Review: Are Scratch’s Nail Wraps Worth It?

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Scratch Nail Wraps

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Getting a manicure can be pricey enough; add intricate nail art to the mix, and it can be a total budget-killer, especially if it lasts only a few days. That’s why, when I spotted a sale on Scratch’s Nail Wraps, I impulse-bought a set—and was pretty impressed with the results. Here’s the full breakdown of what to expect, so you can determine whether they’re right for you.

How Easy Is It to Apply Scratch Nail Wraps?

AKA, “how easily can I eff these up?!” Thankfully, Scratch Nail Wraps are pretty easy to stick on. You paint on a base coat, let it dry fully, make sure your nails are clean, then line the curved edge of each wrap to your cuticle to find the right size wrap for each nail.

Applying Scratch Nail Wraps
Photos: Candace Braun Davison

Scratch wraps have a plastic liner on both sides: one flimsy, one thicker. Peel off the flimsy side, then carefully line up the curved edge of the wrap with your cuticle. Press down, focusing on pressing from the center out to the edges, then gently peel off the hard plastic side. (Sometimes getting the wrap to stick to your nail can be a little tricky; if that’s the case, try wiping your nail with a dry cloth to ensure there’s no oily residue on it.) Use your finger to smooth out the edges.

Some people talk about using acetone and special tools to smooth down the wraps; I found I didn’t need them.

From there, you press the wrap against the edge of your nail, then gently file it off—using downward strokes, so you don’t tear off the wrap—with the provided emery board. Seal it on with a top coat (glossy or matte is OK, as long as it’s not quick-drying).

Finishing applying Scratch nail wraps in the terrazzo design

How Long Does It Last?

Expect to get five to seven days of them looking fairly pristine (especially if you don’t pick at them). Even with washing the dishes daily, mine looked decent until about day 10. At that point, the edges were fairly chipped, but not terribly so.

How Scratch nail wraps hold up, one week later (light chipping on edges)
How my nails looked, one week after application

Are They Worth It?

To me, yes. At $10 a set, they’re cheaper than a trip to the salon, and they don’t have the fake/plastic-y look that press-on nails can have. (Psst: The terrazzo design I’m wearing is currently on sale for $8 at Madewell!)

Where Can I Buy Scratch Nail Wraps?

Madewell, Ulta and Scratch’s official website all sell wraps in various designs.

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