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We updated this article in September 2022 to add more details about each featured product, based on extensive research and highly vetted online reviews, and added helpful tips on the application and removal process.
It’s unanimous: doing a DIY manicure is no easy feat. Whether your hand shakes, you get nail polish all over your fingers or can only do one hand well, everyone has some type of struggle when attempting an at-home manicure.
Nail stickers seem to be the answer to all of our DIY prayers, giving a fast and easy way to achieve a salon-caliber look in the comfort of your own home. These strips, also called nail wraps, are different from press-on nails. They’re self-adhesive in a wide range of colors and patterns: Simply apply them to clean nails and go, no dry time required. Nail stickers come in both regular polish and gel formulas, so there’s an option for everyone. Not only are they time- and money-saving, self-adhesive nail stickers are pretty much foolproof and should last (at least) as long as an in-salon manicure.
Our top picks:
- 1
Best Overall Nail Stickers
Color Street Nail Polish Strips
$13 at Color Street$13 at Color StreetRead more
- 2
Best Value Nail Stickers
Augoog Full Nail Art Polish Stickers
$7 at Amazon$7 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Best Halloween Nail Stickers
Dashing Diva Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Palette
$8 at dashingdiva.com$8 at dashingdiva.comRead more
- 4
Best Nail Stickers on Amazon
Qdsuh Metallic Nail Stickers
$7 at Amazon$7 at AmazonRead more
- 5
Best Designer Nail Stickers
Base Coat Nail Art Set
$25 at Nordstrom$25 at NordstromRead more
Show more
Check out the best nail sticker and wrap brands you can buy below for the easiest DIY manicure ever. You can go simple with a neutral solid, bold with a bright hue or embrace the nail art craze with fun printed stickers of all types.
1Best Overall Nail Stickers
Color Street Nail Polish Strips
1Best Overall Nail Stickers
Color Street Nail Polish Strips
$13 at Color StreetCredit: Color StreetPros
Easy to apply
Long-lasting
Cons
In addition to countless color and print options, Color Street Nail Polish Strips are known for their ease of application and long-lasting capability. "I really like these because they work with my nail shape (a better fit than others I’ve tried), they were easy to file down and really lasted," says Good Housekeeping Institute Chemist Danusia Wnek. "I found these way easier than painting my own nails."
2Best Value Nail Stickers
Augoog Full Nail Art Polish Stickers
2Best Value Nail Stickers
Augoog Full Nail Art Polish Stickers
$7 at AmazonCredit: AugogPros
Many color and design options
Easy to use
Cons
With 14 sheets and 196 stickers, there is truly something for everyone in Augoog’s nail sticker set. Keep it classic with all one neutral shade or mix and match colors or prints for something funky — the options are endless. Plus, they are easy to apply and remove. "Apply them right before bed so you don’t touch any water or lotions or anything after you have them on and they can dry and set and seal nicely," one Amazon reviewer suggests.
3Best Halloween Nail Stickers
Dashing Diva Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Palette
3Best Halloween Nail Stickers
Dashing Diva Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Palette
$8 at dashingdiva.comCredit: Dashing DivaPros
Super long-lasting
Large variety of colors and designs
Bargain price
Cons
"I pick up Dashing Diva stickers when I need my nails to look good, fast," says Good Housekeeping Institute Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. "I can go from bare nails to a very cute nail design in about 20 minutes, with no messy liquids or fumes." She also loves the on-trend prints and seasonal designs that are updated frequently, like this fun Halloween one. Super affordable with lots of fun colors and designs makes these a standout.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Nail Stickers on Amazon
Qdsuh Metallic Nail Stickers
4Best Nail Stickers on Amazon
Qdsuh Metallic Nail Stickers
Now 13% Off$7 at AmazonCredit: QdsuhPros
Variety of designs
Good value
Cons
Fashion-forward nail wraps that stick seamlessly and are a bang for your buck are instant winners. Amazon users love the nail wraps from Qdsuh. "These are so user-friendly and aesthetically beautiful," a reviewer raved. "They stick on my gel nail and don’t slide around when I put [on] top coat."
5Best Designer Nail Stickers
Base Coat Nail Art Set
5Best Designer Nail Stickers
Base Coat Nail Art Set
$25 at NordstromCredit: Base CoatPros
Customizable
Cons
Requires a little more work than other stickers
You can now customize your mani with your name, initials or zodiac sign, thanks to these high-end designer nail stickers from Base Coat. Apply a clear polish first to use as an adhesive, wet the sticker and after placing it, seal the nail with a layer (or two) of top coat.
6Best Gel Nail Stickers
vikanail Gel Nail Strips
6Best Gel Nail Stickers
vikanail Gel Nail Strips
Now 50% Off$6 at EtsyCredit: VikanailPros
Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
Better for short nails
Get all the long-lasting, shiny benefits of gel without having to cure under a UV or LED lamp or soak off to remove. These gel nail strips from Vika Nail — a highly-rated brand on Etsy — include 38 strips so you can do the same design multiple times or a matching mani and pedi. One Etsy reviewer shares that in addition to including a free base coat, "the instructions are easy to follow." She noted that "the nails set very well," and "they look gorgeous, just like a gel mani from a salon."
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Nail Art Stickers
SCRATCH Monochrome Nail Wraps
7Best Nail Art Stickers
SCRATCH Monochrome Nail Wraps
$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: ScratchPros
Fun prints
Cons
Need to use a top coat to make them last
Created by well-known nail artist Nina Park, the boutique brand Scratch offers tons of trendy and fun designs. Many of them come with a clear background so you can use solo or place atop your favorite polish shade. Users love how easy and seamless they are to apply. "I usually go get my nails done but since the pandemic these have really saved my nails and looks like a professional did it," says one Ulta reviewer. Made from five-free polish, these stickers last longer when you add a clear top coat that is not quick dry.
8Best Nail Sticker Decals
Ciaté London The Cheat Sheets Nail Stickers in Garden Party
8Best Nail Sticker Decals
Ciaté London The Cheat Sheets Nail Stickers in Garden Party
$18 at Ciaté LondonCredit: CiatePros
Whimsical designs
Long-lasting
Cons
Can be hard to remove
These nail stickers from Ciaté London definitely live up to their "Cheat Sheet" name, as they are a cinch to apply. The cute, kitschy designs (like fruit, florals, animal prints and more) make for fun fingertips that really last and stay shiny. "They work really well on both unpainted and painted nails — just use a top coat and you’re all good to go," one Google reviewer shares. "Plus, they last for ages and don’t peel off."
9Best Nail Stickers for Beginners
DANNI & TONI Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips
9Best Nail Stickers for Beginners
DANNI & TONI Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips
Now 23% Off$10 at AmazonCredit: Danni & ToniPros
Good for novices
No lifting or peeling
Cons
Perfect for sticker newbies, these gel nail stickers by Danni & Toni are easy to apply and go on seamlessly. "The adhesives are perfect for those who are not very skilled with traditional nail polishes, they are malleable and come with a strong adhesive, but you can reposition if necessary," an Amazon user reports. Thanks to the gel formula, these can last two weeks looking just as perfect as the day you first applied them.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Holiday Nail Stickers
Olive & June Cozy Lodge Nail Art Stickers
10Best Holiday Nail Stickers
Olive & June Cozy Lodge Nail Art Stickers
$7 at Olive & JuneCredit: Olive and JunePros
Easy to stick on
Variety of uses
Cons
Best known for their game-changing at-home manicure tools and amazing selection of polishes, it’s no surprise that Olive & June has a great nail sticker collection as well. From flowers to fast food to holiday themes, these tiny stickers (inspired by the most popular nail art designs at their salons) are the perfect addition to any manicure, or (bonus use!) apply them over any chips or smudges to extend the life of your mani. "I bought these for my niece for Christmas and she loves them," one Olive & June reviewer says. "Just as cute in-person as they look online."
11Best Tattoo Nail Stickers
Inked by Dani Inked by Dani Color Nail Art
11Best Tattoo Nail Stickers
Inked by Dani Inked by Dani Color Nail Art
$10 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Inked by DaniPros
For use on skin or nails
Can be applied on top of any polish or gel
Cons
Inked by Dani brings the art of tattoos to your nails, no needles required. These colorful, cute tiny nail tats are hand drawn and adhere in seconds after soaking in water, the same way you would apply a temporary tattoo onto your skin. They can also be applied onto fingers, arms or any area of skin you choose. One Ulta reviewer loves that they are "so much more affordable than getting designs done in a salon!"
12Best Minimalist Nail Stickers
Nails of LA THE MODEST WRAP
12Best Minimalist Nail Stickers
Nails of LA THE MODEST WRAP
Now 43% Off$8 at nailsofla.comCredit: Nails of LAPros
Modern designs
Long-lasting
Cons
All of Nails of LA’s nail wraps are luxe, modern and simple, ranging from moons to geometric lines to stripes and more. We love this cool yet elegant design that would look good on any nail length. These are perfect for anyone wanting to dip their toes (or fingers) into nail art but keep it simple.
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How we choose the best nail stickers
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.
What to look for when shopping for the best nail stickers
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.
How do you use and remove nail stickers?
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:
- 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.
- Prep nails by cleaning and wiping with an alcohol wipe to remove oils.
- Follow the directions but remove any films and take your time laying them on the surface of your nail.
- 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.
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How long will nail stickers stay on?
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.
Do nail stickers damage your nails?
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.
