Jamberry Nail Shields Final Analysis

HI all!  Ok, so I am going a little out of my comfort zone here.  I have never used a nail polish strip or anything even remotely like this.  Oh, I've used nail decals, as you well know...but not where I cover the whole nail.  I am what you would call a die-hard polish girl.

It took me a while before I finally took the plunge.  First, I had to clear my schedule...because I wanted to give these the trial that they deserve...give them a chance to prove themselves with wear and such.  I plan to wear them through Thanksgiving at least, if not longer.

The first thing I noticed is the stiffness of the product.  Thick, heavy for the size.  This could be potentially good, could be potentially bad.  I know that I will have to try these again.  I was awkward doing it the first time and I now know some things that I will be doing differently for my own personal comfort/ease of use.

What you need:
--Nail Shields--enough for all 10 nails if you are doing a full manicure...enough for both hands and feet if you want matching polish.
--Hair Dryer
--Rubber tipped cuticle pusher (the orange sticks *could* tear or scrape the surface up and you will need it to push your cuticles up before application)
--Small scissors or a sharp pair of cuticle nippers/scissors (I used a combo of plain regular scissors and nail clippers...this does NOT work for me--for others it might work fine, I just know what I WON'T use next time)
--Nail polish remover or alcohol
--Nail Buffer
--Emery board or other nail file, what ever it is that you use
--Cotton pads or Cotton balls

HOW TO:

Jamberry Nail Shields are designed to be easily applied in a salon or at home.

Step 1: Clean nails with nail polish remover or alcohol. (Clean, oil free nails are one of the most important steps of the application)  (MY NOTE: Adhesive doesn't stick well to a greasy/oily surface so this step makes complete sense.  Since you don't use a base coat with these, it is even more important.)

Step 2: Cut and file nails to desired length and shape. (MY NOTE: Can be used with any shape nail, but I think it would be easiest on either a square nails or very pointed nails)

Step 3: Buff top of the nail and push back cuticle.

Step 4: Match nail (finger or toe) to the nail shield that best fits.  (MY NOTE: Choosing the right size CAN be deceptive...I had a couple that I over-analyzed it and should have used a larger shield--live and learn...kinda like press-on nails)

Step 5: Peel off nail shield and warm with a blow-dryer 10-15 seconds or until soft and flexible.   (MY NOTE: What it doesn't say here is to warm it on the adhesive side...I didn't do that, so I am guessing that is why I am getting lifting on the edges)

Step 6: When warm, press the shield onto the nail.  Apply firm pressure around edges to adhere the shield to the nail.  Use rubber cuticle pusher to seal the shield around the cuticle.  (MY NOTE: I made the error of not putting it far enough up to my cuticle on a couple of them...but they don't look bad so...)

Step 7:  Trim the top with scissors and file off remaining shield using a downward motion to remove excess.  (MY NOTE: Here I made the error of using a regular sized pair of scissors...I would recommend a small pair of nail scissors=more control.)

Step 8: Apply heat and pressure to the shield again until it is sealed to the nail. (Repeating this step several times helps create a tight seal to the nail surface and increases wear time)    (MY NOTE: I understand that doing this every couple of days extends the wear time...I have noticed if I don't do it, the edges can bubble...which seem to smooth back out again with the heat)

Optional  Step 9: For active users you can add a small amount of nail glue to the free edge to better seal the nail shield. (MY NOTE: I didn't do this, but next time I will...I do have some minor lifting on the tips after 2 days)

How to remove:

There are 2 removal options for Jamberry Nail Shields. For Nail Shields that have been worn for more than 10 days we recommend following the Gentle Removal Process.

Quick Removal Process: Heat the shields with a blowdryer for 15 seconds. Then break the seal by getting under the edge of the shield with your opposite thumb nail. Slowly peel the shield from side to side. If the Nail Shields are not peeling easily or the adhesive is still bonded to the nail bed then follow the Gentle Removal Process.

Gentle Removal Process: Soak the Nail Shields in nail polish remover for 20-30 seconds and gently rub them off. Soaking will break down the adhesive bond and allow them to easily slide of the nail bed.





OK, I was prepared to put these things down.  The jury is still out for me.  I am going to try other brands too so that I have a basis of comparison at a later date.  It wasn't hard...just a learning curve trying to figure out what works best for you regarding application.  I might try it on short nails next time to see how versatile they are.  When I do that, I will post here.

So there you have it.

SUMMARY: Following the directions are not hard.  If you can trim your nails, you can do these.  You do need a hair dryer, so if you don't have one, that would be one expenditure...but the rest of the stuff you should have around the house if you do your own manicures with nail polish regularly.  They are awkward at first, but practice would definitely make it easier.  If you wear acrylic nails, these would be even easier to apply because you could do them before putting the falsies on your fingers.  From what the information says, they work just as well on false nails as on real nails.

Not saying I will become a Jamberry Maven, but I will certainly be trying them again another time.  :D

Thank you to Shelley for the chance to try these.  Shelley has opened up a party just for me!  If you would like to try Jamberry, just go to her link here.  When you are ready to check out, you will be given the option to credit me with the sale.  Just choose Sandra's Online Party, hosted by Sandra Bickel when you get ready to check out (top left corner).

I mean, how cute are some of these!!  I know I will be getting some of these designs...so far these are my favorite.  :D  I really love all of these...so these are my goal sheets.  :D  Help me get them by buying one or more sets of Jamberry Nail sheets.  Shipping is really reasonable and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Now that I've said that...I a still a nail polish lover.  I'm a traditionalist when it comes to my nails.  I will not abandon polish.  However, if I want an easy alternative for say a trip or something...these will be what I reach for, because of the minimal maintenance.

Thank you for reading and thank you again Shelley for sharing this awesome product with me!

That's a wrap people!

UPDATE: November 24th, 2012:

I removed the wraps after 5 days.  IT WAS SOOOO EASY!  No detectable damage to the nail that I could see.  I will be trying these again!  I did get some lifting towards the end, but I am also guessing that for my first attempt, that wasn't too bad of a life for them.  I plan to order some Christmas ones and a Horse set eventually.  :D