These nifty £3 nail tabs helped us achieve a flawless 7-day manicure in minutes

Forget trips to the salon, these jelly nail tabs are the easiest way to DIY a fuss-free instant manicure...

Image of hands with neutral pink nail polish on a pink watercolour background
(Image credit: Getty Images / Anastasiia Krivenok)

With the magical ability to offer salon-worthy talons in a matter of minutes, these jelly nail tabs are the DIY manicure must-have that we've been missing in our nail care arsenal...

The 2024 nail trends have hosted some of our team's favourite nail colours, from pink pearl nails to burgundy French tip nails, and they certainly aren't slowing down any time soon. However, there are many reasons why you may avoid regular manicures, such as the continuous upkeep of pricey nail appointments or simply not having the time or patience to do your nails.

But, what if we told you there was an answer to all those nail woes? We've just discovered these game-changing jelly nail tabs that are not only affordable but are also the key to achieving a damage-free DIY manicure in less than 10 minutes - yes, really.

Why jelly nail tabs can help you achieve a healthy instant manicure

Applying temporary stick-on nails at home can come with a lot of unwanted faff, whether it's trying to work out which size nail is the perfect fit or the messy glue ruining your natural nail beds. Many of us know the struggle of trying to scrape stubborn, dried-down glue off our nail beds (we've all been there, let's be honest) So, when we discovered an affordable buy that could offer a quick, easy, and damage-free mani in less than 10 minutes, it was music to our ears.

Boasting up to a week's wear time, they are especially perfect for the upcoming party season when you want to elevate your talons with an event-ready manicure, without having to make an appointment with your local salon.

Achieve a salon-worthy manicure at home

For those wanting to create a flawless nail look at home, we've scoured the web to find our top press-on nail picks, including sheer short square nails and OPI's iconic 'Bubble Bath' hue adorning a rounded shape...

How do you use jelly nail stickers?

When applying jelly nail tabs, the key is all in the prep of the nail beds. You can do this by using a nail buffer, such as the Manicare 4 Way Buffing Block, to create a smooth surface for the press-on nails or alternatively, you can clean them with rubbing alcohol. Before sticking the jelly tabs on, be sure to compare the tabs to your nail beds to find the correct size for each nail.

In terms of application, simply remove the tab from its plastic sheet and place it on the nail, then firmly press down on the jelly tab to ensure it's secure before removing the clear film on top. Finally, take your stick-on nail and lay it on top of the jelly tab, pressing down on the nail for between 10 and 30 seconds to ensure it's in place.

Do jelly nail tabs damage your nails?

Overall, jelly nail tabs are a less damaging method of application compared to using the typical adhesive nail glue, thanks to their lightweight material that allows the nails to breathe. However, they still need to be removed correctly to prevent any unnecessary damage to your natural nails, this can be done by soaking them off in nail polish remover.

Sennen Prickett
Digital Beauty Writer

Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty buys and trending products from makeup and hair to skincare and nails. Previously, Sennen worked as a Junior Digital Editor at FROW Magazine, where she wrote about the latest fashion and beauty news, trends and viral must-have products to shop, and reviewing a lineup of beauty products. She has since worked with numerous brands including Who What Wear UK, HuffPost UK and Harvey Nichols. When she’s not writing about all things beauty, Sennen spends her spare time watching the latest Netflix series, doing lots of online shopping and walking her dog.