My reccommended application method! (Rice Bag/Ziploc/Cold)

These are the instructions that I prefer to use. After watching videos, taking notes and listening to different tips, I've decided that this will be the method I refer folks to use. A cold application is often an easier way to apply your wraps. In my experience, it’s a bit faster and gives me the same long-lasting results. There’s no fumbling with a blow dryer, and the glue is more forgiving because you activate it AFTER you set the wrap perfectly on your nail.

Items needed:

Cuticle pusher

Alcohol pad or rubbing alcohol or vinegar on a cotton ball
Nail Clippers
Scissors
Rice Bag (Or a sock, filled with about 1/2-1 cup of rice and tied off - Microwaved for 20-30 seconds)
Tweezers
Ziploc Baggie
Nail File
Nail wraps (Duh!) :)

COLD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

* Push back your cuticles and clean your nails and hands with dish soap to remove any excess oil, then swipe your nails with alcohol or white vinegar.

* Match your nail (finger or toe) to the wrap that best fits. Going a bit smaller is better than going bigger. You don’t want the wrap to touch your skin at all. You can also trim the larger wraps when they’re still on the backing to make them smaller. You will use half of the wrap on each hand.

* Peel off the nail wrap. Try not to touch the sticky part that will stay on your nail. I hold my wrap by the part I know I’ll cut or file off. Some people also hold it with tweezers.

* Press the wrap onto your nail. Apply firm pressure at the base of your nail and move straight up to the tip before smoothing outward toward the edges. Slightly pull the wrap forward and stretch it to insure no bubbles are under it. Use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to smooth out and seal the wrap around the edges for a watertight fit. Because the wrap hasn’t been warmed yet, you can remove and reapply several times to get it just right. It won’t adhere permanently until warm.

* After placing the wrap, stick your finger in a Ziploc baggie and pull it tight around your nail. Then use a warm rice bag (or put rice in an old sock) to bond the wrap to your nail. It will instantly “shrink wrap” itself to your nail. Be sure to apply firm pressure, especially around the edges. The bag helps keep even pressure on your nail while protecting it from the moisture of the rice too.

* If you get a bump while applying the wrap, you can reheat your finger with the wrap on it and then smooth the wrap out again. You can also heat up a metal nail file and press the bumps out for a quick touch up if needed. There is a learning curve to applying the wraps, so don’t give up if your first application isn’t perfect. You’ll get faster and smoother each time you do it.

*Trim the extra wrap off with scissors and file off any remaining wrap from the tip using a 90-degree downward motion. You won’t want to leave any rough edges, but don’t go side to side. You can also clip the very tip of your nail instead of filing.

*Refrain from showering, washing dishes or soaking your hands in water for at least an hour, I recommend doing your nails before bed so they have all night to bond.
Here is a great video showing how to pull and stretch the wrap: