Play vs Stay vs Power Wraps - What's the Difference?
Not all nails — or nail moods — are the same. That’s why mesme wraps come in three different types: Play, Stay, and Power. Each one gives you beautiful nails in minutes, but with slightly different vibes, finishes, and levels of durability. And because we’re all different, our wear-time guidelines are estimates, not guarantees. Application technique, natural nail condition, and lifestyle (think: lots of typing or swimming) will change how long they last.
All mesme wraps are:
- TPO-free & HEMA-free
- Gentle on nails
- Removed in minutes with our 100% almond-oil Remover Pen
- No acetone. No damage. No drama.
PLAY Wraps
Fun, flexible, and perfect for short-term nail looks.
Our Play wraps are the thinnest and easiest to apply — ideal when you want to match a weekend outfit, try something bold, or switch up your style whenever you feel like it.
- Wear: 3+ days (and up to 7 days with our High-Shine Top Coat)
- Application: 10–15 minutes
- UV Required: No
- Best for: Fun colours, statement looks, art-inspired designs, quick style changes
- Good to know: Because Play wraps are thinner, they may be less suited for very damaged or peeling nails. If your nails need more support, Stay or Power will hold better.
STAY Wraps
UV-free, everyday glossy nails — simple, smooth, and reliable.
Our Stay wraps sit between Play and Power: slightly thicker, beautifully smooth, and designed for comfortable, everyday wear.
- Wear: Guideline up to ~10 days (varies by nail condition + application)
- Application: 15 minutes
- UV Required: No
- Finish: Smooth glossy
- Best for: Classic colours, subtle patterns, everyday nails
- Good to know: No top coat needed. Removal is always quick with the almond-oil remover pen.
POWER Wraps
Our strongest, glossiest, longest-lasting wraps — closest to salon gel.
Power wraps are our thickest and most durable option. When you want serious shine and staying power, this is your go-to.
- Wear: Guideline up to ~14 days (depends on nail prep + curing)
- Application: 20–25 minutes
- UV Required: Yes (mesme mini UV lamp or any standard nail lamp)
- Finish: Ultra-glossy, gel-like
- Best for: Classic neutrals, chic shades, strong hold on all nail types. When you really need your nails to last.
- Good to know: No top coat needed. Gentle, oil-based removal — no acetone ever.
Which mesme wrap is right for me?
| Scroll left to right | POWER UV Wraps | STAY UV-Free Wraps | PLAY UV-Free Wraps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Want UV-Free? | |||
| More playful designs? | |||
| Prefer solid colours? | |||
| Better on damaged nail beds (thicker material) | |||
| Need cheaper wraps for short-term fun like a special event? | |||
| Want the thinnest and quickest to apply? |
FAQ
Still have questions? Hopefully you can find your answer below and if not please reach out! We are always happy to hear from you and help you!
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Nope. They’re genuinely beginner-friendly. In our families, a 7-year-old (with help), our 12-year-old niece, and our 76-year-old granny have all done them. Be fearless. The first time is a learning curve; after a couple of goes you’ll feel like a pro.
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First time: allow ~30 minutes while you learn sizing and filing.
3-Day (Play): once you’ve done it a few times, 10–15 min (we’ve done them on trains).
10-Day (Stay): typically 15–20 min once you’re used to it.
14-Day UV (Power): about 20–25 min, including a quick 60-second cure per hand.
Tip: the better your prep, the faster the rest goes. -
Used correctly, wraps are a gentler option. Prep lightly and remove with the oil-based Remover Pen—no harsh scraping or long acetone soaks resulting in healthier, stronger nails.
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Only for 14-Day UV. 3-Day and 10-Day are UV-free.
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10-Day and 14-Day UV give the most gel-like look; 14-Day UV cures to the highest gloss. 3+Day looks like polished nails—sleek and flexible. Add our top coat to the 3+Days to make them more shiny and glossy and they will last at least a week!
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We advise adding a top coat to the 3+Days to make them extra shiny and last at least a week. But it is optional. Not required on 10 and 14-Day Wraps.
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Each set includes multiple widths so you can match your natural nail. Choose a size that doesn’t touch skin or cuticle (slightly smaller is better). If needed, you can trim the sides with small scissors for a custom fit. It’s very rare that someone can’t find a match.
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This is one of the best bits! We recommend using our Wrap Remover Pen which is filled with 100% pure almond oil - designed to provide extra care and nourishment for your nails.
Twist the Remover Pen to release oil, work it around the edges, gently lift with a cuticle stick, and slide the pen under, from side to side until the wrap lifts off. You'll have them off in 5 mins!
And if you don't have the pen, no stress, any kind of oil, such as coconut, olive, baby oil can be used. Simply soak a cotton bud in the oil and apply round the nail edge and then gently lift the wrap using the cuticle stick from your Prep Kit.
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Yes. We've had customers message us who have been on holidays, in the sea, kite-surfing and in the sauna who couldn't believe how well they lasted!
For best results, avoid hot water for ~1 hour after application so the adhesive fully sets. After a 60-second cure, 14-Day UV is good to go.
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Common fixes:
- Prep is really key: push back cuticles, dehydrate the nail (no oils/creams), remove dust/grime/previous gel.
- Size is critical: pick a wrap slightly smaller than your nail so it doesn’t touch skin.
- Seal: press edges firmly; file downward in one direction.
- Set: keep hands out of hot water for ~1 hour after application
- Prep is really key: push back cuticles, dehydrate the nail (no oils/creams), remove dust/grime/previous gel.
