How to apply nail wraps

1. Prep Your Nails
   Firstly, shape your nails with a nail file to your preferred shape and push back your cuticles.
   Secondly, use Alcohol (at least 70% Isopropyl, but I find a higher percentage works better) to remove any lotion, soap or natural oils and bacteria from your nails. If you don't have Isopropyl Alcohol on hand, you can also use nail polish remover. 
   Please do not skip this step! For one, the nail wraps stick much better and last longer when oils have been removed, but this is also important to help avoid the groth of fungi or bacteria underneath the wrap. 
   
   TIP - Avoid washing your hands or using lotions for at least an hour application! Avoid hot water like a bath, shower or dishwater for at least 2 hours.
    

2. Base Coat (Optional)
   This step is not necessary, but can also help your manicure to last longer. If you use gel polish that requires to b e cured (longest lasting results) a basecoat is suggested for best results. If you use normal polish, a basecoat can help strengthen your nails as well. However ensure the polish is absolutely dry before applying the wraps, otherwise they may just peel off.
    

3. Apply Wraps
   Remove the clear plastic sheet and find a wrap that fits your nail best. A slightly smaller size is better than a size too large, as when the wrap touches your cuticles or skin, it can lead to lifting and peeling.
   Try to avoid touching the sticky side that will go on your nail - the wraps are quite long, so you can touch the sticky side that will not end up on your nail. Press it down firmly, especially on the edges. Fold the wrap over the edge of your nail.
   
   TIP - It is important that wraps are applied air tight so no water can get underneath when you wash your hands for example. This helps avoid a damp environment for fungi to grow in!
    

4. Remove excess wrap
   Filing in a downward motion, remove the excess wrap from your nail. If you use diffrent motions while filing it can lead to rips in the wrap. Each order will come with a small nail file.
    

5. Seal your manicure
   Apply a top coat (and cap the tips!) to seal the wrap on your nail and ensure a longer lasting manicure. Curable gel polish will allow the longest lasting manicure and strengthen your nails. However a "normal" nail polish top coat also works. For plain topcoats I can suggest Sally Hansen - Miracle Gel™ Top Coat Activator.
    

6. Enjoy your manicure!
   Most nail wrap manicures that are well taken care of last at least 2 weeks.
   
   
   Extra TIP - You can also use nail tips and apply your nail wraps on top. I personally have always had issues growing my own nails long (this is long before I ever started getting nail extentions). I currently use full cover nail tips that I apply with nail glue. Please note this is a personnal preference, and the wraaps also look fantastic on shorter nails. Please always ensure proper hygiene when doing your own manicure.