It may or may not come to a surprise that there is a slight learning curve when it comes to applying and preventing common Color Street problems. It is not a hard product to master, but there are problems that I see come up frequently. And because of this a lot of people end up asking “can Color Street ruin my nails?” It’s important to troubleshoot when these problems occur to get the best application possible. You’ll love your nails more and they’ll love you back!
Updated November 17, 2021
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Let’s get to solving these Color Street problems and making sure you know how to troubleshoot on your own!
Why are my Color Street nails cracking?
This is one of the most common Color Street problems that I see in my personal use of the product. Rest assured this is not a problem with the nail polish strips themselves or your Color Street application. Cracking is a normal effect from your nails expanding and contracting. Nails are incredibly absorbent and take in water causing them to swell or expand. However, when they dry the nail will contract and shrink. Nail polish of any kind will succumb to this problem. No, I’m not saying you have to just deal with it!
There are ways to help prevent cracking, or at least prolong the inevitable. Solid colors tend to be the biggest offenders when it comes to Color Street nails cracking. They are thicker than their glitter counterparts making them less conducive to the expanding and contracting of your nail.
The best way to help prevent the cracking is to layer, layer, layer. You can double up on the same color by using the other side of the strip, apply a different color, or even a clear overlay like this one. You don’t even HAVE to use Color Street. Play around with different liquid topcoats such as this one for a matte effect. The point is, making your nails thicker and stronger will keep them from cracking (as quickly).

Why are my Color Street nails not sticking?
If this is one of your main Color Street problems, let me tell you that you’re not alone! Again, this is another huge problem I see from people and most of the time it is a problem with application. Your skin produces a lot of natural oils that keep it hydrated and healthy. You know all those fingerprints you see on windows and stainless appliances? That’s your skin oil. In order for Color Street to stick properly your nail must be free of these oils.
One of the very first steps to Color Street application is using an alcohol prep pad and one is included with every set. However, if after doing this step the strips still aren’t sticking there are other things you can do to remove that oil.
The next step I recommend is washing hands with soap and water making sure to get into the crevices around the cuticle. This will usually do the trick, but if that’s still not good enough or your nails still look shiny you can rub acetone nail polish remover over them. While I don’t usually like to recommend acetone remover (this non acetone remover is my favorite!) it is very good at drying things out which is what your nails need if they’re oily.
Another tip that I’ve seen other Stylists recommend is a base coat with Color Street. The strips seem to grip better when using one if they have oily nailbeds. Using a base coat in general is a good thing for your nails as well. I’ll mention this again later, but when using a strengthening base coat it can help prevent your nails from peeling and breaking due to weakness.
If after all of this and you’re still struggling with Color Street not sticking, there’s a rubberized base coat called ORLY Bonder. It essentially creates a stickier bond for the nail strip to attach to. Lots of people have had great success with this even with other brands of nail wraps.
Why does Color Street make my nails peel?
Color Street does not make your nails peel directly for the average person. While this Color Street problem is in fact a headache, regular nail polish can have this effect as well. It’s typically a matter of nail health rather than the type of nail polish you’re using.
Allergies are always a possibility with any product, too. If a medical professional has said you’ve had an allergic reaction to nail polish in the past it’s possible that you’re allergic to Color Street nail polish as well.
Nails are dead and therefore do not need to “breathe,” but if they’re consistently covered with nail polish and not given any breaks, the nails will start to weaken. Weak nails are prone to peeling, splitting, and breaking. Make sure to go “naked” for a couple days here and there. There are also physical health conditions that can weaken nails as well. If you have consistent problems with this, make sure to see a doctor. It’s always better to treat the root of the problem than cover it with Band-Aids (or Color Street).
Using acetone nail polish remover is another sure fire way to get your nails to peel. Your nails need oil for health and strength. This may seem counterintuitive since we remove the oils prior to application, but using an incredibly stripping remover like acetone later only makes the Color Street problems worse. Slap on another layer of nail polish and your nails never have a chance to regain their nourishment (unless you’re moisturizing like you should be!)
Read more Do Tires On A New Car Typically Have A Warranty?
As much as I love Mineral Fusion nail polish remover, there have been some reports of nails peeling after using it for so long. If you suspect this to be the case for you try to switch up your remover. There are plenty of non-acetone removers to try. I’ve found that Zoya’s Remove+ works just as quickly as Mineral Fusion to remove Color Street.
For the love of God, DO NOT PEEL OFF YOUR COLOR STREET! I can’t tell you how many people come to me looking for troubleshooting help and when I ask them if they peeled off their strips they say yes! This is one of the Color Street problems that drive me nuts the most. When you peel off the strips, you’re taking layers of the nail with it damaging them. And like I said before, weak nails are prone to peeling, splitting, and breaking. Not to mention you just opened a spot where peeling can start.

And as I said before when discussing difficulty sticking, using a strengthening base coat with Color Street can help it adhere better as well as keep your nails from peeling. A lot of Stylists and myself swear by this one to help Color Street problems. Just make sure it completely dries first or wait overnight before continuing with your nails.
Why is there wear at the end of my tips the next day?
Some people may not see this as one of the top Color Street problems, but some people hate it. Some people also consider this wear at the tips chipping when it is in fact NOT chipping. Color Street nail polish strips are 95% dry meaning that they are still 5% wet. When you apply them we suggest waiting 30 minutes to let them “cure” to the nail (check out these other amazing Color Street tips!). During this curing time, the strip fully dries and shrinks onto the nail.
This is completely normal! Do not fear it!
However, if you want to fix these Color Street problems because it drives you nuts seeing the ridge, there are a couple things you can do. The first one is to simply file away or clip off the excess nail that is exposed past the Color Street nail polish strip. This is what I typically do if I decide to do it at all.
The other method is a little more involved. It requires you to wrap the strip completely over your nail and let it sit there while it cures. You don’t file away the excess until at the point where it has already dried and shrunk (which is about 30 minutes).

How do I make my Color Street last longer?
This question is like the holy grail of Color Street problems. Everyone wants to know how to make their manicures last longer and it’s not specific to just Color Street users either. Following all the tips above as well as some others here, you’ll get good longevity. However, there are always things you can do to even enhance that.
Always make sure your strips are at room temp before application to avoid Color Street problems. If they’re cold they will be brittle and will not want to stick to your nail. Make sure to always push your cuticles back and apply the Color Street strips to the nail ONLY! If you have any of the strip on the skin or cuticle the strip will eventually lift and chip off. If you’re using liquid top coat always remember to “cap the tip” which means to apply nail polish over the tip the nail to seal it all above and below.
Let me know what other Color Street problems you come across! I want to help you get the best out of this amazing nail polish.
Emily

Sources:
StyleCaster.com “5 Ways Your Nail Polish Habit is Ruining Your Nails“
BYRDIE.com “How to Prevent Your Nail Polish From Cracking and Peeling“
— Update: 19-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Color Street Ruined My Nails – What You Need to Know from the website www.sulabeauty.com for the keyword does color street ruin your nails.
“Color street ruined my nails!” – Many such claims have been made by the Color street nails brand’s clientele. The brand has been very popular among color street users for its at-home nail strips giving a hassle-free experience of a salon finish manicure at the convenience of your home.
However, every product comes with its own set of pros and cons. And the product experience may end up negatively if not used as per the instructions.
To provide you with all sorts of know-how before you use the at-home use strips and to ensure that you don’t have to face any such consequences, read on!!

Can Color Street Ruin Your Nails?
Color street nails require specific instructions to be followed to achieve your desired results. However, due to carelessness, there might be certain consequences. Color Street strips are made of regular nail polish in full proportion.
Also, every nail color itself consists of certain chemicals and hence is quite unhealthy for the nails. The consequences are similar in the case of the color street strips as well. However, you may want to follow the given set of instructions in order to avoid damage.
Why Are my Color Street Nails Cracking?
Color street nails can endure a lot of wear and tear. However, apart from the nails being adjustable and strong, the following factors can be ensured before using to avoid cracks.

— Apply multiple layers of nail polish in order to increase the gap between your natural nails and the Color Street Nail Strip. Further application of a top can give you a finished look.
— Before applying the color street nail strip, push your cuticles back; the closer you apply those to the cuticles, the higher the chances of the damage.
— Must store the nails in a cool and dry place, in order to avoid them getting brittle and weak, and to avoid cracking, of course.
— Ensure to clip and file any part of the nail that is still left post-application of the Color Street Nail strips.
— For people with weak or brittle nails, you’re advised not to use the product as the street nail polish strips may damage your nails.
Why Are my Color Street Nails Not Sticking?
Our skin produces natural oils to maintain its PH level and to keep it healthily hydrated. And if you were facing any issues with sticking the Color Street Nails, this is why.
Hence, to be able to stick the nails properly, you need to get rid of all such oils.
The Color Street package consists of an alcohol prep pad. Use the pad to remove any excess oils that may have got stuck on your nails.
If the first step does not do it for you, wash your hands thoroughly, especially working the crevices around the cuticles.
If the nails still have a shiny look, you may use an acetone-free remover, which would help dry out any excess oil from your nails.
If you still struggle with sticking the nail strips, apply a generic base coat or one called ORLY Bonder.
Either of these, if used, will form a better grip or bond for your nail strips to stick to your nails. Using a base coat, even generally, helps your nails prevent any sort of peeling nails or damage.
Is Color Street Hard on Your Nails?
No. Color street is just like a real nail polish due to its composition. So, it is not specifically harmful or hard on your nails.
However, in case you’re facing color street problems or issues, it’s probably due to the following reasons:
You used a nail polish remover that contains acetone
An acetone nail polish remover dries out your nails and may cause irritation on the skin around nails and cuticles.
It is suggested that you rather replace acetone nail polish removers with non-acetone removers. They are gentle with your skin and help smoothly remove the nail polish.
You tried to peel the polish off
Peeling or picking on the street nail polish strips would make it even harder to remove the same, further leading to scratching out the top layers of your natural nails and damaging them. You should rather switch to non-acetone remover pads.
Read more Do Colorstreet Nails Damage Your Nails?
Do Color Street Nails Cause Peeling?
The Color of street nails will not cause your nails to peel. However, any of the following reasons may cause the same:
Using acetone-based nail polish remover, as they dehydrate the nails and cause them to split and peel.
Using the strips too close to the cuticles may cause the edges to life and peel. It is suggested that you first push your cuticles back, then apply the strips, and lastly coat it with a top coat to help the polish color set and prevent peeling.
Wearing regular nail polish and changing it constantly may cause nails to peel and dry. Hence, it is suggested to always give breaks between applying nail polish and allowing the nails to recover.
If you are allergic to any of the Nail strips or adhesive components, you might experience peeling. And if that is the case, it is recommended to see a doctor and refrain from using the product in the future.
There may also be other certain reasons that may cause peeling, like excessive hand washing, constant exposure to chemicals, dehydration, and improper intake of vitamins and minerals.
Hence, kindly ensure to go through all the pointers before you start using the nail polish strips. It is always better to research a couple of days before you start using the product.
How Toxic is the Color Street?
Color street strips have lesser toxic ingredients than most regular polish, as they are exclusive of toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, or camphor.
The actual composition can be referred to from the brand’s official website.
If your nails start to get brittle, or in case you have any allergy to the composition of the color street strips, then continue using regular polish.
How to Protect Your Nails When Using Color Street
The best protection for your nails and to maintain nail health is to apply a layer of base coat before you layer them with the nail strips. It helps your nails grow, strengthens your brittle nails, and keeps them from breaking or peeling.
And if you need to remove color street, go for a Mineral fusion acetone-free nail polish remover.
The Pros of Using Color Street Nail Strips
In case you’re wondering why one would recommend the product, here are a few advantages of the Color street nail strips:
- Quick and easy to apply
- Chip-free
- Can be used on toes
- Last longer
- Don’t need to dry them
- Don’t smell like nail polish
- The excess strip can be used on your pinky finger or the thumbnail
- Options available for short nails, long nails, very long nails
- Available in beautiful patterns and solid colors
The Cons of Using Color Street Nail Strips
Following are pointers you might want to be aware of before purchasing the nail strips:
- Expensive
- Slight learning curve
- Using nail polish remover may cause dryness and peeling
- Dry out quickly as opened
- It May ruin your nails in the long run
FAQ’S
What are color street nails?
Color street stickers or Color street nails are strip-based nail stickers that can be directly pasted or attached to your nails, unlike a regular nail polish.
How long do color street nails last?
Color street nails last for 7-10 days. Also, depending upon how well they are taken care of, like using Mineral fusion remover, or applying cuticle oil, allow them to breathe and grow.
How do I make my Color Street last longer?
To make your color street nail polish lasts longer:
- Ensure they are at room temperature before applying
- Push the cuticles back using a cuticle stick
- Apply color street nails at the nail surface
- Apply a base coat
- Wear a top coat to keep nails healthy
Certainly, your final thoughts after reading this blog post would be completely opposite to what you must have heard from your friends or peers about the disastrous ‘color street ruined my nails’ thing.
Let’s just be more conscious while applying color street, and flaunt your healthy nails stamped with color street strips and color street nail polish like a dashing diva!
— Update: 21-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Do Colorstreet Nails Damage Your Nails? from the website www.grafixfather.com for the keyword does color street ruin your nails.
No, color street nail polish strips won’t ruin your nails. Color street stickers are made from 100% nail polish. The risk is pretty much the same as painting your nails with regular nail polish. That being said, some people have found that their nails are weaker and their cuticles are dry after using color street.
Also, Do You Know Can nail stickers cause fungus?
While these products may not cause short-term health problems, the application process may cause harm to your natural nails. If acrylic or gel nails come loose, you could be at greater risk for a fungal nail infection. When the seal between the material and your nail is broken, a nail fungus can form in the nail bed.
Generally Can gel Polish cause toenail fungus? Nail polish is a leading cause of toenail fungus, says Doug Tumen, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified podiatrist based in New York’s Hudson Valley, pointing to many of the preservatives and chemicals in polishes as the leading culprits.
Here You Can Watch The Video does Color Oops work? | trying to remove VERY DARK hair dye
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Why does color street make my nails peel?
Color Street does not make your nails peel directly for the average person. While this Color Street problem is in fact a headache, regular nail polish can have this effect as well. It’s typically a matter of nail health rather than the type of nail polish you’re using.
How do nails heal after color Street?
If you’re having problems with brittle nails after using Color Street it could actually be a problem with the acetone remover. We’ve had a couple of readers mention they switched to a mineral nail polish remover and the brittle nails went away. Try Mineral Fusion Nail Polish remover if you have this problem.
Is Dashing Diva better than color Street?
It definitely seemed easier to do the Color Street than the Dashing Diva, she told KPRC 2 consumer expert Amy Davis. She said the Color Street brand seemed to stick better. They are thinner, so she could fold them over the end of her nail and use her other nail to break or cleanly tear away the excess.
What kills toenail fungus fast?
Medications
- Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs.
- Medicated nail polish. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac).
- Medicated nail cream.
Can I wear nail polish if I have toenail fungus?
If you are using a topical antifungal, you probably should not use polish. Some providers may tell you not to wear it in any case. Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed (tissue below the toenail). Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse.
How do you get rid of fingernail fungus fast?
Oral antifungals. The doctor may give you a pill to kill fungus in your whole body. This is usually the best way to get rid of a nail infection. Treatment may last 2 months for an infection in your fingernails, or 3 months if it’s in your toenails.
Is Colorstreet safe?
Are Color Street nail strips safe to use on my pet? We strongly discourage using Color Street nails on your pets. Due to the fact that it’s made of real nail polish (and must be removed with nail polish remover), we cannot ensure that it is safe to ingest for anyone, but especially dogs, cats, and other furry friends.
Is color Street a pyramid scheme?
Not only does it suggest that lots of Color Street Stylists are likely spending a lot more money on Color Street products than they’d like to admit, but in order to be avoid being classified as a pyramid scheme, a multi-level marketing company to be making most of their sales to the general public, not other
Read more How Long Do Gel Nails Last: An Expert Weighs In
How long should color Street nails last?
Color Street makes 100% nail polish strips that are supposed to be easy to apply and last for roughly two weeks. The strips—which come in countless colors, patterns, and finishes—range between $11-$14, which will provide about two manicures if used conservatively.
Do nail stickers damage your nails?
Are Nail Stickers Safe? Good news: Nail stickers are totally safe for your nails. Since nail stickers can peel off without damaging your nails, you’re totally in the clear. Editor’s tip: One of the best parts about nail stickers is that they offer the most budget-friendly manicure with sets costing as little as $5.
Is color Street a pyramid scheme?
Not only does it suggest that lots of Color Street Stylists are likely spending a lot more money on Color Street products than they’d like to admit, but in order to be avoid being classified as a pyramid scheme, a multi-level marketing company to be making most of their sales to the general public, not other
How long should color Street nails last?
Color Street makes 100% nail polish strips that are supposed to be easy to apply and last for roughly two weeks. The strips—which come in countless colors, patterns, and finishes—range between $11-$14, which will provide about two manicures if used conservatively.
Do nail stickers damage your nails?
Are Nail Stickers Safe? Good news: Nail stickers are totally safe for your nails. Since nail stickers can peel off without damaging your nails, you’re totally in the clear. Editor’s tip: One of the best parts about nail stickers is that they offer the most budget-friendly manicure with sets costing as little as $5.
Is color Street a pyramid scheme?
Not only does it suggest that lots of Color Street Stylists are likely spending a lot more money on Color Street products than they’d like to admit, but in order to be avoid being classified as a pyramid scheme, a multi-level marketing company to be making most of their sales to the general public, not other
How long should color Street nails last?
Color Street makes 100% nail polish strips that are supposed to be easy to apply and last for roughly two weeks. The strips—which come in countless colors, patterns, and finishes—range between $11-$14, which will provide about two manicures if used conservatively.
Do nail stickers damage your nails?
Are Nail Stickers Safe? Good news: Nail stickers are totally safe for your nails. Since nail stickers can peel off without damaging your nails, you’re totally in the clear. Editor’s tip: One of the best parts about nail stickers is that they offer the most budget-friendly manicure with sets costing as little as $5.
Article References…
- https://nailhow.com/color-street-ruined-my-nails/
- https://share.upmc.com/2019/07/infection-from-fake-nails/
- https://www.wellandgood.com/toenail-fungus-from-nail-polish/
- https://emazinglypolished.com/5-common-color-street-problems/
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No, color street nail polish strips won’t ruin your nails. Color street stickers are made from 100% nail polish. The risk is pretty much the same as painting your nails with regular nail polish. That being said, some people have found that their nails are weaker and their cuticles are dry after using color street.
Also, Do You Know Does Color Street cause your nails to peel?
Color Street does not make your nails peel directly for the average person. While this Color Street problem is in fact a headache, regular nail polish can have this effect as well. It’s typically a matter of nail health rather than the type of nail polish you’re using.
Generally Is Color Street healthy for your nails? According to Byrdie, another positive about Color Street stickers is that they don’t damage your natural nails the way some nail salon treatments like dip or acrylic sets can. In addition, they are easy to remove using a regular or acetone nail polish remover.
Here You Can Watch The Video The Mistakes I Made When Trying Color Street Nail Strips
Similarly, Color Street Nail Application (and removal)
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
How do nails heal after Color Street?
If you’re having problems with brittle nails after using Color Street it could actually be a problem with the acetone remover. We’ve had a couple of readers mention they switched to a mineral nail polish remover and the brittle nails went away. Try Mineral Fusion Nail Polish remover if you have this problem.
How long can you leave Color Street nails on?
Although everyone’s nails are different, your Color Street manicure can last up to 10 days. Color Street strips are more durable than liquid polish, so they are more chip-resistant and last longer.
Do nail stickers ruin your nails?
Are Nail Stickers Safe? Good news: Nail stickers are totally safe for your nails. Since nail stickers can peel off without damaging your nails, you’re totally in the clear. Editor’s tip: One of the best parts about nail stickers is that they offer the most budget-friendly manicure with sets costing as little as $5.
Is Dashing Diva better than Color Street?
It definitely seemed easier to do the Color Street than the Dashing Diva, she told KPRC 2 consumer expert Amy Davis. She said the Color Street brand seemed to stick better. They are thinner, so she could fold them over the end of her nail and use her other nail to break or cleanly tear away the excess.
Why is the top layer of my nails peeling off?
Peeling nails can be the result of too little or too much moisture. The former can be caused by repeatedly getting the nails wet and then drying them. With the latter, sheer soaking in water while performing things like household chores makes the nails soft and possibly causes peeling or sloughing of the nail.
How do I fix peeling nails?
The best way to treat peeling nails is:
- eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.
- keeping nails trimmed short.
- filing nails to a rounded edge so that they are less likely to catch and tear.
- keeping nails moisturized.
Can you put a gel top coat over color Street nails?
If you choose to have acrylics or gels applied to your nails, don’t worry you can still use Color Street nail polish strips. Simply apply right over your acrylics or gels to change it up or for a special occasion.
How do I fix peeling nails?
The best way to treat peeling nails is:
- eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.
- keeping nails trimmed short.
- filing nails to a rounded edge so that they are less likely to catch and tear.
- keeping nails moisturized.
Can you put a gel top coat over color Street nails?
If you choose to have acrylics or gels applied to your nails, don’t worry you can still use Color Street nail polish strips. Simply apply right over your acrylics or gels to change it up or for a special occasion.
Article References…
- https://nailhow.com/color-street-ruined-my-nails/
- https://emazinglypolished.com/5-common-color-street-problems/
- https://www.thelist.com/625640/the-truth-about-color-street-nails/
- https://www.wethreeshanes.com/color-street-nails-an-honest-review-from-a-non-seller/