3D-Modeled Gel Manicures Make It Easy to DIY Complex Nail Art at Home For Only $15
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Getting the trendy nail art looks you've seen on Instagram or your go-to nail bar's curated lookbooks at home no longer requires any artistic know-how. Founders of ManiMe Jooyeon Song and Dave Miro Llopis have crafted a seamless process to custom-fit intricate nail designs to your nails that involves 3D modeling and laser cutting.
They did so to remove what they call the "pain points" of getting ornate looks at a salon, including the effort, time, and money spent. The customization process happens online via the brand's website. On it, you're prompted to take photos of your hands in specific positions that will be used to size and laser cut your wraps. Then, you can select from 26 designs that are on par with some of the dreamiest ones you see on Instagram. That is intentional, as the founders sourced their designs from a group of nail professionals that they pulled from the platform.
The wraps differ from others that are available thanks to both the custom sizing and formula. Each wrap is created with a semicured gel that is 10-free (meaning the brand omits 10 of the top toxic ingredients that are present in the typical nail polish). It takes just under 10 minutes to create your custom-fit nail wraps, and about 15 minutes to apply them. Read on to see exactly what goes into the process.
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Step 1: Take Photos
The process of outfitting your nails with custom-fit gel wraps and selecting your nail art can take as little as 10 minutes. It starts with taking photos on your phone of your hands in two very specific positions: flat and clutching a business card.
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Step 2: Select Your Nail Art
On the brand's website, you can sift through 26 nail art looks crafted by ManiMe's group of nail professionals. Pro tip: selecting two designs will earn you free shipping.
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Nail Wraps Before Personalization
The customized nail wraps start out as sheets of the brand's gel material in either oversize swatches or in one uniform block.
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Nail Wraps Being Personalized
From the photos you uploaded in step one, the brand determines the size of your nails and laser cuts the gel material to fit your nails. Each wrap is sized to be slightly smaller than your nail so that it doesn't touch your cuticle.
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Nail Wraps After Personalization
You'll be left with nail wraps that are fit custom to you.
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Nail Wraps Before and After Personalization
This is what two nail designs look like before and after personalization.
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Step 3: Apply Nail Art
To apply the nail art, carefully peel the wrap and place it on the center of your nail.
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Step 4: Secure Nail Art
Press the nail wrap onto your nail, smoothing any bubbles or lifted areas completely.
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Step 5: File the Excess
While the nail wrap is customized to fit within the outline of your cuticle, the brand ensures you have a little excess wrap to account for any growth. File it off using the emory board provided by the brand.
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Getting 3D-Modeled Nail Art: Final Look
The final result is Instagram-worthy nail art.