• Behind LA-BEK
• Removal & Nail Care

A real customer email, lightly edited for length. Name changed and no photos included, at her request.   Every so often an email lands in our inbox that stops us in our tracks. This one did. It's from a customer we're calling Ellie, and it's about hands, habits, and giving yourself permission to feel proud of something so small. Ellie picked her nails her whole life. "Down to the wick" is how she put it. She'd tried everything to stop and nothing had stuck. Then two mates who already wore la-bek put wraps on her thumbnails during a weekend away in May, half as a joke, half as an intervention. They lasted less than 24 hours. But something about seeing polish on her nails, even briefly, was enough. She let her real nails grow for two weeks before trying wraps on her own for the first time. The messy middle Her first set was Transparent Pink. She wasn't sold. Her real nails were still visible underneath, and because she didn't want to file the wraps right down, she ended up with fluff trapped underneath and not much surface area for them to hold onto. They lifted. They fell off. She'd already watched our video on applying wraps to short nails, so none of it surprised her, and crucially, having something on her nails at all was enough to stop her picking. A week later she switched to Olive. A darker colour hid what was underneath and disguised the fluff. Still some lifting, still the odd wrap falling off, but by now she was cutting most of them in half to make a pack stretch further, and slowly learning the technique of filing and shaping nails she'd genuinely never had before. Her third set, Lavender Whip with a few Secret Garden accents, lasted properly. That's when it clicked, both the application and, unexpectedly, the fun of it. She never thought of herself as a nail art person. Turns out pretty colours and a bit of pattern give her, in her words, "much needed daily dopamine hits." Five weeks in By week five, some of her nails were long enough that she had to trim them. Her thumbs, unsurprisingly the most damaged to begin with, are still catching up. Her family noticed before she said a word. Her mum and sister have started wearing LA-BEK too, and now do their nails together. Her mum, in her seventies, has always had lovely nails but they've started to split with age, and wearing wraps has given her a bit of her own nail pride back. Ellie told us she hadn't realised how much she'd been hiding her hands, or how bad she genuinely felt about them, until she stopped. What we took from this We're not going to claim LA-BEK breaks habits. Every set of hands is different, and this is one customer's experience, not a promise. But Ellie's story is a good reminder of why we do this. Not the wraps, but what having something you're proud to look at can do. One more thing. Ellie's only feedback for us was a request: a video showing wraps on very short or bitten nails specifically, using the lighter shades, with an honest look at the early challenges. Noted, Ellie. Watch this space. Laura + Bek FAQs Will la-bek wraps work on very short or bitten nails? Yes, though you'll want to go in with realistic expectations. Less nail means less surface area for the wrap to grip, so lifting is more likely at first, especially on thumbs. Darker or opaque colours also do a better job of covering the nail bed underneath than sheer or transparent shades. ⸻ Can wraps help stop nail biting or picking? We can't promise that, and we'd never claim it as a cure. What some customers, like Ellie, find is that having something on their nails is a helpful physical reminder and makes picking harder to do without noticing. Everyone's experience is different. ⸻ Do I need a UV lamp for semi-cured gel wraps? Yes. Semi-cured wraps are real liquid gel, about 60% cured, and need a UV lamp to fully set. If you'd rather skip the lamp altogether, our UV-free gel wraps are peel and press with no curing required, though they wear for a shorter 7 to 10 days. ⸻ What's the difference between semi-cured and UV-free? Think of them as two handbags for different occasions, not an upgrade or downgrade. Semi-cured wraps need a lamp and wear 2 weeks or more, ideal for weak, short or damaged nails and long-wear lovers. UV-free wraps need no lamp and wear about 7 to 10 days, ideal for travel, quick manis and low-maintenance moments. ⸻ How do I remove them without damaging my nails further? Always use oil, never peel. Peeling wraps off can take layers of your natural nail with them, which is the opposite of what you want if you're trying to grow yours out.   Written by Laura & Bek Founders of LA-BEK, an Australian brand creating semi-cured gel nail wraps and UV-free gel nail wraps designed to make salon-quality nails simple, at home.  

• Removal & Nail Care

We get asked this a lot: do you actually need both the oil and the balm, or is one enough? Fair question, they sit next to each other on the site and sound like they're doing the same job. They're not, and once you know the difference it's a pretty easy routine to stick to.   Oil vs balm: what's actually different Cuticle Oil Pen is the daily one. Twist the base, the brush soaks up oil, glide it along the cuticle line. It's vitamin E and jojoba, light enough to reapply through the day without feeling greasy, and it lives wherever you'll actually use it: a bag, a desk drawer, the car. Cuticle Balm  is the overnight one. It's a heavier almond oil and vitamin E formula, built to sit on the skin longer and do its work while you sleep. Apply before bed, wake up to softer cuticles and hands. We didn't just pick a nice-smelling formula off a shelf for this one either, we went back and forth on that almond oil and vitamin E blend specifically until it actually did something for nail health, not just softened skin for an hour. Think of it as day and night rather than either/or. The oil pen keeps things topped up while you're out and about, the balm does the deeper overnight work. Used together consistently, that's what actually strengthens nails and keeps cuticles looking tidy between manis, not just a pre-mani ritual, a daily habit worth having. Get both in the Nail Care Bundle if you're starting from scratch, it's the day and night pair in one order.   Why your pusher matters more than you'd think This is the part people skip. A lot of us either don't push our cuticles back at all, or reach for whatever metal tool is nearest, nail scissors, a metal pusher, sometimes even a fingernail. All of that risks nicking the nail bed or scratching the surface, which shows up later as rough patches or snagging. The Glass Cuticle Pusher does the same job with none of that risk. Smooth glass head, gentle angled edge, no scratching. Wash it, dry it, use it again, it's a reusable swap for a wooden orange stick and it'll last for years. The technique is simple: a drop of Cuticle Oil Pen, wait about 30 seconds for the cuticle to soften, then push back gently with the angled glass head. That's it. Clean nail bed, better wrap adhesion if you're prepping for a mani, and a much lower chance of catching or tearing anything. We've written a full walk-through of the technique itself in How Do I Push Back My Cuticles? if you want the step-by-step.   Building the routine Here's roughly how we'd put it together: Morning or through the day: Cuticle Oil Pen, glide along the cuticle line whenever you think of it. Once or twice a day is plenty. Before bed: Cuticle Balm, worked into cuticles and any dry patches on your hands. Give it two to three weeks before you judge it, that's when the difference actually shows. Before applying a wrap: oil first to soften, then the Glass Cuticle Pusher to clean up the cuticle line. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards to remove all oil before you apply, wraps need a clean, oil-free nail to bond properly. Better prep means better adhesion and longer wear. None of it takes more than a minute or two. It's just remembering to do it. Small routine, real difference over a few weeks. Laura + Bek     Cuticle Care FAQs Do I need both cuticle oil and cuticle balm, or just one? They do different jobs. The oil pen is light, daily, and portable, made for topping up through the day. The balm is heavier and made for overnight use. Used together you get day and night coverage, but if you only want one to start, the oil pen is the easier daily habit to build first. ⸻ How long until I actually notice a difference? Give it two to three weeks of regular use. Cuticle and nail health builds gradually, not overnight, so consistency matters more than any single application. ⸻ Can I use cuticle oil instead of pushing my cuticles back? They work together rather than replacing each other. Oil softens the cuticle, the Glass Cuticle Pusher is what actually moves it back cleanly. Oil alone softens skin but won't tidy the cuticle line the way a proper pusher does. ⸻ Why use a glass pusher instead of a metal one or my nails? Metal tools and nails can nick or scratch the nail bed, which shows up later as rough patches or snagging. The glass head on our pusher is smooth and gentle by design, and unlike a wooden orange stick, it's reusable for years. ⸻ How often should I push my cuticles back? Before every fresh set is the easiest habit to build, since it also improves how well your wraps sit and wear. Outside of that, once a week is a reasonable general rhythm if your cuticles tend to grow over the nail plate quickly. ⸻ Is the Nail Care Bundle worth it over buying separately? If you're planning to use both the oil pen and the balm regularly, yes, it's the two paired together in one order. If you only want one of them to start, buy that one on its own and add the other later. Written by Laura & Bek Founders of LA-BEK, an Australian brand creating semi-cured gel nail wraps designed to make salon-quality nails simple, at home.  

• Removal & Nail Care

Putting them on is the fun part. Taking them off shouldn't be the bit you dread. If you've ever ripped off a gel mani in a moment of weakness — and felt your nails complain for the next two weeks — we get it. We've all been there. The good news is, gel nail wraps are designed to come off gently. You just need the right method (and about five minutes). Here's how to do it properly, whether you've got our UV-Free or Semi-Cured wraps on. Before you start: what you'll need Set yourself up first. It makes the whole thing quicker and stops the "where's my cuticle oil?" mid-removal scramble. You'll need: - A wooden cuticle stick or our Glass Tools- Cuticle oil- A nail file or buffer- A few minutes of quiet (a podcast helps) That's it. No acetone soaks. No foil wrapping. No drama. Photo: Cuticle Oil Pen How to remove Gel Nail Wraps Gel wraps are designed to be flexible — that's part of what makes them so easy to apply and so easy to take off. Step 1 — Drop a tiny bit of cuticle oil at the base of the nail.Right where the wrap meets your skin. Let it sit for 30 seconds. The oil starts to gently lift the seal. Step 2 — Slide your wooden stick (or glass tool) under the edge of the wrap.Start at one corner near the cuticle, not the tip. Work slowly. Step 3 — Lift, don't yank.The wrap will start to peel up in one piece. If it resists, add another drop of oil and wait a few more seconds. Patience here is everything. Step 4 — Buff away any leftover residue.A light buff with the soft side of a buffer is all you need. Don't over-file — your nail underneath is happy and healthy. Step 5 — Re-oil and moisturise.Cuticle oil + a hand cream and you're done. Clean nails, no damage, no fuss. Three removal mistakes to avoid We've seen these come up in customer chats more times than we can count, so here's what *not* to do: 1. The rip-and-go. Pulling a gel wrap straight off without oil takes a microscopic layer of your natural nail with it. Don't. 2. Picking at the edges.Same issue, just slower. Bored on a Zoom call? We see you. But step away from the nails. 3. Soaking in acetone for ages.Some people still do this out of habit from old-school gels. Our wraps don't need it. Acetone dries everything out — your nails, your cuticles, your patience. If you ever feel like a wrap is stuck — it's almost always because it needs more oil and a bit more time, not more force. Photo: Vixen Red Semi-cured Gel Nails After removal: a 60-second nail reset Whether you're going straight back into a fresh mani or giving your nails a breather, this little routine makes a big difference: - Cuticle oil worked into each cuticle to soften and rehydrate- Our Cuticle Balm worked over the whole nail and surrounding skin to restore and nourish — it's the perfect "second step" after the oil sinks in, especially after wearing wraps for 1–2 weeks- Hand cream all the way up to your wrists- A glass of water (your nails are basically thirsty plants) If you're applying a fresh set straight away, our How Do I Push Back My Cuticles guide is a perfect next read — proper cuticle prep makes your next mani last noticeably longer. > Just remember: if you're going straight into a fresh set, wipe each nail thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or a prep wipe after the oil and balm have sunk in. Otherwise the moisturising layer that's so good for your nails between manis will stop your new wraps from sealing properly. Photo: Cuticle Balm Quick recap - Cuticle oil first. Always.- Lift from the cuticle corner — never yank.- Patience beats pressure.- Buff lightly, re-oil, moisturise. Done.- No acetone needed for either UV-Free or Semi-Cured wraps. Salon-quality removal, minus the salon. Your nails get to come out the other side just as healthy as they went in. Need to restock your nail care essentials? Browse our Nail Care range for cuticle oil and prep essentials, or grab a Starter Kit if you want everything bundled. And if you're ready for a fresh set, the full UV-Free and Semi-Cured ranges are right here. Gel Wrap Removal FAQs How long does it take to remove gel nail wraps? When done properly, it's quick:- UV-Free wraps: around 3–5 minutes for both hands- Semi-Cured wraps: around 5–8 minutes for both hands The biggest factor is patience. Letting cuticle oil do its job for a minute or two upfront saves you time — and your nails — later. ⸻ Do I need acetone to remove gel nail wraps? No. This is one of the biggest differences between LA-BEK gel nail wraps and traditional salon gel. Acetone dries out:- Your natural nails- Your cuticles- The skin around your nails Our wraps are designed to come off with cuticle oil and a wooden stick — gently, and without harsh chemicals. Save the acetone for when you genuinely need it. ⸻ Can I just peel my gel wraps off? Technically yes — and you might get away with it sometimes — but we really don't recommend it. Peeling without oil:- Removes the top layer of your natural nail- Can cause peeling, thinning, or weakness over time- Often hurts (your nail is telling you something) The cuticle oil step takes 30 seconds. Use it. Your nails will thank you. ⸻ What do I do if my gel wrap is really stuck? If a wrap won't lift, the answer is almost always more oil and more time — not more force. Try:- Adding extra cuticle oil and waiting another 1–2 minutes- For semi-cured wraps, doing a light pass with a 180-grit file to break the surface- Working slowly from a different corner If it still won't budge, walk away for 10 minutes. Come back and try again. Forcing it is the only way you'll damage your nail. ⸻ How often should I remove and reapply my gel wraps? It depends on your wear:- UV-Free wraps: typically last 7–10 days- Semi-Cured wraps: typically last up to 2+ weeks When you start to notice lifting at the edges or visible regrowth at the cuticle line, it's time for a fresh set. Most people remove and reapply every 1–2 weeks. If you have particularly thin or weak nails, taking a 1–2 week break every few months is a lovely reset. ⸻ Will removing my wraps damage my natural nails? Done properly — no. Our wraps are designed to come off without taking your natural nail with them. The damage people associate with "gel nails" almost always comes from one of three things:- Peeling without oil- Filing too aggressively after removal- Repeated acetone soaks (with traditional salon gels, not our wraps) Use cuticle oil, lift gently, and buff lightly. Your nails will be fine. ⸻ Can I apply a fresh set of wraps straight after removing? Yes — but only if your nails are completely clean and oil-free. Best practice:1. Remove your existing wraps2. Buff lightly to smooth the surface3. Wipe each nail thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or a prep wipe (this is crucial — you've just put cuticle oil everywhere)4. Apply your fresh set Skipping the alcohol wipe is one of the most common reasons brand-new wraps lift early. ⸻ What's the gentlest way to remove if I'm short on time? If you have to rush:- Apply cuticle oil generously and rub it in for 30 seconds- Use the warmth of your other hand to help the oil sink in faster- Lift slowly with a wooden stick from the cuticle corner Don't be tempted to skip the oil entirely just because you're in a hurry — even 30 seconds with oil is better than going in dry. Your future self will thank you. ⸻ Written by Laura & BekFounders of LA-BEK, an Australian brand creating semi-cured gel nail wraps and UV-free gel nail wraps designed to make salon-quality nails simple, at home.

• Removal & Nail Care

If you've ever applied gel nail wraps and wondered why they didn't last as long as expected, your cuticles might be the missing piece. Cuticle care is one of those small steps that makes a big difference. When done properly, it helps your manicure sit neatly on the nail and improves how long your semi-cured gel nail wraps or UV-free gel nail wraps last. The good news? It's simple — and once you get into the habit, it becomes part of your routine. Are You Supposed to Push Your Cuticles Back? Yes — gently. Your cuticle is the thin layer of skin that sits on the nail plate. Its job is to protect new nail growth, but when it grows too far onto the nail, it can:• Prevent proper adhesion• Cause lifting with gel nail wraps• Make your manicure look less clean Pushing your cuticles back (not cutting them) helps create a smooth surface so your at-home gel nail wraps can sit properly and last longer. The key is to be gentle and consistent, not aggressive. Photo: Cuticle Balm How to Push Back Overgrown Cuticles? If your cuticles are a little overgrown, don't worry — this is very common. Here's a simple step-by-step approach: 1. Soften the cuticles firstApply a cuticle oil or balm and let it sit for a minute. This makes the process much easier and protects the skin. 2. Use a gentle pushing motionUsing a cuticle tool, gently push the cuticle back toward the base of the nail. 3. Don't force itIf you feel resistance, stop and apply more oil. Cuticles should never be scraped or forced. 4. Wipe the nail clean before applying productsThis ensures your DIY gel nail wraps adhere properly. Doing this regularly helps maintain a clean nail surface and improves the wear time of long lasting gel nail wraps. Photo: Cuticle Oil Pen What Vitamin Am I Lacking If My Cuticles Are Peeling? Peeling cuticles are usually a sign that your nails and skin need more hydration, but they can also be linked to nutrient deficiencies. Common factors include:• Low vitamin B (especially biotin)• Low vitamin E• Dehydration• Frequent exposure to water or chemicals That said, in everyday life, the most common cause is simply dryness. This is where a daily habit like using a cuticle oil pen or balm can make a big difference. Applying it at night (while watching TV or winding down) helps support healthier nails and improves the results of your gel nail wraps for beginners. What Tool Do I Use to Push My Cuticles Back? You don't need anything complicated. The most common tools are: Wooden cuticle sticks• Gentle and beginner-friendly• Great for everyday use Metal cuticle pushers• More precise• Best used with a light hand Glass cuticle tools• Smooth and easy to control• A nice option if you want something reusable If you're using semi-cured gel nail wraps or gel nail wraps without UV light, a simple wooden stick is often more than enough to prep your nails properly. Customer Photo: Glass Tool Bundle - Cuticle Pusher and Nail File What Are Common Cuticle Care Mistakes? This is where a lot of people unintentionally cause lifting or damage. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid: 1. Cutting instead of pushingCutting cuticles too aggressively can lead to irritation and damage. 2. Skipping cuticle prep entirelyEven the best salon quality gel nail wraps won't last if they're applied over cuticle. 3. Applying product over the cuticle areaIf gel nail wraps touch the skin, they won't seal properly and can lift early. 4. Not using oil regularlyDry cuticles can lead to peeling, cracking, and poor adhesion. 5. Over-filing the nail plateThis can weaken your nails and make any product harder to wear. Customer Photo: Purple Cats Eye Semi-cured Gel Nails Why Cuticle Care Matters for Gel Nail Wraps Whether you're using:• semi-cured gel nail wraps with UV lamp• UV-free gel nail wraps• or other at-home gel nail wraps Cuticle prep is one of the biggest factors in achieving:• Better adhesion• Longer wear time• A cleaner, more polished look It's a small step, but it's what helps your manicure go from "good" to salon-quality at home. The Bottom Line Cuticle care doesn't need to be complicated. A simple routine — gently pushing back your cuticles and using oil regularly — can completely change how your gel nail wraps look and last. If you're already taking the time to apply your nails at home, this is one of the easiest ways to get better results. And once you get into the habit, it becomes one of those small rituals that makes everything feel a little more put together. Browse our nail tools & accessories Cuticle Care FAQs How often should you push back your cuticles? You only need to gently push back your cuticles once a week, or before applying your gel nail wraps. Doing it too often can irritate the skin, so it's best to keep it light and consistent rather than frequent and aggressive. ⸻ Should you cut your cuticles or push them back? It's best to push your cuticles back, not cut them. Cutting can lead to irritation, infection, and damage to the nail area. Gently pushing them back helps create a clean surface for semi-cured gel nail wraps or UV-free gel nail wraps without harming your nails. ⸻ Why do my gel nail wraps lift around the cuticle? Lifting near the cuticle is usually caused by:• Product touching the skin• Cuticles not being pushed back properly• Oils left on the nail plate For the best results, make sure your nail is clean, dry, and free of cuticle before applying your DIY gel nail wraps. ⸻ Can I push back my cuticles without tools? Yes — especially if your cuticles are soft. After applying cuticle oil or after a shower, you can gently push them back using:• A towel• Your thumb• A soft cotton pad However, for best results with gel nail wraps for beginners, a simple wooden cuticle stick gives more control. ⸻ What's the best way to soften cuticles before pushing them back? The easiest ways to soften cuticles are:• Applying cuticle oil or balm• Soaking hands in warm water for a few minutes• Applying oil after a shower Soft cuticles are much easier to work with and reduce the risk of damage. Do I need to push back cuticles for UV-free gel nail wraps? Yes — even though UV-free gel nail wraps don't require a lamp, proper prep still matters. Pushing back your cuticles helps:• Improve adhesion• Prevent lifting• Create a cleaner finish This applies to all at-home gel nail wraps, whether they use a UV lamp or not. ⸻ Why are my cuticles always dry and peeling? Dry cuticles are usually caused by:• Lack of hydration• Frequent hand washing• Exposure to chemicals• Weather (especially colder months) Using a cuticle oil or balm daily can make a noticeable difference in both nail health and how well your long lasting gel nail wraps perform. ⸻ Can cuticle care help my nails grow stronger? Yes — healthy cuticles support healthy nail growth. Regular use of cuticle oil helps:• Hydrate the nail area• Reduce breakage• Support stronger, smoother nails over time This is especially helpful if you're using semi-cured gel nail wraps as part of a nail growth routine. ⸻ What happens if I don't push back my cuticles? If you skip this step:• Your gel nail wraps may not stick properly• Lifting is more likely• The manicure may look uneven Even a quick, gentle push-back can make a big difference in how your nails look and last. Written by Laura & BekFounders of LA-BEK, an Australian brand creating semi-cured gel nail wraps and UV-free gel nail wraps designed to make salon-quality nails simple, at home.

• Removal & Nail Care

Nail biting is a tough habit to break — but with the right tools and a little patience, you can protect your nails, encourage healthy growth, and still enjoy beautiful manicures in the meantime. At La-Bek, we get this question a lot: "Can your semi-cured gel nails help me stop biting my nails and grow them out?" The answer is yes — and here's how. Why Semi-Cured Gels Help Break Nail Biting Habits When you apply semi-cured gel nail strips, you're instantly covering and protecting your natural nails. That protective layer makes it harder to bite and gives your nails the chance to grow underneath. Even if your nails are short or bitten, our strips bond securely to the nail bed and add a glossy, finished look. 💡 Pro tip: Our transparent nail range is perfect if you want to protect your nails while keeping things subtle, or if you'd like to layer a colour on top later. At-Home Manicure Steps to Support Nail Health Many nail biters struggle with weak, uneven nails. Building a simple at home manicure routine can make a big difference. Here's how to do a manicure at home for yourself: Prep → Wash hands, gently push back cuticles, and file edges smooth. Apply La-Bek semi-cured strips → Choose a size that covers the nail completely, press down firmly, and cure under the lamp. Moisturise → Finish with a nourishing cuticle oil to support overall nail health. These simple steps make your nails look salon-fresh, while helping you stay mindful of biting.   How to Improve Nail Health Over Time Breaking the biting habit is step one. To keep your natural nails strong: Apply cuticle oil or balm daily to fight dryness. Avoid over-buffing or filing too thin. Because there is less surface area to stick to, you may lose a strip while the nails grow — but don't worry. Each pack comes with 20 strips, and every strip can be cut in half, giving you plenty of spares to replace any that lift. With patience, you'll see growth in just a few weeks. We also made a video walking through these tips in detail — watch here: How to Stop Nail Biting & Grow Stronger Nails (YouTube). Common Questions We Hear Can nail polish cause health problems?Traditional polishes often contain harsher chemicals, and constant use with acetone removal can dry and weaken nails. La-Bek semi-cured strips don't require soaking or harsh filing, so they're gentler on natural nails. How to grow short nails?Consistency is key. Even if your nails are short or bitten, applying semi-cured strips regularly gives them space to grow without breakage. How to grow short bitten nails?Start small. Even a sliver of nail can hold a strip, and once applied, it discourages biting. With patience, you'll see growth in just a few weeks. The Bottom Line La-Bek nails aren't just about looking chic — they can also be part of your journey to healthier, longer nails. By covering and protecting your natural nails, you reduce the urge to bite and give them the time they need to grow. ✨ Ready to start your nail health journey? Explore our transparent nail range for the perfect subtle starter.

• Removal & Nail Care

If your nails are feeling weak, peeling, or paper-thin from years of acrylics, gels, or just life—don't stress. You're not alone. And yes, you can get them back to healthy, strong, naturally beautiful nails. Here's a simple, effective nail care routine that actually works—and doesn't require a salon or a 10-step system. Every step is mum-life tested, La-Bek approved ???? 1. Hydration is the foundation Nail health starts with moisture—without it, nails crack, peel, and break before they ever get a chance to grow. What to do: Apply our Cuticle Oil Pen daily (or even twice a day if your nails are extra dry) Keep one in your bag, bathroom, or car—no mess, no excuses Massage it in to encourage blood flow and healthy nail growth Tip: Just removed a set? Oil those nails straight after. It helps reset and replenish. 2. Repair & strengthen between manis Especially if you're coming off salon damage, your nails need a little TLC. That's where Cuticle Balm comes in. What to do: Apply our Cuticle Balm nightly Think of it like a rich overnight mask for your nails It's perfect for soothing skin, restoring hydration, and reinforcing thin or brittle nail beds Pro tip: For best results, alternate between balm at night and oil during the day. 3. Protect your nails—even while wearing them Many products promise "damage-free" but don't actually deliver. That's where La-Bek semi-cured gel nails are different. Here's why they help, not hurt: They add flexible strength (think: bendy, not brittle) They're easy to remove with cuticle oil and gentle lifting—no soaking, no scraping They act like a shield while your natural nails grow out stronger underneath Bonus: Our nails last 2+ weeks, so you're not constantly reapplying and weakening the nail surface. 4. Seal the deal with a top coat Want even more protection and a longer-lasting finish? Apply a layer of La-Bek Top Coat (Gloss or Matte) over your cured nails. It helps: Prevent edge wear Lock in your mani longer Add a bit of reinforcement And yes—it's quick and cures in 60 seconds. The Routine in a Nutshell: Step Product When Hydrate Cuticle Oil Pen Daily, anytime Deep Nourish Cuticle Balm Nightly Protect & Strengthen Semi-Cured Gel Nails Every 2–3 weeks Lock It In Top Coat After application Final ThoughtsNail health doesn't have to be complicated—and you don't need to give up beautiful nails to get there. In fact, the right routine can give you both. Start small, be consistent, and give your nails the love they deserve.

• Removal & Nail Care

The LA-BEK Cuticle Oil Pen is designed to do two jobs well: keep your cuticles hydrated day to day, and make removing your semi-cured gel wraps easier and gentler. For everyday nail health Healthy cuticles are the foundation of healthy nail growth. Dry, neglected cuticles are more prone to peeling, hangnails, and general discomfort, and they can also affect how well products like gel wraps adhere. Regular use of the oil helps soften and nourish the cuticle area, supporting stronger nail growth underneath. For gentle removal When it's time to take off your gel wraps, apply the oil around the edges and let it sit for a few minutes before using a wooden stick to gently lift. This loosens the adhesive so the wrap lifts away cleanly, without the soaking or scraping that harsher removal methods rely on. What's in it The formula includes jojoba oil, which closely mimics your skin's natural oils for deep hydration, along with vitamin E and vitamin B to support and condition nails. Easy to use anywhere The twist-up pen fits in a bag or pocket, so you can top up your cuticles wherever you are, no need to carry a bottle or worry about spills. Shop Cuticle Oil Pen

• Removal & Nail Care

Nail damage is usually caused by a combination of things: harsh products, frequent manicures, nail biting, or everyday wear and tear. The good news is that nails recover well with the right care, it just takes consistency rather than any one quick fix. What actually causes damage Frequent acetone exposure, repeated gel or acrylic removal without a break, and everyday water exposure from dishes and cleaning all strip moisture and strength from the nail plate over time. Nail biting adds physical trauma on top of that. Everyday habits that help Keep nails clean and dry, and avoid prolonged water exposure where you can Moisturise cuticles daily with a nourishing oil or balm, this is one of the simplest, most effective habits for nail health Trim nails regularly rather than letting them catch and split Wear gloves for dishes and household chores Choose nail products that are free from formaldehyde, toluene and DBP Where semi-cured gel wraps fit in Semi-cured gel wraps act as a protective layer over your natural nail, helping shield it from everyday knocks while it grows. Because they're flexible enough to move with your nail rather than sitting as a rigid shell, they're less likely to cause the kind of breakage that can come with a stiffer, harder finish. Shop Cuticle Balm

• Removal & Nail Care

Nail biting is a genuinely hard habit to break, and while a nail wrap won't fix the underlying urge on its own, covering your nails can make it physically harder to bite while you work on the habit itself. How a wrap helps A semi-cured gel wrap sits over your natural nail as a solid, cured layer, so there's less bare nail edge to catch with your teeth, and the texture and taste are different enough from a bare nail that many people find it acts as a helpful interruption. A subtle option for starting out If a bold colour feels like too much of a change at once, our transparent wraps are a good place to start. They're school and workplace friendly, don't draw attention, and let you get used to having something on your nails before committing to colour. What else tends to help Notice what triggers the habit for you, stress, boredom, and idle hands are common ones Keep nails neatly trimmed and filed so there's less to catch on Keep your hands occupied with something else when the urge hits, a fidget object, typing, anything that gives your hands a job Growth takes time either way, but a lot of people find having a finished set of nails on gives them one less excuse to bite. Shop Transparent

• Removal & Nail Care

Applying semi-cured gel nails correctly matters, but removing them properly matters just as much, poor removal is one of the main ways people end up with thin, weak, or damaged natural nails. Why pulling wraps off is a problem Semi-cured gel bonds firmly to the nail plate once cured, which is exactly what gives it its long wear. Ripping or peeling a wrap off pulls at that bond and can take the top layers of your natural nail with it, leaving nails thin, rough, or prone to peeling for weeks afterwards. The gentle way to remove them Gently lift the edge of the wrap with a wooden stick, never your fingernail Apply cuticle oil, nail polish remover, or coconut oil under the lifted edge Work the remover under the wrap gradually with the wooden stick, adding more as needed Once it lifts away cleanly, wipe off any remaining residue with an alcohol swab When to remove early If you notice any chips or lifting before your two weeks are up, it's best to remove that wrap rather than leave it. Moisture and bacteria can build up in the gap underneath a lifted wrap, which is worse for your nail than simply reapplying a fresh one. Shop Cuticle Oil Pen