Buzz
Nail strips offer a fun, creative twist compared to basic polish, giving you more room to experiment with your nails.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockDo you remember when painting all 10 nails black was the ultimate trend? Nail fashion has certainly evolved since then. While the classic reds, pinks, and taupes still make an appearance, today's trends feature vibrant blues, greens, and yellows—often mixed and matched on different fingers. And let's not forget about the intricate designs—tiny, stunning works of art on each nail. But getting these looks at a salon can be expensive and the results don't always last. Thankfully, nail product manufacturers have figured out a way for you to achieve salon-quality designs right at home.
Gone are the days when you needed to spend $20+ for a flawless manicure, only to watch it chip the moment you get in your car. Welcome to the world of DIY manicures, where nail polish comes in easy-to-apply sheets, and designs are available in convenient stickers. Nail stickers, which were originally used as nail art on top of regular polish, now cover the whole nail in fun patterns. Polish strips, a newer innovation, are made from real nail polish and come in both solid colors and designs. Read on to discover the pros and cons of each option.
Pros and Cons of Nail Stickers
Nail stickers are primarily used as nail art. You can buy them in sizes that fit your nails or as decals and appliqués that add design to your existing manicure. One of the benefits of nail stickers is the ability to get detailed, artistic patterns without spending much at a salon. This cost saving allows you to switch up your style more often. Unlike polish strips, some nail stickers have a bit of texture, making the patterns appear hand-painted. The decals typically come on clear sheets, so you can experiment with placement before sticking them down. They're easy to remove by soaking in warm water and peeling them off, and the best part is they won't harm your nails. They're water-resistant, and adding a layer of clear polish can extend their wear.
A major drawback is the sizing and application. The stickers usually come in a 'one-size-fits-most' format, but they may not always align perfectly with your nail size, resulting in gaps at the sides. Decals can be challenging to apply, especially with your non-dominant hand. When placed near the tips of your nails, they can chip with your nail polish, so it's best to keep them on the nail bed. The biggest advantage is how quick and easy they are to apply, but if you're looking for that glossy finish typical of nail polish, you'll still need a clear base coat. While the stickers have an adhesive back, it's not permanent, so to make them last, a clear top coat is necessary. These extra steps aren't huge obstacles, but they do require a bit more time and care.
Pros and Cons of Polish Strips
You might never need to buy nail polish again.
Polka Dot/ThinkstockPolish strips are a game-changer in the world of DIY manicures. These products promise to combine the base coat, color coat, and top coat into one simple application. Made from real nail polish, they provide the same look and shine you're used to, but without the long drying times, risk of smudges, or messy clean-ups that come with traditional polish. They're just as easy to remove with nail polish remover. The strips come in nail-shaped pieces that have different sizes on each end, ensuring a better fit for various nail sizes. Unlike nail stickers, which are fixed-width, polish strips stretch to fit both length and width, making them more adaptable. And if you don’t get it right the first time, you can peel them off and try again without damaging the result. Available in both solids and patterns, they are designed to last up to 10 days.
However, there's a downside to these innovative strips, primarily their price. At around $10 for a set, they're more expensive than a bottle of nail polish, and a single set typically provides only one application. Like nail polish, they can dry out if not stored correctly. While they offer more flexibility in sizing than nail stickers, they may still be challenging to fit for those with larger or uniquely shaped nails. They are also easy to remove, but they can leave nails feeling somewhat brittle or rough, similar to the aftermath of regular polish. The quality can vary depending on the brand, so you might need to experiment with different types to find the one that works best for you. Also, due to their stretchiness, the patterns might not remain uniform on each nail or across your fingers.
