I don’t bother getting manicures anymore. With two kids, housework, and dishes, my nails start to chip after only a few days, and who has the kind of money to blow on that? Then I heard about Jamberry Nails. These vinyl nail wraps have been all the rage in the US, and they finally arrived in Canada last fall. I was approached by Karen at Nurse Jams Jamberry Nails to try out some nail wraps and let you all know how they work. She promised me they’d last at least two weeks on my nails. I was pretty skeptical, but I was game to test them out.
First of all, Jamberry Nails has more than 350 designs available, and they’re releasing new ones all the time. The problem isn’t finding a design you like, it’s choosing only one (or two!). After much deliberation and thought, I finally settled on Turple Ombre and Black Lace. Karen also sent me some Zebra and Scribble Hearts Junior Jams for Tee to try. I thought these would be fun to put on for her birthday party.
Applying Jamberry Nails
I gently pushed my cuticles back and cleaned my nails with rubbing alcohol. The clear backing made it easy to compare the nail wraps with my own nails to find the best fit. I cut each wrap in half (you get two uses from each wrap), peeled it off the backing, and and used my hair dryer to heat it for 3-5 seconds. I pressed the wrap on, focusing on getting the edges stuck down well. There’s a little bit of a learning curve and I did have to start over on a couple of nails, but it really wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.
If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a video tutorial.
Right off the bat, compare about 15 minutes total application time with how long it usually takes you to do your nail polish. To give the nail polish the best shot possible, I did a base coat, two coats of colour, and a top coat. That’s 4 layers, plus drying time in between. It took me basically the whole day and I had to be hyper alert about not touching, smudging, or denting my polish while it was still wet. So I’ll tell you right now that even if they only lasted a week, I’d pick the Jamberry Nails simply for the time savings. Once the Jamberry Nails are on, go ahead and put on your socks, type an email, or pick up your baby. No worries about ruining wet nails!
Here’s a visual record of how the Jamberry Nails and my nail polish held up. Jamberry on the left, nail polish on the right.
The nail polish was noticeably chipped by day 5, and by day 10 it really looked awful. I let it go to day 18 before I couldn’t wait any longer to clean it off. The chipped and flaked polish looked so tacky! My nails had grown out a bit, and the wrap on the very ends of my nails had worn away from use, but the Jamberry Nails still looked surprisingly good. Hands down, Jamberry Nails win for durability and time savings. Two thumbs up!
Jamberry Juniors
Jamberry Nails also makes Jamberry Juniors, nail wraps in a smaller size suitable for kids. My 4 year old had a birthday a couple of weeks ago, and as a treat we had a girls’ night and did our nails the evening before her party. At her age I would never put regular nail polish on her. But these are non-toxic, latex-free, and gluten-free (if your little one puts her fingers in her mouth). These were a little more challenging to apply because her nails are so small, but I think I did an okay job.
They looked really cute the next day at her party! Unfortunately, I can’t tell you how long they lasted because she started chewing on them and peeled them all off within a couple of days. So I’m awfully glad they’re non-toxic, but I don’t think we’ll be putting these on her again for a while. I think she’s just a little young still.
Connect
Follow Karen at Nurse Jams Jamberry Nails on Facebook to see the latest designs and find out about special promotions.
Disclosure: I received sample items for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.
I really like the Mint and Emerald Tiger wraps. Thank you for this super giveaway opportunity. Please continue with the terrific blogging.
I like the Galaxy print the best! I have tried to do that one a few times but I can never make it look right.
I love the Robin’s Egg color!
I love Midnight Celebration
So many to choose from, I’m gonna pick the Kiss Me Ombre.
I love midnight celebration and city lights! So many that are amazing though!!
Great looking colors!
I really like the Black and White Quad
I love faded deco. I’m surprised that Jamberry nail wraps can stay on for so long. I would love to try them out.
I would love the nautical for summer!!
The TWITTERPATED is my fav
I like the Peacock and the Turple Ombre; I think those would make a good combination 🙂
I love the WISTERIA and the FRENCH TIP BOWS so pretty
ICY ROSE POLKA,WHITE CHEVRON,
VICTORIAN LACE
my favorites are ditsy floral and wild thang
Budding Love is absolutely adorable <3
I love the SILVER FLORAL ON MAGENTA
I love the Queen Anne Jamberry Nails.
VINTAGE CHIC!
I like the Retro Curves
Lovin me the Rasberry Sparkle and the Turple Ombre!
I like the LAVENDER SPARKLE
My favorite design is the TURPLE OMBRE – it is absolutely stunning – simple and elegant
I really like the black lace…very classy!
HEARTSTRINGS
I love all the ombre sheets!
I love the Midnight Celebration!
I like the metallic pinstripe. There are so many awesome ones!!
love the wild thang ones and the autism awareness ones
unfortunately I don’t have long enough nails so the can be appreciated
Interested, can you please send me a sample
Hi Terry-Lynn, just follow the instructions in the article. Email Karen at JamberryRN (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address.
It is excellent thanks
Looking at your manicure and looking at the Jamberry Nails, I can say the Jamberry won hands down for longevity. This is no reflection on your manicure. I hardly ever give myself a manicure for the same reasons-takes too long, can be really messy and does not last. I even tried the fake nails at a salon. Drawbacks: very expensive and it ruins one’s own nails or, at least in my opinion, mine. Thank you for this information on Jamberry nails.
Hi I was just looking on line for a new way of doing my own nails at home and found your website, west coast mommy, I live in the Kootenay’s actually in Riondel and I am so in need of some personal time for me. I was thinking new nails but it is easier if I can do them at home. I was wondering if you can give me some information and may be the free sample on your site?
I have no idea what products or equipment I need to do this, please can you help me out.
Thanks so much.
Cheers,
Hi April, You can contact Karen at JamberryRN (at) gmail (dot) com for a sample and more info about Jamberry Nails.
So sorry, it looks like Karen is no longer selling Jamberry.
Hi – do you have any clear or flesh coloured nails – I play Flamenco Guitar and need nails especially if mine break – i have tried all kinds of nails including Acrylic which destroyed my nails underneath – I am using glue dots with clear nails right now and they are ok but last for only a few hours and the glue dot strts to lift, but would really like to try yours and see if they survive – playing nylon string guitar…if you have any that do not have colour or design can you please email or call me 778 233 3884 thank you . jc