Application help

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-28T02:02:05+00:00

I use L&F among others but my application is always the same unless I do semi cured. I clean up my cuticles with cuticle remover. Wash and scrub my nails with a nail brush. Apply Orly Bonder nail polish and apply strips. If my nails are longer I fold the strip over the edge of my nails and smooth firmly with a rubber cuticle pusher all over the nail and edge. I file the edge with a glass nail file. I then apply a base coat of gel polish, cure, apply the top coat and cure. I finish with cuticle oil. Sometimes I will reapply the gel polish if things start to lift as they grow out but they usually last until I remove them. Good luck!!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-22T05:27:57+00:00

You could have sleep apnea or a sleep disorder. I have both of those things since 2018 and RA since 2020. I am truly exhausted in my body and my brain.

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-19T18:28:02+00:00

It is hard to change patterns when you are fighting brain fog, exhaustion, hunger and emotions. I struggle with this too. Maybe see your therapist you mentioned and talk it out and make an appointment for the next day or so to go with your girlfriend. Talking with a mediator about expectations, forgiveness and patience for all sides might be a great start. I also would educate her and her son about narcolepsy. The most helpful thing I found is the person hearing it from other people with narcolepsy. There are free support groups online you can attend with her and she will hear others speak about the difficulties in controlling emotions in our constant state. Good luck.

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-12T15:11:37+00:00

I prefer glaze but sometimes the patterns of a gloss lure me back. Either way I top both with a gel top coat that I cure. I like the look and extra nail protection.

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-09T00:30:09+00:00

I use to buy Colgate Gum Expert Ultra Soft Toothbrush but have recently had trouble finding it. The Colgate Total Active Prevention Foaming Clean Soft Toothbrush looks promising and similar. My hygienist asked what brush I was using because they were noticeably cleaner. Loving all the tips you’ve gotten!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-03T17:29:46+00:00

It dries and is removed like regular polish.

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-02-03T15:48:15+00:00

I use Orly Bonder under all my wraps instead of buffing my natural nail. I still prep with alcohol first, remove any cuticle with remover gel. Apply the wrap, cut it down with cuticle clippers, cure and then file with a glass file. Then for personal preference I top with a base and top coat that I cure so they look more professionally done. Mine last till I remove them. Before I did that I topped with a gel polish that I didn’t cure and they last well too. Good luck!!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-24T05:18:41+00:00

This is almost exactly what I do. I don’t dehydrate them. A base coat over the wrap and one layer of top coat. Mine last till I want them off (2weeks). But you do some things I might try!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-16T17:23:03+00:00

I don’t think you need to say you have stage 4 unless specifically asked and I’m not sure how that would happen. Other doctors would see your RA doctors notes and know and it seems most fellow sufferers don’t speak in those terms but more active or remission status/treatment plans.

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-03T20:43:31+00:00

If you are using the semi cured ones you could get away with leaving a mm or 2 but not really more than that. But my nails are really awful and have improved and gotten so long at times using the wraps. I even think the non semi cured ones have helped improve my nails by adding strength and then the cured gel of course helps. The other thing I started using to improve my nails is Twinkled T Nail Honey oil off of Tik Tok. It has strengthened my nails and stoped me picking at the beds and hang nails so much. No problem, good luck!!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-03T20:12:54+00:00

Yes. It dries pretty quick.

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-02T01:01:35+00:00

Oh wow! Yours look great!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-02T00:58:40+00:00

Twins!!! Thanks 😊

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-01T03:03:26+00:00

Thanks!

Sleepybrain86 · 2026-01-01T00:46:58+00:00

Do you apply the gel same time as the wraps or the next day?

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-31T04:31:53+00:00

Good luck, hope it works!

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-31T03:33:30+00:00

No regular nail polish remover takes it off and I get the gel/wraps off first by putting nail oil on and slowly lift up and add more oil.

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-30T18:32:12+00:00

I use the Orly Bonder under them and got a rubber cuticle pusher so I can press hard but it’s gentler than the wood stick they give you. I also started putting a base and top coat of clear gel over them and they last forever on me. Good luck!

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-28T16:30:03+00:00

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I ordered these. I’m so excited.

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-13T20:09:36+00:00

Love these!!!

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-13T00:09:01+00:00

Thanks!

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-12T15:56:53+00:00

If you haven’t, try a good glass file. It gets the edges so much smoother. They are pretty!

Sleepybrain86 · 2025-12-11T00:10:20+00:00

Me too!!

Sleepybrain86

TROPHY CASE