I’ve jumped on the Jamberry nail wraps bandwagon!
Unlike nail polish, Jamberries last for ages – around two weeks, thanks to the heat-activated glue. There is a great range of snazzy designs to suit every taste.
I couldn’t help wondering though: do Jamberries work on short nails?
My fingernails are short – not because I bite them, but because they are paper thin, and peel and break easily (they’ve been even worse since I used a topical chemotherapy treatment for skin cancer last year – I’m told this is a side effect).
So I really hoped that wearing Jamberries and giving my nails an extra layer, might help me to grow them. While still not as long and strong as I would wish for, my nails *are* definitely longer, and better able to withstand everyday wear and tear thanks to my Jams.
And even though they’re still short nails by anybody’s standards, they look really nice for the first time ever!
Making Sure Jamberries Work on Short Nails
The main problem that I have discovered occurs during the application process. The instructions state that you should file your nails in a downward motion to “finish” off the edges of the nail wrap – which is all well and good if your nails are long enough, but what it your nails are too short to actually manage to file downwards?!
It’s a bit tricky but I do my best. Sometimes I resort to filing side to side which is more manageable, but it doesn’t leave a nice neat edge (see below).
So usually, if my nails are too short to file downwards, I trim the Jamberries to size with nail clippers, after I’ve applied them. The seal doesn’t seem to be as strong however and lifts after a day or two, although usually just pressing the Jam down again helps it stay in place.
The other thing to be aware of when using Jamberries on short nails, is that you will not get the full effect of the nail art design. Here I’m wearing Carnival, which is a lovely two tone, but as you can see I lose most of the second colour because my nails are so short!
Jamberries are the best solution I have found so far to having nice nails that go the distance, without the regular salon visits and upkeep required by gel nails.
Have you tried Jamberries yet? Love them or loathe them?!
Alex says
I haven’t tried them yet but I am definitely very interested!! I love that floral, Hawaiian-y one.
Janet Camilleri says
Be warned – they’re addictive!
stephanie@stephsjoy says
Woo hoo, they look great! So pretty! You know I love Jamberries!
Janet Camilleri says
I’m a huge fan also!
Renee Wilson says
Janet, they look great and it’s so good to see people with short nails using them too. I can never grow my thumb nails for some reason, so I know the issue you’ve experienced with filing down. I use the scissors also and was given a glass nail file which seems to work a lot better on really short nails the a standard nail file.
Janet Camilleri says
Great tip – thanks I’ll try that next time!
Mica says
Glad you have found a way to make the stickers work for you! π I haven’t tried them before, although I’ve been given a few trial packs of similar products I keep saying I should get around to using, but never do…ha! I think they are a great alternative for someone who likes nail art but is time poor! π
Janet Camilleri says
Once you try them you’ll be addicted too π
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
Mine have been on almost a week now and haven’t peeled or lifted at all. I’m actually really impressed because I’ve done loads of dishes and things that would normally ruin my nails. My friend applied mine with the special jamberry heater and application stick so maybe that’s why. I’m not sure I’d do as good a job myself though.
Janet Camilleri says
I know – isn’t it wonderful to not be afraid to wash the dishes etc for fear of ruining your manicure?!
Vicki | The Fashionable Mum says
You’ve done a great job with the Jamberries. I tried them and just did not have the patience to be fiddling around ,as like yours, my nails don’t have a lot of tip.
Well done!
Thanks for linking up on #stalkherstyle.x
Ashleigh Mills says
I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THESE! Obsessed!
Janet Camilleri says
LOL I know right!!!! Aren’t they great! My obsession has worn off a little – haven’t worn any jams for a couple of weeks now. Must do something about that …