Nail Wraps: Full Set Step-by-Step

Following are generic instructions for applying a full set of fiber wrap nails. These steps can be used with most types of wrap fabrics: fiberglass, silk or linen. Please refer to the manufacturer instructions for the brand of wrap you are using for more details and technique variations.

1. Pre-Service and Prep: Wash hands, remove polish, push back cuticles, etc.
2. Shape natural nails and shorten length if applying tips.
3. Remove shine from entire surface of nail. Continue with nail prep: dust and sanitize nails.
4. Place a small bead of resin down the middle of the natural nail. Use the nozzle to swipe it to the left and then right, creating a smooth and even surface over the entire natural nail. Continue with resin application to all 10 nails. Be sure not to allow any resin to touch the skin or seep into the sidewalls or cuticle area.
5. Activate the resin. Use either a spray-on or brush-on activator to dry the resin on all 10 nails.
6. Optional: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all 10 nails, especially if using a very thin resin.
7. If not applying tips, then skip to step 11.
8. Remove shine from resin on free edge of nails where nail tips will attach and remove dust.
9. Apply nail tips per usual method. Cut to length and file to shape. Blend seam area
10. Optional: Apply resin to the nail tip seam area and activate to dry.
11. Apply wrap material to nail (see detailed notes on sizing and applying material at the end of these steps). Snip off excess material.
12. Place a small bead of resin lengthways down the middle of the nail – from cuticle to free edge. Use the nozzle to swipe it to the left and then right, creating a smooth and even surface over the entire nail (and tip). Be sure that the resin completely saturates the wrap material. Continue with wrap and resin application to all 10 nails.
13. Spray activator to all 10 nails.
14. If needed, place a small “stress strip” of fabric in the stress area of each nail, saturate with resin and then activate to dry.
15. Bevel free edge of nails to remove any excess fabric length. Bevel from the top down. Hold file lengthwise at a 45-degree angle, lower end of file in your hand, and upper end toward client. Slowly and gently pull the file down and off the nail to remove excess length.
16. Repeat steps 12 and 13. Be sure to seal the free edge completely when doing a natural nail overlay
17. Proceed to finish filing and buffing. Be sure to use a light hand when filing so that you don’t file through the resin and into the fabric. If you do, then simply reapply resin and activator and continue.
18. Post-Service: Have client wash hands, polish her nails, and schedule her fill appointment.

Notes on fiber wrap material application

• If using adhesive backed fabric, be careful not to handle the adhesive too much. The sticky adhesive is there to give the fabric just enough sticking power to hold still while you apply the resin.
• If you are using non-adhesive backed material: First cut material to size, concentrating on getting the right width. Next, apply a small dot of resin to the center of the nail and press the center of the fabric into the resin. Continue with all 10 nails. When this small amount of resin dries, it will anchor the fabric down so that you can now saturate all of the fabric without it moving around on you.
• If fabric starts floating off the nail and up to the surface, press it back down as soon as possible into the resin. You may use a cuticle stick for this purpose, or use saran wrap or other plastic material to press against the fabric and push it back down.
• If fabric still ends up floating to the surface and leaves an unsightly bump on the nail, simple file it off (gently), and then reapply resin in that area as needed.