Rhinestone nail art has surged in popularity over the last few years, largely due to social media and celebrity influence. People are drawn to its ability to personalize and glam up their look with just a bit of sparkle. As DIY nail art becomes more accessible through online tutorials and affordable products, more people are experimenting with creating their own rhinestone designs.
To keep your rhinestone manicure looking as good as the day it was created, keeping on top of the maintenance is a must. Proper care prevents stones from falling off prematurely, keeping your nails looking elegant and well kept for longer periods. This involves choosing the right adhesives, applying them correctly, and adopting daily habits that protect your nail art from damage.
Choosing the Right Rhinestones
Choosing and applying rhinestones for nail art is all part of the fun of going to a nail salon or doing it yourself at home. But if you want your rhinestone manicure to last more than a few days, it is important to think about what type of rhinestones are practical for everyday wear. Here are a few handy tips for choosing the correct rhinestones for long lasting nail art:
- Always work with a good quality crystal brand such as Swarovski, Preciosa or Zodiac. A high quality rhinestone will have a strong foil backing that does not come loose or fall away from the nail.
- Choose small sized rhinestones, such as ss9 or smaller, rather than large chunky stones. The bigger the rhinestone, the more likely it is to get caught on something and ping off.
- Glue on rhinestones that have a flat, smooth backing, rather than a curved or pointed back. Flatback rhinestones will sit flush to the nail and give a bigger surface area for the glue to adhere so are less likely to fall off.
Pre-Application Preparation
A file and buffer are essential for preparing the nail correctly before applying gel. For gel and rhinestones to adhere properly, the nail must be free of imperfections, grease, dirt etc. This also allows the base coat to be absorbed, giving more durability.
Once your base coat and gel polish have been applied and cured, the nail is now ready for rhinestones to be added. Be sure you have a good nail glue, we recommend Crystal Fix which is a thick gel like consistency and has long lasting hold, and have your rhinestone pick up tool close by, ready to start applying.
Application Techniques for Durability
See our step-by-step guide on how to apply rhinestones to nails, or refer to our simple guide below:
- Have your nail glue ready once you have painted the nail
- Make sure you have a rhinestone picker handy, preferably a crystal katana
- Squeeze tiny beads of glue through the thin nozzle onto the nail, try not to use too much.
- Use the wax end of the pick up tool to pick up and place your crystals onto the glue, then cure for 60 seconds.
Precision and care during rhinestone application are key to achieving a flawless finish and ensuring the durability of your nail art. Careful placement of each rhinestone, using the right tool prevents them from falling off. This can be achieved by using your pick up tool to make sure the rhinestone sits flush to the surface of your nail. Attention to detail not only enhances the overall look but also adds to the durability of your nail art, allowing you to enjoy your sparkling nails for a longer period without the need for frequent touch ups.
Daily Maintenance Tips
It is imperative that you look after your nails, especially if they are decorated with rhinestones. So here are a few tips on how to keep them well maintained and preserve the sparkle of the crystals:
- Wear gloves when doing any kind of manual work
- Wear washing up gloves to avoid grease or muck getting stuck in between the crystals
- Try to avoid knocking or catching them on hard surfaces – this is how rhinestones tend to ping off.
- Every so often gently wipe over the top of the rhinestones with a damp fabric cloth to keep their sparkle.
- If you notice a rhinestone becoming loose, simple remove it with a sharp nail tool and replace it using the same glue and method. And remember to cure.
The lifespan of rhinestone manicures really depends on your day to day activities and the type of rhinestones you have chosen to use. As previously discussed, smaller sizes tend to last longer as they stick out less and are unlikely to get caught on anything. Whereas larger rhinestones or other chunky embellishments have a tendency to ping off quicker. Generally, if you have used the recommended glue, and follow the care tips above, rhinestone manicure should last up to two weeks.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Common mistakes that lead to rhinestones falling off your nails are:
- Not using a specified nail glue to stick the rhinestones.
- Not curing the nail for long enough after applying them.
- Subjecting your nails to activities that may cause damage such as manual labour, household cleaning, DIY etc.
- Noticing a loose rhinestone/embellishment and not repairing or replacing it.
- Using cheap rhinestones that have a low quality foil backing.
During the day, try to avoid bringing your nails into contact with rough surfaces, or making impact with anything that may cause scratches, chips or even knock the crystal off entirely.
Repairing Your Nail Art
To re-attach loose rhinestones on nails, start by removing the loose stone and check if it is in good enough condition to use again. If it is damaged or the foil backing has come away, replace the rhinestone with a new one. Clean the area where the stone will be placed, to ensure it's free from oils or old glue. Apply a small amount of nail glue directly on the nail where the stone will sit and use a rhinestone picker to carefully place the rhinestone onto the glue. Press down gently to secure it in place, then allow the glue to dry completely or cure as per the instructions.
It might be a good idea to keep a small maintenance kit handy for touch ups. The kit could include a nail file, small amount of glue, replacement rhinestones and a portable nail lamp.
Professional Touch-ups
Seeking professional help for nail art maintenance is advisable when complex repairs beyond simple touch ups are needed. Professionals can expertly reapply loose stones if you don't have the tools at home, or if you're not confident in doing it yourself. A professional nail technician can also refresh the overall look of your nail art with precision, if you feel it is not lasting as long as it should. Regular professional touch-ups can extend the life of your rhinestone nail art, ensuring it remains intact for longer.
Conclusion
Maintaining your rhinestone nail art not only keeps it looking fresh and sparkling but also extends its lifespan. This blog has covered essential tips, from selecting high-quality rhinestones to proper application and daily care strategies, ensuring your nail art remains pristine. Whether you're applying rhinestones yourself or seeking professional touch ups, the right approach to maintenance can make all the difference. Remember, preserving the beauty of your rhinestone nail art is about consistent care and attention to detail, allowing you to enjoy your dazzling designs for as long as possible.