If you landed here looking for Jamberry Nails, I have some news — they closed in 2019. The company shut down quietly and left a lot of loyal fans (myself included) wondering what to use instead.
Here’s the good news: the nail wrap category has absolutely exploded since then. There are now several brands doing what Jamberry did — and doing it better. Non-toxic formulas, hundreds of designs, options for kids, and application you can do in ten minutes on your couch.
I went back and looked at what readers actually cared about in the original Jamberry review comments — and the same three things came up over and over: is it safe and non-toxic, will it work on kids too, and is the application actually easy? So that’s exactly how I’ve evaluated every brand on this list.
Why nail wraps work for busy moms
A professional manicure costs $40-60 and chips within a week. Nail polish takes forever to dry and ends up on the couch. Nail wraps take about 10 minutes, last up to two weeks on fingers and four weeks on toes, and you can do them while watching Netflix after the kids go to bed. That’s the whole case.
How we rated them:
🌿 Non-toxic
👧 Kid-friendly
⏱ Easy application
⭐ Crystal’s pick
💅 Color Street — The Most Direct Jamberry Replacement
If you loved Jamberry, Color Street is where you go next. Same concept (nail strips applied with heat), same community feel, hundreds of designs, and they’ve improved on the formula. The strips are made from 100% nail polish rather than vinyl, which means they go on smoother and feel more like a real manicure.
The toxin question came up constantly in the original Jamberry comments — and Color Street answers it well. Their formula is 5-free (no toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, camphor, or formaldehyde resin). Same commitment Jamberry made, still delivered here.
WHAT WE LOVE
• 100% nail polish strips — feels like real polish
• Huge range of designs including seasonal collections
• No dry time, no UV lamp needed
• Lasts up to 10 days on fingers
• 5-free formula — no harsh chemicals
GOOD TO KNOW
• Sold through independent stylists (like Jamberry was)
• Can also buy directly online
• Not specifically made for kids — adult sizing only
• Nail prep is important for longevity
• Price point: ~$14 per set
🌿 Non-toxic
⏱ Easy application
⭐ Crystal’s pick
🌿 Olive and June — Best for the Non-Toxic Crowd
One of the original Jamberry commenters mentioned she’d stopped wearing nail polish entirely because of toxic ingredients — and this is the brand I’d put in front of her today. Olive and June has built their entire identity around clean, safe formulas and they’ve become one of the most trusted names in at-home nail care.
Their nail strips are 7-free and the brand is cruelty-free across the board. The aesthetic is clean and modern — less glitter and novelty prints, more elevated everyday looks. If you want nails that look like you went to a real salon, this is your brand.
WHAT WE LOVE
• 7-free formula — cleanest on this list
• Cruelty-free and vegan
• Elevated, modern designs
• Available on Amazon — easy to reorder
• Full nail care system available
GOOD TO KNOW
• More minimal aesthetic — less novelty prints
• Slightly higher price point (~$16-18)
• Not specifically for kids
• Best results with their prep products
• Salon-quality finish takes a little practice
🌿 Non-toxic
⏱ Easy application
🌸 Mom approved
💰 Sally Hansen Salon Effects — Best Budget Pick
If you’re new to nail wraps and want to try them before spending $15+ on a set, Sally Hansen Salon Effects is your starting point. You can grab them at any drugstore or Walmart for around $10 — most accessible option on this list by a mile.
The design range is more limited than Color Street or Olive and June, but they do the job well — especially for someone just getting the hang of application. Real nail polish strips, decent staying power, and zero commitment if they’re not for you.
WHAT WE LOVE
• Available at Walmart, Target, CVS everywhere
• Most affordable on the list (~$10)
• Real nail polish formula
• Great for beginners and first-timers
• No waiting for shipping — buy today
GOOD TO KNOW
• Smaller design range than competitors
• Slightly shorter wear time (~7 days)
• Not non-toxic certified
• Less premium feel than Olive and June
• Best as a starter or backup option
⏱ Easy application
💰 Budget pick
👧 Best Options for Kids
This was one of the most asked questions on the original Jamberry post. Several readers wanted options for their daughters — no toxic smells, no smudging, no dry time disasters. Here’s what works.
BEST FOR LITTLE ONES (AGES 3+)
Piggy Paint Nail Wraps
Made specifically for kids. Water-based, non-toxic, odour-free and comes in fun prints that little ones actually want. No heat required — just press and file. The kid version Jamberry always should have had.
🌿 Non-toxic
👧 Made for kids
BEST MOM AND DAUGHTER MATCHING
Color Street Mini Sets
Color Street releases mini sets and kids designs seasonally. Grab a set each and make an evening of it — wine for you, hot chocolate for her. A matching nail night is genuinely one of the best easy activities for moms and daughters.
🌿 Non-toxic
⭐ Crystal’s pick
📋 How to Apply Nail Wraps (The Right Way)
The process is essentially identical across all brands. The original Jamberry post included a step-by-step and readers loved it — so here it is updated for any nail wrap brand you choose.
STEP 1
Prep your nails properly
Push back cuticles, buff the surface lightly, wipe with rubbing alcohol or a nail prep wipe. This step is the difference between lasting 3 days and lasting 10. Don’t skip it.
STEP 2
Match and warm the strip
Find the strip that best matches your nail width. Hold it under a hair dryer for 3-5 seconds to activate the adhesive — it gets slightly tacky and much more flexible.
STEP 3
Apply and press firmly
Place the strip just above the cuticle, press down from the middle outward to avoid air bubbles. Use your thumb firmly for a few seconds. Stretch slightly toward the tip if needed.
STEP 4
File off the excess
Fold the excess over the tip and file downward in one direction to snap it off cleanly. Heat one more time and press firmly. Repeat on all nails.
💡 Pro tip for longevity
Apply a thin layer of clear top coat over the whole nail including the edges on day one. It seals everything and adds 3-4 extra days of wear. Total game changer.
💡 For removal
Warm the strip slightly with the hair dryer then peel from the edge gently. No soaking required. Your natural nail underneath should be completely undamaged.
Ready to try nail wraps?
Color Street is the closest thing to what Jamberry was — hundreds of designs, easy application, no salon required. Start there.
Shop Color Street →
The Final Verdict
Best overall / Jamberry replacement
Color Street
Same concept, better formula. If you loved Jamberry this is your next stop.
Best non-toxic formula
Olive and June
7-free, cruelty-free, elevated aesthetic. Best for the ingredient-conscious mom.
Best budget pick
Sally Hansen Salon Effects
In every drugstore, under $10. Perfect for first-timers who want to try before committing.
Best for kids
Piggy Paint Nail Wraps
Made for little fingers. Non-toxic, odour-free, fun designs. No heat required.
Have you tried any of these?
Drop a comment below and let me know which brand you went with — or if there’s one I missed that deserves a spot on this list. I read every single one. 💅
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Crystal @ Busy Mom Diary
Real mom life • Practical advice • Ottawa, Canada
Busy Mom Diary shares real, honest advice for navigating mom life — from the first sleepless nights to the teenage years. Every post comes from lived experience, not a parenting textbook.
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