Gel Nails, Press-On Nails, Sticker Nails Guide

Manicures have been around since the beginning of time. Well, not actually the beginning of time, but definitely since at least 5000 BC. Nails have evolved over the years from being decorated mostly with henna to now, where we have so many options to choose from it can be dizzying. 

We can go to the nail salon and get different types of manicures. We can try press on nails, we can buy sticker nails, and, with some exciting technological advancements, we can even do our own gel nails at home.

But before we get into that, let’s discover:

A Brief Look Into the History of Nails

The concept of a manicure has been around for a long, long time. 

From the 1800s to the early 1900s, nail care was more of a hygienic and clean practice. Having your nails well-maintained was the thing to do among the upper class. So having your nails kept short and clean made you look wealthy.

During the 20s, flappers adopted short and well-manicured nails. After the stock-market crash, nails became even more popular as getting a regular manicure with a bit of nail color wasn’t that expensive. It was an easy way to maintain a sense of elegance and class.

During the 30s, nails started to become colorful, and nail art came to define the spirit of the time. In the 40s oval nails became a trend and in the 60s peachy colored oval nails were all the rage when it came to the mod it-girls.

In the 70s and 80s, the glamorous girls of disco went in a more dramatic direction. During this time, the trend became to have your nails longer and shinier.

Cut to the 1990s and early 2000s, and the French manicure was all the rage.

And today? Well, the skincare aspect is just as important now as it was in the 1800s. However, nowadays, we have extended that to include paraffin manicure treatments, hand massages, lotion, and cuticle oils for a truly luxurious experience. 

But in terms of nail technology and style, nails are so much more advanced now. It’s exciting to look back at the developments nails have gone through because they could not be bolder or more creative than they are today.

Today, celebrities are often opting for more than the standard manicure, with dramatically long nail tips and decorated acrylic nails. Big names like Cardi B are constantly sporting long, bright fake nails covered in nail gems or other 3D nail art. What a fun time it must be to be that nail technician.

However, some are still opting for the classic French manicure or a non-traditional French manicure. Some people are going for short nails, some are going for nails with drawings on them, and some are just going with classic, bold colors.

The thing about nail trends today is there is no wrong or right answer. You can switch up your nails as often as you switch up your mood, and there are so many different ways to get the nails you want these days.

Press-On Nails

Press-on nails are easily found in most supermarkets or drug stores. These nails are hard, always designed nails that you can simply glue atop your actual nail to get a fast basic manicure.

Press-ons are something often explored when we are younger. They’re super cheap and can be a fun way to experiment with nail extensions and nail shapes that can mimic an acrylic manicure. If they are clear, you can also apply your own base coat and topcoat and feel like a real nail tech. 

However, with these nails, you get what you pay for — there is a big lack of durability. Press-on nails are prone to falling off and don’t offer the same length of wear that other nail options can have. That being said, they are incredibly accessible and easy to try out if you are curious about trying them out.

Sticker nails

Sticker nails are another option for those looking to DIY their nails. Also easily found in drugstores, sticker nails are a way to get nail polish on very fast.

Nail stickers have an adhesive layer on one side and a layer of polish on the other. The idea is to apply the adhesive side to your nail, and viola — your nails are done. Unlike press-on nails, sticker nails are not hard and are flexible enough to be attached to your own nail. This also means that they will be the length of your actual nails and can not add additional length.

They follow some regular nail rules though. They shouldn’t be applied over other nail polish, so you should use acetone or another nail polish remover before trying these.

Sticker nails are also not the most durable. They can tear, fall off, or just are not wearable for long lengths of time. However, they are very affordable and an easy choice if you are in a pinch and by a CVS.

Gel nails

What are gel nails? It is hard to find a better choice than semi-cured gel nails when it comes to the modern gel market. Gel nails are actually something you can get in a salon or at home. In the salon, they are more expensive because when it comes to gel nails vs. nail polish — gel nails are the best nail every time. They have both durability and strength.

If the affordability of press-on nails and sticker nails calls to you — we recommend you check out nail polish strips. 

Going to the salon to get a gel manicure can end up being very expensive when you add up gas, tip, and the average gel manicure costs. That being said, a salon gel manicure can last anywhere from two to four weeks.

However, with gel nail polish strips, you can apply yourself at home, they last for up to two weeks, and you are getting them for a fraction of the cost. This cut in cost will save you money and not going to the salon will save you time. Also, in a world of pandemics, staying home might also ultimately save your health.

The budget-friendliness merged with the durability of gel nail polish strips makes them a great fun and economical option. They are perfect for someone who is quick to chip regular nails and also for anyone looking to constantly be switching up their looks. 

At ohora, we have our own designers and manufacturers, which means that new nail designs are coming out constantly. This means you will never have trouble finding the right nails for an occasion and you will never get bored of switching up your style. 

Why Gel Nail Polish Strips?

Press-on complete nail wraps or stick-ons, the lower-quality siblings of gel nail strips, are undoubtedly something you've heard of — or perhaps tried. Maybe you bought some nail paint stickers at the pharmacy, only to have them fall off at inappropriate moments. In terms of quality and use, gel home manicures are far more comparable to a salon manicure or pedicure than press-ons.

Gel is the way to go if you want high-quality manicures with actual nail polish.

Gel lasts longer than regular nail polish, which is always a plus when you consider how long it takes to apply your own nails at home. Gel polish is also less prone to chip, peel, or crack than regular polish due to its chemical composition.

Why Semi-Cured Gel Strips?

Semi-cured gel nails should be your first choice over regular nail art stickers or gel nail wraps when trying out gel nails at home. But what exactly does "semi-cured" imply?

Salon-style gel manicures, as you may know, need hardening under a UV or LED lamp to reduce drying time and bind the gels to your natural nail bed. This is known as curing, and it's an important part of any gel manicure. Curing hardens your nails and makes them more resilient.

Semi-cured gel strips, on the other hand, are already 60% cured. That means you can apply them to your nails at home while they're still pliable and simple to mold to any shape, then harden them with a gel lamp for an extra 40% hardness. You’ll end up with 100% hard gel nails.

Thanks to gel nail strips, you can have salon-quality gel nails at home for a fraction of the price.

What Comes in a Gel Nail Strip Kit?

Initially, a semi-cured nail gel strip is soft and moldable, almost squishy in nature. This strip may be readily placed to any size or shape of nail and shaped to fit properly. These long-lasting nails stay in tip-top shape for 14 days after being treated under the lamp.

In the kit, you will receive the gel nail strips you ordered. You will also receive a nail file and a small, wooden stick you can use to smooth your nail strips out and allow them to fully mold to the shape of your nails. 

You’ll also want the ohora gel lamp, which you can get free with your first purchase of ohora nails when you sign up at ohora.com (so add it to your cart now).

Gel nail strips come in a variety of hues, allowing for plenty of personal expression. There are a variety of colors and patterns to choose from, ranging from subtle neutrals and pastels to colorful designs that go with bolder ensembles. You will have no trouble finding the right nails for you, and with the price, you have the option of trying a bunch of different nails out.

How Do You Apply Them?

It is time to become your very own professional manicurist. If you are dipping your unpedicured toes into the world of semi-cured gel nail strips for the first time, we recommend you follow along with the steps below to get your perfect manicure on the first go.

Choose Your Strips

To start, find the perfect strips for you. Whether it be something classic like a french manicure or something wild like a set of N Tiger Jelly nails — you can't go wrong with any of ohora’s options. 

Find the option or options that excite you and add them to your cart. They will be on your doorstep before you know it.

Clean Hands

Before applying your gel nail strips be sure to clean your hands. Include a shorthand bath to soak off any lotion or oils that may be on your hands.

Apply

Sometimes it may feel like applying these nails is easier said than done. The application process, fortunately, isn't as hard as you may assume.

To begin, determine the correct strip size for each nail. Examine the nails after removing them from the container. Each strip should be labeled to indicate which side goes on top of your nail and which side faces your cuticle. Apply uniform pressure to the strip as you push it to your nail.

Your wooden stick (included in your ohora kit) can be a useful tool for apply even pressure and making sure the gel strips adhere to your nails.

Remove Any Excess

You may either peel off the residual gel with your fingertips or file it away with the accompanying nail file. If you don't want to utilize any of those methods, you can scrape off the undesirable (and unnecessary) extra gel with nail clippers or by dragging your nail against a hard surface.

Power Up Your Gel Lamp

It is finally time to use your ohora Gel Lamp. 

Do you feel like a professional yet? Place your hands under the UV light and allow the gel to fully “cure” or harden into its most durable, smudge-free state.

The amount of time you need to cure your nails is determined by the type of nails you pick, as well as whether or not you use any jewels or decorations. Curing 2-3 times usually yields the best results.

After curing your nails a few times, you may smooth off the edges once more, and voila — you're done.

Which Is Right for Me?

Ultimately, only you can decide which nails seem right for you. In a twist, you might even decide you want to do your nails the ancient way and buy some henna. No matter what you choose, we know your nails will look fun and super cute.

The history of nails has led us all the way to a time when you can get very professional nails from the comfort of your own home. If you are trying to get the perfect nail at home or at the salon you should opt for a gel manicure.

Gel manicures are the most affordable and durable. Emphasis on the affordable part if you actually end up opting for gel nail polish strips and doing your own nails at home. 

When it comes to press-ons and nail stickers or even any classic nail polish, these options are prone to tearing, chipping, and ripping.

Overall, we hope you have learned from this guide and are ready to try some new nails. If you’re looking to start your semi-cured gel nail journey ohora is ready to help you. With salon-quality and tons of the latest designs, we know you’ll love them.

Sources:

How Risky Is My Manicure? Your COVID-19 Questions Answered | CBC News

The History of the French Manicure - From the Editors | NAILS Magazine

UV Light Cured Gel: How It Works - Technique | NAILS Magazine