How to Apply Jamberry Nail Wraps (A Step by Step Photo Tutorial)

On Tuesday, I told you all about why I am in love (and a little bit addicted to) with Jamberry. Today, I'm going to show you just how easy they are to apply! I've got a step-by-step photo tutorial to share, but you can also view some application how-to videos on Alison's Jamberry website. It may seem like a lot of steps at first, but once you've done an application or two, it is a breeze and goes so quickly!

If I can figure 'em out, anyone can! Here's a step by step photo tutorial for you.

Supplies:

1. Dish soap (you want something without oils in it). At home, I use Dawn Free and Clear.

2. Alcohol wipes

3. Mini heater or hair dryer

4. Small, wet wash cloth sealed in a Ziploc bag (Microwave it for 10-15 seconds, or until very warm)

5. Nail file

6. Cuticle pusher

7. Nail scissors or nail clippers

8. Your favorite new set of wraps!

9. Optional: coordinating polish

*Note: You can use Jamberry application supplies (and they're great), but I often use a hair dryer, rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, and wooden cuticle sticks (you can pick them up in any beauty supply aisle at WM, Target, etc).

Instructions:

1. Wash hands thoroughly, scrubbing nails to remove any oils.

(You may also want to soak the fingers nails of each hand in a bowl of white vinegar after washing.

*Note: For kids, I add a step of having them soak their fingers in white vinegar for a minute after washing their hands. Follow up with wiping that off and then cleaning each fingertip as you go with rubbing alcohol. Kids' fingers are oily!

2. Carefully push back the cuticles of each nail.

(You can also push a cuticle cream that dissolves really stubborn spots)


3. Choose your wrap design! These are "Siesta," which was just discontinued, but there are over 300 designs to choose from online!

4. Use the clear sheet to decide which wrap fits the first finger you want to do.

5. Use the alcohol swab (or a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol) to scrub the first nail clean.

6. Use the nail scissors to trim the amount of wrap you will need (I usually just cut it in half) and use a cuticle pusher to lift it off the sheet and hold it in front of the heater or a hair dryer until the wrap begins to "curl" just slightly. This keeps you from getting your finger oils (ew) on the back and it activates the sticky part.

7. Use the cuticle pusher to continue holding the nail and carefully lay it down on your nail. Then press very firmly, especially on the top edges of your nail.

Tip: Use a cuticle pusher to continue to press the nail down. You can also add the step of using a wine cork for pressure as well.

8. Press your nail, wrap side down, into the warm washcloth in the baggie. It will be HOT. You need the heat to bond the wrap to your nail. Try to hold it for 10 seconds or so. (I sometimes have to microwave my baggie again for 15 seconds or so)

9. Repeat pressing the wrap down on the nail, using the cuticle pusher and/or the wine cork.

10. Repeat the process for the next nail, and so on. If you're painting an "accent nail," do that as your very last step.

11. The nails with the wraps on them will be crinkly at the edges. Don't freak out. Just use your nail scissors to trim the excess. Sometimes you will need to trim your fingernails at the same time if you have big chips like I did.

12. Use your nail file to file in a 45 degree angle downward to finish off your seal and make the edges nice and neat.

13. Use your baggie for one last heat seal and smooth with your cuticle pusher.

And now you have pretty nails!

I really can't say enough good things about Jamberry. Designs that might look a little "busy" on the shopping cart screen translate so nicely on tiny little finger nail sheets. I love the patterns now!

You can visit Alison's Facebook page to learn more about Jamberry, ask questions, and to request a free sample.

*You can also order through my current online party!**

Who's ready for girls' night in?!

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