Thermal film for nails: bright designs and application technology at home

To create an impeccably beautiful and stylish manicure, it is not necessary to make an appointment with a specialist or complete professional courses. Lovers of creative nail design recommend paying attention to thermal stickers - an original and at the same time simple way to create a unique nail design with your own hands. In addition, today thermal film for nails is produced in a huge variety of styles, taking into account the latest beauty trends, which allows you to literally transform your nails into a luxurious manicure in just a few minutes.

What is thermal film for nails

Manicure with thermal film

This product first appeared in the United States as a replacement for hand-painted nails. Initially, it was less durable and was used as a disposable manicure material. With the development of new technologies in the nail industry, thermal film has changed and become much stronger. Now it holds firm on natural and extended nails .

Currently, film is produced by a wide range of manufacturers, and the most popular are Omnia, NCLA and Minx. Thermal films of the latter have gained such popularity that their name has become a household name. The principle of minx manicure is that the thermal film becomes elastic under the influence of hot air, easily lies on the nail, freely repeating its shape.

What types of nail stickers are there?

Manufacturers of manicure accessories produce a fairly impressive range of nail stickers. They may differ from each other in shape, size, and features of the decor itself.

Products are produced in different colors. In addition, they differ in the technology of application to the nail. Conventionally, you can define shellac nail stickers of several categories that have been used previously and are currently being successfully used.

Three-dimensional stickers 3d

Three-dimensional stickers help you create a manicure in 3D style. So far, they are positioned as a new product and have not yet found widespread use. Besides, buying such stickers at the first cosmetics store you come across is quite a task. Therefore, fashionistas often have to glue products purchased from Aliexpress.

Three-dimensional nail stickers on shellac look especially impressive, expensive and elegant. They are considered the most original among other accessories. Therefore, the owner of a manicure with three-dimensional stickers will definitely be able to attract admiring and even surprised glances to her nails.

With metallic effect

Products with a foil-type surface are the height of fashion in 2018-2019. They allow you to create a manicure with a glass, metallic or shiny effect.

Foil sheets are applied both to all nails, thereby creating a catchy design, and individually as a bright element among the rest of the nails. For example, using shellac nail stickers, you can make a moon manicure or a French manicure - both classic and reverse.

Transfers: water-based stickers

A rather original variation is water-based stickers. Their adhesive properties appear after direct contact with water.

The products are relatively cheap. However, choose the material carefully: if it is poorly made, then you will not have to expect any special effect.

Unfortunately, these stickers cannot be called too popular due to the high consumption of material. The fact is that when working with them it is easy to overdo it with applying water.

Due to such an error, there is a possibility of damage to the layer of applied varnish. In addition, the manicure will take much longer to harden, and the varnish coating will not be the most practical.

Sliders for gel polish

A separate category are stickers intended for use with gel polish. They are characterized by higher strength and stability. Due to the special texture, this accessory will be clearly visible even under a thick layer of gel polish.

So, to apply it, you need to leave an adhesive layer of gel polish - do not dry it completely. Place the sticker carefully, right on top of the layer. We make sure that it does not destroy the structure. If the product is of high quality, then this will definitely not happen.

Next, carefully distribute the material using a cotton swab or a special tool. We apply primer along the edges of the nail, and file the end (free edge) with a file to remove unnecessary remnants of decorative material. We wait until the nail to be decorated dries, then we cut off the remains of the slider at the base of the nail using a pusher. When everything is done, cover the nails with a finishing layer of gel polish and dry them in an LED lamp.

Transparent adhesive films

Transparent adhesive films are also popular. There are nail films designed to cover the surface of the entire nail, and those with a small pattern to decorate one or more nails.

The material is considered the easiest to use, because you just need to carefully apply it to your finger. The disadvantage is its fragility: such a manicure will last no more than a week.

Sticky nail stickers

Simple self-adhesives are also considered a popular variation among fashionistas. They need to be attached to a sticky layer of varnish and the effect is secured by applying another varnish ball.

Self-adhesive film for nails is particularly convenient and easy to use. According to this principle, it is in many ways similar to ordinary stickers. Therefore, even those who plan to do a manicure with stickers for the first time can easily cope with the sticky nail film.

The advantage of sticky stickers is that they are quite widespread. This accessory can be found even in the smallest store, where basic products for hand and nail care are presented.

Photo stickers

Such film products are compact films with photographic precision. The film is designed to cover the entire nail, and thanks to its fairly dense structure, it combines perfectly with shellac.

The choice of stickers is a purely personal matter. Their design should be selected based on your own mood or upcoming event. Photo stickers allow you to emphasize a girl’s character, often becoming a reflection of her individuality.

Advantages and disadvantages of minx manicure

Manicure using thermal film has a number of advantages:

Manicure with thermal film has many advantages

Thermal film does not cause an allergic reaction and does not have an unpleasant odor.
Withstands any mechanical damage and retains the effect for several weeks.
A huge palette of thermal film designs makes it possible to create a manicure to suit every taste.
The film is easily removed from nails and does not require the use of chemicals.
The technology allows you to do a manicure no more than once every 3 weeks . Now you don’t need to paint your nails regularly and be afraid of damaging the polish.

The minx manicure has no disadvantages, except perhaps the high price for the work of a master in a nail salon and the need for some skill when applying at home.

PVA glue for manicure around the nail as a liquid tape

When performing stamping, water manicure and other nail art options, you can use PVA glue for manicure around the nail.
It would seem that this is a completely irrelevant substance in this case. However, experienced craftsmen will tell you that the properties that such an adhesive composition has are very beneficial to use to protect the skin from the risk of becoming contaminated with residues of varnish, gel polish or gel. We recommend: Slider design for nails: advantages and popular manufacturers

PVA glue does not need to be prepared or mixed with other components; just open the tube cap and squeeze the product onto the skin. Gently spread it over the skin with a thin brush, not forgetting to check the space close to the nail. Next, the composition should be allowed to dry thoroughly; when this happens, a thin but very reliable protective film will remain on the skin, which will not allow decorative varnish, gel polish or gel to stain the skin around the nail and thereby ruin the appearance of the entire manicure.

After the glue has dried, you can create a nail art design. And when it is completed, you only need to remove the remaining glue from the surface of the skin. This is not difficult at all, just use tweezers; with this tool, the adhesive film is removed from the skin.

Methods for creating film manicure

A fashionable manicure can be done in a beauty salon or at home. Let's take a closer look at each option.

Salon procedure

The master does a regular manicure, removes the cuticle and gives the nail plate the desired shape. After this, he heats the thermal film under a special lamp, then applies the material to the nails. Excess parts of the film are carefully removed from the plate with nail scissors. The entire procedure takes approximately half an hour to complete.

Manicure with thermal film at home

You can easily create a fashionable manicure at home. To do this, you need to stock up on the following tools and resources:

Tools and materials for applying thermal film to nails

Nail file.
Orange stick for removing cuticles.
Nail scissors.
Ultraviolet lamp for heating thermal film or hair dryer.
Thermal film.
Tweezers.
Base coat.
Nail degreaser.
Finish coating.

Step-by-step instructions for home manicure with film consists of the following steps:

Prepare your nails for a manicure: take a relaxing bath and carefully remove the cuticle. Poor quality nail treatment leads to the thermal film quickly peeling off the nail plate.

The process of manicure of nails with thermal film

Give the nail the desired shape .
We adjust the thermal stickers to the size of the nail plate . If necessary, trim the thermal film with scissors.
Degrease the nail plate and apply a base coat on top.
Immediately peel the film off the paper using an orange stick. Carefully take the material with tweezers and apply it to the nail.
We press the thermal adhesive onto the plate, paying special attention to the area near the cuticle. Immediately place your hands under an ultraviolet lamp for a few seconds, or you can direct a stream of hot air from a hairdryer onto your nails. When heated, the sticker will become soft and can be easily placed on the nail or moved in the desired direction.
Gently smooth the surface with an orange stick. It is important to get rid of air bubbles that have formed under the film.
If the edges of the sticker extend beyond the border of the nail, trim them using a nail file.

At the end of the manicure, it is recommended to apply a finishing coat to the surface of the nails; thanks to it, the film will last up to 3 weeks.

You can do a manicure according to the proposed scheme, or you can apply thermal film to your nails, preheating it as shown in the video tutorial:

Technique for applying thermal film at home

If you decide to do a manicure using thermal nail film with your own hands, you should watch a training video, carefully read the instructions included with the thermal film, or simply consult with a specialist. But in addition to a wealth of knowledge, it is worth purchasing the necessary nail tools, namely: choose thermal film, prepare a UV lamp or a regular hair dryer, degreaser, manicure scissors, nail file, orange sticks, tweezers, base and top coat.

Manicure ideas with thermal film

Manicure for a glamorous party

For such an event you need to use thermal film with glitter. It usually resembles gold or silver foil. This material will shimmer elegantly at a party and create a bright effect. You can use this film only on individual nails.

Vacation idea

If you are going on a beach holiday, then for nail design you need to use material with various bright prints: yellow, red, pink. A great idea would be to purchase thermal film with beach designs. For example, this could be a wave pattern in rich blue, bright tropical flowers or images of palm trees.

French manicure

Using thermal film you can create an original French manicure. To do this, you need to apply a “smile” of thermal film to the tip of the nail plate.

Manicure with stones

To do this, you need to choose a thermal film with a “casting” effect; with its help you can create precious stones on your nails.

Marble on nails: design features

The special attractiveness of manicure is based on the imitation of natural stone, which is distinguished by its incredible natural beauty.
Uniqueness of the design: each marble manicure is unique.
Possibility to use several colors in a design at once. Creation of drawings can be done based on various shades.
Unusual: this design can surprise others.
Effective design. You can create a marble effect on all nails or on several.
Many options for implementation.
Easy, interesting technology that even a beginner can do.

Useful tips

After a manicure with thermal film, you need to avoid contact with hot water . Otherwise, you can ruin the composition of the material, and the manicure will only last a couple of days.

Removing thermal film from nails is not difficult

If during wearing the film begins to peel off, you can try to restore it. Just warm up your nails for a couple of seconds with a hairdryer and press the film onto the plate again. After this method, your manicure will be as good as new.
Removing the film from nails will not be particularly difficult. You need to take some hot water into a bowl and dip your nails in it for 1-2 minutes. The film will come away from the plates on its own without the use of force.
Always apply a topcoat to your nails . It will provide the film with additional protection. Otherwise, the thermal film will only last a week, especially if you use chemical cleaning products or frequently come into contact with hot water.

Before performing a manicure yourself, we recommend visiting a specialist.

not recommended to do this manicure before going to the sauna or solarium. Under the influence of temperature, the film will begin to peel off and become deformed; it will no longer be possible to restore such a manicure.
Before doing the procedure at home, we recommend visiting a salon specialist. Then you can carefully follow the process of creating a minx manicure, learn how to use film and gain visual experience.
Combine several colors of thermal film to create original and fashionable solutions.

Manicure using thermal film is simple, and the benefits of its use are obvious. Having mastered the technique of manicure with a minx coating, you can easily create it at home. Experiment and create bright masterpieces using thermal film for nails.

Simple rules for manicure care

On average, thermal films for nails can decorate a manicure for about two weeks, but with proper care, the period increases to three weeks. The main thing is to adhere to certain rules, for example:

For the first few days, avoid contact with water, not only hot, but also warm, and, if possible, delegate all household chores to your family. If this option is not suitable, use rubber gloves while cleaning.
Take a daily shower for about 10 minutes; it is best not to visit the sauna or bathhouse.
Avoid increased stress on your nails.

It is worth noting that color and texture also matter, therefore, to extend the life of a manicure based on thermal film, it is best to decorate your nails in a shiny Hollywood style or choose a striped design based on foil.

If the edges of the film begin to peel off, do not panic too much and completely remove the product. You just need to use a hairdryer to warm up the sticker a little, and then press it tightly to the nail plate.
During the procedure, you need to apply the film carefully, carefully checking each area and pressing the base tightly against the nail plate.
In order for the thermal film on nails to have a maximum service life, experts recommend using only trusted nail manufacturers and covering the surface with gel polish.

Second phase

Now we work with the base coat: applying it will prevent delamination and protect the nail from the effects of the external environment. Then we cover the nail with varnish exactly the same color as the foil to hide any imperfections if it prints poorly. When the varnish dries, we proceed to the last stage. Apply glue to the varnish, after some time apply foil, gently press, then level it with an orange stick. After it dries, remove the excess foil with a confident movement. Here's how to get mirrored nails. As you can see, this is a very simple method.

What is mirror nail polish? It is very similar in color to metal or mirror. The structure is similar to enamel. This manicure is done quite quickly, but, unfortunately, it is short-lived. This varnish is labeled mirror, its structure is dense and opaque. What is in the bottle will completely match the shade on the nail itself.

The most fashionable shades are dirty silver and dull antique gold. Separately, it is necessary to say about the brush for this varnish: it should be wide and take a lot of varnish. Application must be done in one motion, otherwise there will not be a perfectly smooth coating. If the varnish has thickened, it is thrown away, as it will become dull when diluted.