How it works

How does it work?

Step 1: Preparation

Good preparation of the nail is essential when using nail foils!

Degrease and clean your nails with acetone-free nail polish remover or an alcohol-based nail cleaner. Remove any cuticles and gently push back the cuticles. If your nails have any deep ridges or bumps, you can lightly smooth them with a polishing buffer.
The nail foils can be applied directly to the nail. For UV foils, we recommend using an air-drying base coat.

Step 2: Glue on

First, select the correct nail foil size. Remove the transparent protective film and carefully lift the nail foil from the backing film. Place it on your nail so that it's flush with the cuticle, but not over it. Then, press the foil firmly onto the nail. Press from the center out to the edges to avoid bubbles. If necessary, use a manicure stick to help press firmly, especially along the edges.

Step 3: Adjust

Method 1 (only for UV nail foils):
Cut off the excess nail foil near the edge of the nail with nail scissors.
To do this, turn your hands palm-to-face to avoid accidentally cutting the natural nail. Then press the foil firmly onto the nail, paying particular attention to the edges.

The cut doesn't have to be 100% precise at this stage. With this method, the final polishing takes place after curing.

Step 3: Adjust

Method 2 (for nail foils without UV):
Fold the nail foil around the edge of the nail and carefully file off the excess foil at a slight horizontal angle just below the edge of the nail using the included file or a glass file. Be careful not to file vertically up and down, but rather file from the outer edge of the nail toward the center of the nail to avoid damaging the foil. Then, press the nail foil firmly in place again, paying particular attention to the edges.

For longer lasting results, seal your nails with a UV varnish (top coat). Be sure to also seal the outer edge of the nail to prevent the foil from lifting prematurely. When using a UV varnish, keep in mind that it also needs to be cured under a UV lamp afterwards, as described in step 4.

Step 4: Curing

To cure your UV nail foils or the top coat on your nail foils without UV, you will definitely need a UV or LED lamp.

Hold your nails under the UV lamp for 30-120 seconds, depending on the lamp's strength. UV foils from Lit GELS and Ohora require a longer curing time; please refer to the product description! If necessary, hold your thumb under the UV lamp again.

Finally, you can give your UV nail foils the finishing touches by filing your nails into shape. Make sure to file in one direction only and hold the file at a slight angle, as otherwise the foil layers could separate. UV foils can also be sealed with a UV top coat for better durability. Make sure to seal the top edge of the nail as well!