Frequently Asked Questions

PRODUCT / APPLICATION

I have short/thin/damaged/brittle nails, will Zinipin work for me?

Zinipin semi-cured gel nail strips add protection and structure/stability to thin nails, preventing accidental breakage during everyday use.  Because of this, many users report that their normally short/brittle/bendy nails have grown longer than they ever have before while using ZInipin.  

Will removal damage my nails like normal gel polish?

With proper removal, no it shouldn’t. Zinipin strips don’t actually bond to the nail plate like normal gel polish, they adhere via adhesive like a sticker. As a result they are much easier to remove when you’re ready.  It’s important to take your time and not rush the removal process or you may sustain some light damage which can build up over time and repeated use.  You can use any oil- or acetone-based remover, and the provided wood stick, a cuticle pusher, or a floss pick to gently work the strip off.

What if the strips don’t fit my nails correctly?

The beauty of semi-cured gel strips is that they are very flexible and somewhat stretchy.  You can stretch them slightly horizontally to fit a larger/wider nail.  Be careful not to overstretch though as this may cause a breakdown in the adhesive.

Do I need to use the Base Coat or Top Coat to make the strips work?

No, these products are optional and not required for successful use of Zinipin GelLight.  If you do choose to use a top coat, make sure it is a UV Gel top coat and not regular nail polish as those are not compatible with semi-cured gel products.

Why does my hair keep getting stuck under the strips?

Zinipin GelLight is designed with a domed curve intended to mimic painted gel and prevent this issue, however proper application is key.  When applying, try to leave a little bit of space at the cuticle, and use a top coat to help seal down the cuticle edge.  It’s very important to press down the sides with the wood stick extremely well before curing.  You can also use the warmth of your fingertips to press them down and try to get a better seal.  If using a top coat, avoid flooding the cuticles as this can also cause hair to get caught when the cuticle edge of the top coat begins to separate from the skin.

Do I have to use the Zinipin LED lamp, or can I use my professional-quality LED/UV lamp I already own?

Many professional-quality gel lamps are too strong for Zinipin GelLight semi-cured gel strips.  Using a lamp that is too strong can cause over-curing, therefore we recommend you use a lamp that is no more than 9W.  If you do use a stronger lamp, please exercise caution and adjust your curing time accordingly to prevent over-curing.

Why did my strips become discolored or turn yellow after curing?

Since GelLight is already 60% cured before application, Zinipin cures very quickly, usually 60 seconds is all that is required. Strips can become discolored if they are over-cured.  To prevent this, avoid over-curing by using a lower-strength gel lamp, or shortening the cure time accordingly.

Do Zinipin GelLight expire?

If stored properly, GelLight has a shelf life of up to (2) years from date of manufacturing.  Strips should be stored in their original packaging, and kept away from light and humidity.  Due to the semi-cured nature of this product, any light exposure can cause the strips to begin to harden, therefore it’s best to avoid this until application time.  Please refer to the expiration date on the box and plan use accordingly.

What is the “Cuticle Line” mark in the instructions? Does it make a difference how I put the strip on?

The “cuticle line” or outer edge is the bottom of the strip and the side that should be aligned with your cuticle. The cuticle line has a more notable drop in thickness down to 0mm, which is designed to help prevent hair from getting caught under the sticker edge.

Can I use these on fake nails like Acrylics, Poly/Builder Gels, or press-ons?

Yes absolutely.  Though Zinipin GelLight were designed to adhere to natural nail surface, many customers have used them on fake nails without any issues.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Why are my strips lifting on the sides/cuticle?

• Nailbeds weren’t properly prepped/cleaned prior to application. Ensure the nailbeds are completely clean and dry by using the provided Nail Cleanser. Make sure any old polish or acrylic residues are fully removed. Trim excess dead skin and push back cuticles.
• Fingers lifting the strips from the plastic sheet weren’t cleaned/too oily and broke down the adhesive. Use the provided Nail Cleanser on the finger pads as well as the nails.
• Stickers may have been handled too much or over-stretched, causing a breakdown of the adhesive. Try to warm the stickers in the plastic before removing them if you plan to stretch them, to make them more pliable.
• Nailbeds are naturally very oily, preventing good adhesion of the strip. (This is more likely if you have oily/combination skin.) Try using a nail dehydrator product to strip those excess oils out of your nailbeds prior to application.
• Strips were applied overlapping skin or too close to the cuticle. Try to leave a tiny gap at the cuticle and make sure the strip isn’t touching any skin on the sides.
• Acetone was applied to the edges, getting under the strip and breaking down the adhesive. Acetone can cause damage to the adhesive.
• Cuticle oil was used to push the cuticles back, but not all oil was removed prior to application. Wash hands thoroughly in warm soapy water to remove all oil residue, and dry thoroughly. Oils prevent adhesion of the strips to the nail bed, so it’s best to avoid using cuticle oils until after application is complete.
• A non-UV/non-gel top coat was used over the nail strips. Many brands misleadingly label their top coats as "gel" even though they aren't. Only use gel top coats that require curing under an LED or UV Lamp.
• Strips were applied outdoors in hot/sunny weather. Apply your strips indoors where you are not in direct sunlight which can cause strips to prematurely harden and become inflexible, or buildup of sweat and oils on the nailbed can repel the adhesive on application.

Why are my strips already popping off when I just put them on?

• Nailbeds are naturally very smooth, preventing good adhesion of the strips. Use a course-grit nail file or 3-way sanding block to gently rough up the nailbed surface before applying the strips.
• The nails were “buffed” with a polishing buffer instead of a course-grit nail file. Use a course-grit nail file or 3-way sanding block to gently rough up the nailbed surface before applying the strips.
• The strips were left overhanging the natural nail length. Ensure to trim and file down the strips fully to align with the edge of the nail during application (both the sides and the tip).
• The strips were exposed to sustained water exposure shortly after application. Avoid bathing, swimming, pot scrubbing, or other activities requiring sustained water exposure for a minimum of 12 hours after application.

SHIPPING / ORDERS

How, when, and where will my order ship from?

Under normal circumstances, all in-stock orders ship within 2-3 business days via USPS First Class Mail from our distribution center in City of Industry, CA.