Nail Stickers: Everything You Need To Know

There's a reason why we can't get enough of nail art right now. Beyond the aesthetic allure, adorning our fingertips can be a form of self-expression, a kind of self-care, not to mention an immediate serotonin boost. But what if you don’t have the time (or the finances) to undergo a full artistic transformation every time your precious polish starts to peel? Then, look to nail stickers - the simple, affordable and visually pleasing alternative to your favourite nail art.

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Quietly shaking up the nail industry, names like Chanel and Manucurist are helping to rid the old-school moniker of the easily-peelable, amateur stickers of the past and instead are turning them into a chic and creative way to upgrade a monotone manicure at home. From logos to gemstones, pearls and teeny-tiny minimalist designs, consider these long-lasting stickers your ultimate nail art shortcut.

What are nail stickers?

Nail stickers, as the name suggests, are stickers usually made with an adhesive layer on one side and a colour or design on the other side. They've been cropping up in all different iterations and reimagined of late in the form of long-lasting 'nail art tattoos' and sticker-like embellishments, from soft pearls to loud gemstones.

As opposed to full stickers, this season's upgrade is a little more minimalist. One of the biggest trends on Instagram right now sees teeny-tiny embellishments like mini hearts and half moons, where you can simply apply onto one or two fingers or adorn every fingertip.

Why are nail stickers so popular right now?

As for their appeal, it's plain to see, says Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist and founder of Julie K Nail Academy. 'People love instant gratification and nail stickers do just that,' she shares.

'They are faster to do, very DIY friendly, and offer designs that are seemingly impossible to do with polish or gel,' she adds. Renowned nail artist, Iram Shelton, agrees. 'When it comes to DIY nails no one wants to spend time painting intricate details onto nails. They want a quick and easy solution; I think it’s great being able to have fun nails even when you’re not the most artistic person,' she says.

How to apply nail stickers for long-lasting results

Though you won't need to have the trained and steady hand required for traditional nail art, you will need to employ a few tricks to ensure your stickers stay put. 'You can apply over either regular polish that is dry, then double top coat, or with gel,' says Kandalec. For the latter, 'apply over cured gel with the tacky layer cleaned off, (sticky plus sticky will just slide around) then float the gel top coat over it to ensure it's fully covered, and cure,' she says.

For standard nail polish, you'll want to ensure you have tweezers handy. 'Using tweezers you can easily place your stickers on top ensuring there are no air bubbles,' says Shelton.

If you're using nail polish, seal with a top coat, too. Harriet Westmoreland, the celebrity manicurist you've likely seen on Instagram, recommends using the CHANEL Le Gel Top Coat. 'To get a smooth seamless sticker application, allow the polish to dry completely before placing the sticker onto the nail using tweezers. Gently press over the sticker to remove any air and seal with a top coat,' she adds.

How long do they stay on for?

How long they stay on will depend on many factors, says Kandalec. 'The thickness of the sticker (thinner ones are better because they will be the flattest and not curl up on the corners, but are also more expensive). Thicker ones don't always bend to hug the curve of the nail so they may last a few hours at best,' she shares.

'Applying two layers of a thicker top coat (like Seche Vite or Essie Gel Top Coat ) is helpful for longevity, but applying over gel before gel top coat will yield the longest results for any sticker thickness!'

As for whether they can damage your nails? 'Damage from any nail enhancement comes from the human (nail tech or client), not the product,' she adds.

What are the best nail stickers in the UK?

You can find tons of different options on etsy.uk (search 'nail art stickers') and some sellers will even make custom stickers for you, says Kandalec. Plus, she also recommends searching on World of Glitter, Lottie London, and Amazon, all of which have myriad options, too.

Today, you'll find both indie brands and big names embracing nail stickers, from Gucci's now sell-out logo stickers to Ciaté's cheat sheets.