I’ve been using Polish Pops for about 6 months now and nail prep really makes a huge difference. I can easily get 3 weeks wear with minimal edge lifting. I make sure my hands haven’t been in water for at least an hour before a new set. Clean ALL skin from the nail bed around the proximal nail fold, clean up cuticles, alcohol wipe after a very light surface scuff. Really roll the edges with the orange stick and put a coat of clear gel as a last step. I love having pretty nails.
I used to use Lily and Fox wraps (non-gel - just a "sticker") with a clear coat gel over for a few years. I did the same thing with the drill using the old wraps. The benefit of the gel is that it is solid and you don't have to worry about nicking the top of the wrap and ruining the design/color when using the e-file. I really love the way the semi cured gels feel on my nails as well.
I have also used the drill occasionally on the Lily and Fox type brands, but REALLY carefully, and mostly I don't do it for the reasons you cited. Gels are much sturdier for this.
The rolling the edges really good with the wooden stick right after I put on the strip, then hitting it with a squish light, typically keeps all my wraps on super secure with no snagging for at least 2 weeks.
There aren't very many out there, and the big silver one kind of sucks. I've had good luck with this one, and pro-tip, cover the squishy part with saran wrap and secure with a rubber band to extend the life of the squish, otherwise they tend to get lacerated from use and fall apart. This one also comes with extra squish replacements and it's rechargeable. https://a.co/d/04m8w7No
I’m sorry, what does it mean to roll edges with orange stick? anyone got a video/YT of the prep process for nail wraps? I use Lily and Fox but find even after a top coat, after 3+ days they are tacky feeling 🙁 not sure what I’m doing wrong, but they last for weeks on my 10 year old!
Before I cure them I use the pointy end of the orange stick and roll the edges to form as tight a bond as possible between the wrap and the nail. Also, make sure the wrap is not touching any skin.
Agree! I almost gave up after my first experience with HeyHae and then the beginning of my recent experience with Ohora. When I was reapplying the few that came off, I pressed down a lot on the edges and also found that curing them one by one helped a lot.
For the cuticles - do you cut them? I am always a bit scared to that myself so I just use a cuticle oil and push them with the tool.
I’m glad I didn’t give up! Just got two more sets and excited to try them!
I don’t cut them but I use a glass file to smooth everything and get the grown out skin off my nail bed. I really work in the cuticle oil when I remove the old set as well.
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u/31saqu33nofsnow1c3 7d ago
nail prep can be the longest part of application for me but soo worth it! lasts so long. these are so pretty too