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At La-Bek, we believe beauty shouldn't come at the cost of the planet. From day one, we've been asking ourselves an important question — how can we make the at-home manicure experience better for you, and better for the environment? While we're not perfect (and sustainability is a journey), we're proud to be one of the few semi-cured gel nail brands putting waste reduction at the heart of what we do. Here's how we're making progress — and where we're headed next. Thoughtful Packaging Choices You've probably noticed that our nail sets don't come in fancy boxes or layers of unnecessary wrapping — and that's intentional. Pretty packaging often ends up in landfill after a single use, so we keep things simple, sleek, and minimal. Our mailers are made from recycled materials, and we've introduced soft plastic recycling at our HQ to make sure every piece that can be reused, is. Phasing Out Single-Use Tools We're gradually removing single-use items like prep pads from our kits. Instead, we're shifting toward reusable, washable options that last and giving our customers the options to choose what works nest for them. It's a small change that adds up over time, and we're committed to continuing to refine every element of our process. The La-Bek Send-Back Program One of the initiatives we're most proud of is our Send-Back Program — a return-to-recycle system for our customers.You can send back un-used nail strips, empty cuticle oil pens, and other recyclable components, and we'll make sure they're processed responsibly. It's an easy, practical way to enjoy your manis and still do something good for the planet. 👉 Learn more about the Send-Back Program here.Reusable, Washable, Better by Design Every time we create a new product — from our Precision Tweezers to our Cuticle Balm — we choose materials that are reusable, durable, and built to last. We're constantly looking for ways to reduce waste, rethink materials, and inspire more sustainable habits at home. Our Ongoing Commitment Sustainability isn't a trend for us, it's part of how we design, package, and think about every La-Bek product. We know there's always room to improve, and we're committed to taking those steps thoughtfully and transparently as we grow. Join Us on the Journey Watch our latest video to see how we're making La-Bek manis more sustainable.
Good nail prep is the single biggest factor in how long your gel strips last. Get it right and you'll hit two weeks easily. Skip it and you'll be dealing with lifting by day three. The good news: proper prep doesn't require a prep pad, a salon, or anything complicated. Here's exactly what to do. Why nail prep matters for gel strips Gel nail strips bond to your natural nail through adhesive. That adhesive needs a clean, dry, oil-free surface to grip properly. Anything on the nail — natural oils, hand cream, moisture, old polish residue — creates a barrier between the strip and your nail, which leads to premature lifting. This is why most people who experience lifting early haven't done anything wrong with the application itself. It almost always comes down to prep. What to use instead of nail prep pads Prep pads are just alcohol-soaked wipes. You don't need a branded version to get the same result. Here's what works just as well: Isocol (rubbing alcohol) on a cotton ball or reusable pad — this is the easiest swap and works brilliantly. A bottle lasts months and creates a fraction of the waste. Nail polish remover (acetone or acetone-free) — effective at removing oils and residue. Use sparingly and let it dry completely before applying strips. 70% isopropyl alcohol — exactly what's in most prep pads, without the single-use packaging. Whatever you use, make sure it fully evaporates before you apply your strips. Wet nails are the enemy of good adhesion. Step-by-step nail prep guide for gel strips Follow these steps before every application for the best results: Step 1: Remove any existing polish or residue If you have old nail polish, gel, or previous strip adhesive on your nails, remove it completely with nail polish remover. Wipe each nail clean and let dry. Step 2: Wash your hands thoroughly Use soap and warm water, scrub well, and dry completely. This removes hand cream, natural oils, and any surface residue. Dry hands are non-negotiable — don't rush this step. Step 3: Push back your cuticles Use the cuticle stick included in your kit (or a Precision Tweezers tip) to gently push back your cuticles. The gel strip needs to sit on the nail plate, not on skin — any overlap onto the cuticle area is a common cause of lifting. Step 4: Wipe each nail with alcohol Wipe each nail with Isocol or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad. This removes the last traces of oil from your nail surface. Work quickly and don't touch your nails after this step. Step 5: Apply your strips immediately Don't wait around after wiping. Your natural oils start returning within minutes. Apply your UV-free gel strips or semi-cured gel strips straight away for the best adhesion. Step 6: Seal the edges Once each strip is applied, use your Precision Tweezers to firmly press the strip around the tip of your nail, sealing the free edge. This step is what locks in the wear. Don't skip it. Common prep mistakes that cause lifting Applying with damp nails. Even slight moisture stops the adhesive bonding properly. Wait until your hands are completely dry after washing. Touching your nails after wiping. Natural oils transfer from your fingertips instantly. Wipe, then go straight to application. Skipping cuticle prep. Strips that overlap onto the cuticle will peel back from that edge first. Not sealing the free edge. The tip of the nail takes the most impact. Pressing firmly around the edge with tweezers at application is the biggest longevity hack there is. Using cuticle oil before or during application. Cuticle oil is for removal (after your wear time is up), not prep. Oil on the nail during application will cause lifting. A note on why prep pads are no longer in your kit LA-BEK made the decision to phase out single-use prep pads because every one ends up in landfill. They're sealed in plastic-coated foil packaging that isn't recyclable. The alcohol alternatives above work just as well, create far less waste, and are things most people already have at home. It's a small change, but small things add up. We're proud to be one of the only gel nail brands actively working toward lower-waste beauty. Frequently asked questions Do you need prep pads for gel nail strips? No. Prep pads are alcohol wipes used to remove oil and residue from the nail surface. You can get exactly the same result using Isocol, isopropyl alcohol, or nail polish remover on a cotton pad. What matters is that the nail is clean, dry, and oil-free before you apply your strips. What can I use instead of nail prep pads? Isocol (rubbing alcohol) is the best swap — it's widely available, inexpensive, and works identically to a prep pad. Nail polish remover also works well. Apply with a cotton ball or reusable pad and let it dry fully before applying your gel strips. Why do my gel nail strips keep lifting? Lifting almost always comes down to prep. The most common causes are: nails that weren't fully dry before application, natural oils left on the nail surface, cuticle overlap, or not sealing the free edge firmly. Go back to the prep steps above and make sure each one is done properly before your next application. How long should I wait after wiping my nails before applying gel strips? Apply your strips as soon as the alcohol has evaporated — usually within 30 to 60 seconds. Don't leave it longer than a few minutes, as your natural oils begin returning to the nail surface quickly. Can I use cuticle oil to prep my nails? No. Cuticle oil is for removal, not prep. Applying oil to your nails before gel strips will prevent the adhesive from bonding and cause immediate lifting. Cuticle oil should only be used after your wear time is up, to help release the strip gently.
Make the most of every mani (and reduce waste while you're at it). At La-Bek, we're all about beauty that fits your real life — which means easy applications, longer-lasting manis, and less waste. If you've ever finished a manicure and found yourself with a few strips left over, don't toss them! Those little gems still have plenty of life left in them. Here are five ways to use up your leftovers and feel just as smug about saving the planet as you do about your perfect nails. 1. Give Your Toes Some Love Yes — you can absolutely use your La-Bek nail strips on your toes. Trim, stretch, and apply just like you would on your fingers. Cure, and you're good to go. (Pro tip: mix and match with your mani for a cute coordinating look.) 2. Mix & Match Colours Leftover Lavender Whip and a rogue Champagne Glitter? Sounds like a vibe. Use your extras to create accent nails, ombre effects, or even colour-blocked looks. One hand in one colour, one in another? We're not here to judge. We're here to cheer you on. 3. French Tips or Nail Art Cut your leftover strips into thin slivers to use as DIY French tips or nail art. Whether you're after a classic tip, a diagonal edge, or something a little more abstract, your extras are the perfect way to experiment. (Pro tip: use our gloss or matte top coats to protect your mani masterpiece.)) 4. Share with a Friend You can stretch them. You can cut them. You can even gift them. If you've got strips you know you won't use, why not share them with a bestie? A mini mani moment with your mum? A spontaneous toe makeover for your significant other (no shade)? Sharing is caring, and it helps reduce waste too. 5. Touch-Ups & Fix-Ups Always save a few strips for touch-ups — just in case life gets a little too hands-on. Got a chip? Lost a strip mid-swim sesh? Your leftover nail strips are ready to step in and save the day. A Little Goes a Long Way So before you think of tossing that last strip — think again. By finding ways to use every part of your La-Bek set, you're not just getting more bang for your buck — you're helping us on our mission to make beauty better for the planet. And if you're still not sure what to do with your leftovers? Our Send-Back Recycling Program is now live — return eligible items like the black backing sleeves, protective films, and empty cuticle pens to us for proper recycling. Learn more about that here → La-Bek is more than a mani. It's a movement.Thanks for being part of it ????
At La-Bek, we've always believed in doing things differently — creating beautiful nails with minimal fuss and zero fluff. But now, it's time to do better not just for your nails, but for the planet too. Why We're Making a Change The beauty industry creates an incredible amount of waste, and we don't want to add to the problem. That's why we're starting to phase out some of the disposable items included with our nail kits — starting with single-use prep pads. What We're Phasing Out: ✂️ Prep pads: Customers can prep with polish remover, Isocol like polish remover, Isocol, or even just thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water — no extra packaging needed. ???? Excess packaging: We're continuing to ship our nail sets without unnecessary boxes, and we've introduced a TerraCycle soft plastic recycling program in-house. When Is This Happening? We're starting now — but you may still receive prep pads with your orders over the next few weeks while we use up existing stock. Once they're gone, they're gone for good. What's Coming Instead: We'll soon be launching high-quality reusable tools, a new cuticle balm, and a top coat — all thoughtfully packaged with sustainability in mind. This is just the beginning. We're the only semi-cured gel nail brand actively working toward lower-waste, more sustainable beauty — and we're so glad to have you with us. Let's do better together. ????
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Semi-cured gel nail wraps are a more considered choice for anyone thinking about the environmental impact of their beauty routine, and the reasons go beyond just the product itself. Fewer harsh chemicals Our wraps are non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free, formulated without the formaldehyde, toluene or DBP found in some traditional nail products. That's better for your nails, and it also means less of those chemicals going down the drain with every removal. Less frequent waste With proper application, wraps last up to two weeks. Compare that to reapplying liquid polish every few days, and you end up using far less product, and generating far less packaging waste, over the course of a year. A gentler removal process Traditional gel and acrylic removal often relies on acetone soaking, which means used cotton pads and foil wraps every time. Our oil-based removal method skips both. Recyclable packaging and a send-back program Our packaging is recyclable, and our Send-Back Recycling Program lets you post back backing sheets, protective film and empty Cuticle Oil Pens to be recycled through TerraCycle rather than sent to landfill. It's a small system, but it's one more way to close the loop on a product that would otherwise be considered single-use. Learn About Our Recycling Program
