For those who go and get their nails done at a salon, it’s time for a new alternative. By going to a salon you are stuck with the same choices, overpaying, and damaging the health of your nails.

Jamberry is a nail decal company launched in 2010 that sells hundreds of nail stickers for women and young girls. Sisters Lyndsey, Christy and Keri Ekstrom started the company. After an expensive day at the salon, they wanted to find a way to have a less expensive, cute and healthy way to show off their nails.

Jamberry nails are healthier for your nails. They are toxin free and are made of vinyl. Because Jamberry stickers are toxin free, they won’t wear down your nails like other nail products will.  Also, by having the stickers on your nails, it prevents them from breaking and also makes your nails stronger.

Speaking from experience, I can defend that last statement. After having these stickers on for about two weeks, when I take them off and put a new set on, my nails have grown and are stronger than before.

At a typical salon, manicures and pedicures run at about $20, and if someone has fake nails and gets them filled, it’s about $25 each time. Each Jamberry package is $15 and comes with two manicures and two pedicures. That ends up being under $5 for a manicure and a pedicure. There is no way to get that deal in a salon.

The fun aspect of Jamberry is there are so many styles and colors. They have solid colors, floral patterns, animal patterns, hobbies and activities, “graphic punch,” French tips and more. There is a style for everyone, and if there isn’t, there is an option to make your own sticker.

A concern that often raises questions is how well the stickers actually stay on. When applying the stickers, Jamberry instructs users to use a heat source such as a rice bag, blow dryer or mini heater. The heat helps strengthen the adhesive to the nail. When the stickers are applied properly, it creates a waterproof seal on the nail preventing water from getting underneath the nail and loosening the sticker, which as a result, helps them last longer.

Tools for use: heat source, cuticle pusher, mini scissors, nail file

I use these stickers all the time now. When I was first introduced to them, I was going to the salon roughly every two weeks getting my fake nails filled. But after being introduced to Jamberry, I haven’t gone back. My nails are healthier and longer ever since I started using them in the spring of this year. I would recommend these to all women, especially young girls. If they are nail biters, they won’t be harming themselves because Jamberry is toxin free.

Steps for use: 1. Clean unpolished nail with alcohol wipe, and push back cuticles.  2. Match your nail to the nail wrap that best fits. 3. Peel of nail wrap and warm up with the mini heater (or what ever heat source you use) for 3-5 seconds or until soft and flexible. 4. When warm, press the wrap onto the nail. Apply firm pressure around the edges to adhere the wrap to the nail. Use rubber cuticle pusher to seal the nail wrap around the base of the cuticle. 5. Trim the top with scissors and file off the remaining wrap using a downward motion. 6. Apply heat and pressure to the wrap again until it is bonded to the nail.
Overall, Jamberry is an excellent nail product and I would recommend it to anyone, even to males as a possible gift idea for their sisters, mothers or significant others.

The wraps are inexpensive, healthy and cute. I don’t know how you can go wrong, so try them out and see what you think.

For more information, visit jamberry.com, or check out their seasonal catalogs.