to the hype?
Are they better than regular nail polish? Which one should you choose if you’re in the market for either of these products? This article will examine both options so that you can make an informed decision.
Differences between Nail Stickers and Polish Strips
The main difference between nail stickers and polish strips is the application method. Nail stickers have an adhesive backing so you just stick them on and smooth out any air bubbles. Let it dry, then remove the backing. Apply top coat and you’re done. Compared to polish strips, this is much easier to do with nail stickers because there’s no waiting for a base coat to dry before applying them.
Polish strips can be used just like nail polish, but you have to follow the same steps you would for polishing your nails. You need a base coat, top coat, and nail polish remover.
Another difference is the removal method. Nail stickers are easy to remove than polish strips. While you can buy nail polish strips in a variety of styles and colors, they don’t always look as polished as you might like. Plus, removing them does require some elbow grease. On the other hand, nail stickers are much easier to remove than polish strips, simply peel them off, and voila! Your nails look great.
You need to use nail polish remover for most of the polish strips, unlike nail polish. If you don’t know how to take off your strip properly, it can cause damage and make your nails look bad.
What are Nail Stickers?
Nail stickers are decals that you apply to your nails. They have an adhesive backing and come in a single piece of vinyl, with pre-sized patterns on them. All you have to do is peel the sticker away from its backing, place it on your nail, smooth out any air bubbles and press down firmly for 30 seconds or so.
There are tons of different designs available in every color imaginable – flowers, bows, stripes, and more.
Are Nail Stickers Better Than Polish Strips?
If you’ve been on the fence about which option is right for you, I have good news: there isn’t one answer, because they both have their pros and cons. Nail stickers are easier to apply, they don’t require any drying time and they come in fun patterns and shapes that allow you to get creative with your manicure.
However, they can be a pain in the butt if they don’t stick right away. Polish strips last longer than nail stickers but require more prep time before application; however, their ease of use makes up for it.
I personally love both options, I alternate between them throughout the year depending on my mood and I always carry a few bottles of top coat around so that I can freshen up my manicures when needed.
Do Nail Stickers Ruin Your Nails?
No, nail stickers do not. Some people worry that nail stickers will ruin their nails, but this is not the case. In fact, nail stickers are made of vinyl and can be removed easily without damage to your natural nails. The only way they could potentially cause damage is if you left them on for a long time or if they were poorly made.
How Long Do Nail Stickers Stay On?
The answer to this question really depends on the brand and the quality of the sticker. Some stickers are made of high-quality material that’s very durable, while others have a lower-quality adhesive that can make it more difficult for them to stay in place.
In general, nail stickers will last anywhere from three days to two weeks with proper care. This is because most nail stickers are applied with a peel-off base coat underneath them. While this makes them easy to remove at any time, it also makes them less likely to stick around.
The type of adhesive used determines how long these products will stay on your nails; if they use acetone-based glue instead of water-based glue then they’ll tend not only to be easier but quicker too. Water-based adhesives work well but require longer drying times which means waiting between each step before applying another layer.
What are Nail Polish Strips?
Nail polish strips are thin strips of nail polish impregnated into a flexible, paper-like material. They’re similar in appearance to the top layer of a manicure, but instead of being applied by hand, they’re wrapped around your nails and then sealed with heat to dry them instantly.
They can last for several weeks depending on how well you take care of them, but keep in mind that this doesn’t mean they won’t chip or wear off at all; they just don’t require any maintenance beyond daily removal.
How Long Do Nail Polish Strips Stay On?
Nail polish strips can stay up to 2 weeks. It’s important to take the time to choose a nail polish strip that fits your nails perfectly. If it doesn’t, you’ll have problems with peeling and chipping.
However, if you get a good fit, you can leave your nail polish strips on for up to 2 weeks. That’s right, weeks. And the longer you leave them on, the better they work.
How Do You Use Polish Strips?
Wash your hands and dry them completely before applying the strip.
Apply a thin layer of nail polish remover across your entire nail bed, extending just past where you plan to place the strip.
Peel off one side of the backing on your strip, then align it with your cuticle line at an angle pointing toward the top of your nail. Press down firmly onto each end with your thumb and continue pressing down until you feel resistance, this helps ensure that everything has bonded properly and will stay in place throughout wear.
Nail Stickers vs. Polish Strips
1. Nail stickers are less expensive, and the designs are more fun
If you’re looking for a fun new way to express yourself and make a statement, nail stickers may be the perfect option. It’s true that they’re less expensive than polish strips, but this isn’t why they’re more fun. We think it’s because of how versatile they are.
You can get creative with nail stickers, you can layer them over one another, or create unique designs by mixing different patterns and colors together.
You can also use them as an accent to your manicure rather than covering all of your nails at once. This is great if you want to experiment with color without committing fully yet; or if you just want something quick and easy.
2. Nail stickers might not be long-lasting, but they are much cheaper
If you are like me and don’t have the time or aesthetic sense to paint your nails yourself (without making a mess), then I highly recommend using nail stickers instead. You can change your nail art frequently without having to buy multiple bottles of polish or remover each time. And it’s pretty easy, all you need is an adhesive base coat and a top coat, which are both cheap.
3. Nail stickers are like vinyl decals that you place on your nails
The skin on your nail is porous, so it will absorb the oils in the polish strips. As this happens, the strip will lift off of your nail and leave a gap between your nail and the strip. If you don’t like this look, then stick with nail stickers.
Nail stickers are made out of thin sheets of material with a pre-sized pattern printed on them. They’re like vinyl decals that you place on your nails after they’ve been cleaned and buffed. These are usually made from vinyl or plastic film.
Because they don’t contain any oil or moisture in their composition, they won’t cause any damage to your real nails when applied properly; this makes them ideal for people who want an easy alternative way to decorate their hands without having to worry about damaging their own cuticles over time.
4. Polish strips are thin sheets of nail polish impregnated into a flexible, paper-like material
Nail strips are thin sheets of nail polish impregnated into a flexible, paper-like material. They’re more durable than regular polish and don’t require as much upkeep, you can skip the base coat and top coat if you want to save time, though they’re still recommended for extra protection against chips.
Polish strips are made from vinyl instead of paper, so the surface is thicker than that on regular nail stickers. Also, since the polish isn’t absorbed into your nails (i.e., it sits just above the nail plate), you’ll need to apply a gel topcoat to make sure it doesn’t chip off too early in its lifespan usually within one week.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Are nail stickers better than polish strips? It depends on your perspective. Nail stickers are fun and less expensive but they might not last as long as polish strips. Polish strips seem more like the old-fashioned method, but they last longer than nail stickers, however, they cannot be removed easily since you can’t just peel them off instead you have to soak your fingers in acetone for a few minutes in order to get them off.