12 Best Nail Stickers and Wraps of 2022

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists are constantly testing the newest nail polishes every year, including gel, non-toxic versions and more. While the GH Beauty Lab hasn’t yet formally tested nail stickers in our Labs, the products on this list are a mix of Beauty Lab expert picks, along with top-rated products from thoroughly vetted online reviews.

First, decide if you want a gel- or polish-based sticker. Gel versions will generally last longer — just as gel does over regular polish — but may be more difficult and take longer to remove. Look for ones that come with extra stickers in case you need a redo (most sets do!) and of course, for colors and patterns of your choosing.

Always follow packaging instructions for the best method of use and removal. “Make sure that your nails are clean and oil-free before laying down the sticker,” Wnek says. “Most if not all the brands provide an alcohol pad for this reason.”

Wnek shares her general application method:

1. Before starting, gauge the size and shape of sticker you will need for each nail. Lay them down on a flat surface in front of its corresponding nail.
2. Prep nails by cleaning and wiping with an alcohol wipe to remove oils.
3. Follow the directions but remove any films and take your time laying them on the surface of your nail.
4. Gently file the excess off with the provided file. It is very easy to take more of the sticker off than your nail and this will make your nail peek out, so really take your time here. “I find it best not to trim nails before application and just use this time to file down nails in case I accidentally file off too much of the sticker,” she says.

One thing to note when using nail stickers is that once you start applying them, you have to use them right away. “They dry up once they are exposed to air,” explains Wnek.

To remove, use nail polish remover or acetone as you would with regular lacquer.

This ranges depending on the brand, type of sticker and your lifestyle (i.e how often you wash your hands). But generally speaking, Wnek says they can last one to two weeks before nail regrowth really shows and stickers start wearing away at the tips.

The short answer: no. “I haven’t found these stickers to be damaging to nails,” says Wnek. “The ones I have used don’t require you to file the nail’s surface (like when getting an in-salon gel manicure) before application and they come off easily with acetone.” The only annoying thing that can occur is that nails may feel a little tacky after removal (almost like there is Elmer’s glue on them) but you can easily rub it off.

In addition to vetting the product list, Danusia Wnek shared her expertise on how to shop for nail stickers, as well as how to use and remove them and if they will damage your nails. With a background in color cosmetic development, Danusia spends hours in the cosmetic aisles at pharmacies or in makeup retailers researching the newest makeup and nail launches for upcoming studies.

Dori Price researched all of the top picks included in this story. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing nail stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including nail artists, technicians and dermatologists. She is an expert in all nail product categories, including nail color, nail care, nail treatments, nail art, professional services and more.