Gel-ly Wraps - FAQ
10 Tips to Ensure Your Gel Nail Strips Last Longer
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Avoid Water Exposure Shortly After Application
For best results, keep your nails dry for at least 1-2 hours post-application. Applying before bedtime can help avoid any accidental exposure to water or activity that may affect the strips’ adhesion. -
Keep Away from Cuticles
Ensure the strips are placed just shy of the cuticle and nail edges. Overlapping onto skin can cause the strips to lift and reduce their longevity. -
Start with Oil-Free Nails
Prep your nails by washing your hands with soap and wiping them clean with acetone. This ensures they’re completely dry and free of oils for better adhesion. -
Avoid Excessive Stretching
While gel strips are slightly flexible, overstretching can warp the design or weaken the adhesive, leading to peeling. -
Smooth Uneven Nail Beds
Damaged or uneven nails, especially post-gel manicures, may affect application. Use a gentle nail buffer to smooth the surface for a flawless finish. -
Trim to Natural Nail Length
Ensure the gel strips are perfectly trimmed to the edge of your nails. Overhanging strips can catch on objects and peel off easily. -
Avoid Direct Sunlight During Application
Sun exposure can harden the strips, reducing their flexibility and adhesive strength. Apply your gel strips indoors, away from sunlight, for the best results. -
Proper Curing is Key
Cure the strips for 1-2 minutes under a UV lamp. If they still feel soft, press gently with the tip of a wooden cuticle stick. If it leaves an imprint, cure for a bit longer. -
Skip the Moisturizer Beforehand
Ensure your nails and hands are completely dry and oil-free before application. Moisturized nails can hinder adhesion. -
Avoid Nail Biting or Excessive Touching
Biting or frequently fiddling with your nails can loosen the strips and shorten their lifespan.
Preparation & Application Guide
How to Prepare Your Nails Before Applying Gel Strips
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Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Start by washing your hands with soap to ensure they are clean. -
Push Back Your Cuticles
Gently push back your cuticles to create a smooth nail surface. -
Remove Oils and Dry Your Nails
Wipe your nails with acetone to eliminate any oils, then allow them to dry completely.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
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Complete the Preparation Routine
Ensure you’ve followed all the preparation steps mentioned above before moving forward. -
Open the Gel Nail Strips Package
Carefully open your CjS Gel-ly Wrap package and remove the strips. -
Select the Appropriate Size
Choose the right strip size for each nail, considering your nail shape and size. -
Remove the Protective Film
Take off the clear film protecting the gel strip you intend to apply. -
Lift and Position the Gel Strip
Gently lift the gel strip from the film and place the edge close to the cuticle without touching it.
★ Tip: For a perfect fit, lightly stretch the edges of the gel strip. -
Press and Smooth the Strip
Firmly press the strip onto your nail, smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Use the provided wooden stick to ensure the edges and sides are securely adhered. -
Trim Excess Material
Use scissors or nail clippers to trim any excess strip beyond your natural nail edge. -
File for a Smooth Finish
Gently file the tips of your nails to smooth out any remaining excess before curing. -
Ensure Proper Length
Make sure the gel strips do not extend beyond the length of your natural nails to prevent peeling. -
Cure the Gel Strips
Place your nails under the CjS LED Mini UV Lamp and cure for 60 seconds. If necessary, cure up to three times until the strips are fully hardened. -
Final Trimming
After curing, file any remaining excess from the gel strips for a flawless finish. -
Apply a Gel Top Coat for Extra Shine
For added brilliance and longevity, apply a gel top coat over the cured strips. -
Avoid Liquid Exposure Post-Application
Keep your nails dry and away from any liquids for at least one hour after application to ensure proper curing.
Additional FAQs
How Long Does the Application Take?
Applying CjS Gel-ly Wraps is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes. After application, curing with a UV/LED Lamp takes approximately 60 seconds.
Can I Apply Gel Strips Over Tips, Gel, Acrylics, or Dip Powder?
Yes, you can apply gel strips over tips, gel, acrylics, or dip powder for a seamless manicure.
Do I Need a Base or Top Coat?
A base coat is not required before applying CjS Gel-ly Wraps. However, using a top coat can enhance shine and extend the life of your manicure.
Can Sunlight Cure Gel Strips Like UV Lamps?
Yes, sunlight can cure gel strips similarly to UV lamps. Expose your nails to direct sunlight for 5 to 10 minutes to achieve a fully cured finish.
Are Strip Sizes Important if They Can Be Stretched?
While gel strips are slightly flexible, it’s best to choose sizes that match your nail width precisely. Overstretching can distort the design and reduce adhesive effectiveness.
What to Do If a Strip Peels Off at the Edges?
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Remove the Affected Strip
Gently lift the strip and clean your nail bed of any residue or oils. -
Select the Correct Size
Choose a strip that fits your nail without touching the skin. -
Reapply and Avoid Water Exposure
Apply the strip again and keep your nails dry for at least one hour after curing.
Do I Need Professional Nail Technician Skills?
No, CjS Gel-ly Wraps are designed for easy, at-home application, allowing you to achieve professional-looking nails without visiting a salon.
Can I File the Strips After Curing?
Yes, after curing, you can file any excess gel strips for a smooth and polished finish.
Best Method to Trim Excess Gel Strips
Use nail scissors or clippers to trim the initial excess once the strip is placed and smoothed. Follow up by filing the remaining excess for a clean edge. This can be done either before or after curing the strips.
How to Remove Gel Strips
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Lift the Gel Strip
Gently lift one edge of the gel strip using the wooden stick. -
Soak and Dab
Soak the wooden stick in nail polish remover and apply a few drops between the strip and your nail bed to dissolve the adhesive. -
Slide and Remove
Slowly slide the soaked stick beneath the strip, moving back and forth to ease the strip off. Add more remover if necessary until the strip comes off completely. -
Be Gentle
Avoid forcefully pulling the strip to prevent damage to your natural nails. -
Clean Residue
Use nail polish remover to eliminate any remaining glue from your nails.
Additional Tips for Longevity
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Regularly File Your Nails
Keep the edges smooth by filing them periodically to prevent breakage. -
Ensure Precise Trimming
Always trim and file the gel strips to match your natural nail edges to avoid peeling. -
Avoid Biting or Playing with Your Nails
Refrain from biting or constantly touching your nails to maintain the integrity of the gel strips.