The number one reason press-on nails pop off early or look fake is the wrong size. A nail that's too big touches your skin and lifts. A nail that's too small leaves a gap at the sides and looks like a sticker. Get the size right, and press-ons look like a full salon set. Here's how to find yours.
What you need
- Clear tape (regular office tape works)
- A pen
- A ruler with millimeters
A soft sewing tape measure also works, but tape and a ruler give the most accurate result.
How to measure each nail
- Press a small piece of clear tape across the widest part of your nail, usually just above the cuticle.
- With a pen, mark the two edges where your nail meets the skin on each side.
- Peel the tape off, stick it flat on a ruler and measure between your two marks in millimeters.
- Repeat for all ten nails. Your left and right hands are often slightly different, so don't skip a hand.
Write your sizes down in order: thumb, index, middle, ring, pinky, for both hands.
Which size should you choose?
Every press-on set at Carine's Claws comes in Small, Medium, Large or Custom fit.
- Small, Medium or Large work for most people. If your measurements fall mostly in one size, go with that.
- Custom fit is for anyone whose nails don't match a standard set, or who just wants a perfect fit. Choose Custom fit on any press-on set, and boxes appear where you can enter all ten nail sizes. I paint your set to match them exactly.
If you're between sizes
Always go one size up and file it down. You can make a press-on smaller in a few seconds with a nail file by gently filing the sides. You can't make one bigger. A slightly wide nail, filed to shape, will sit flush against your skin. A nail that's too narrow will always show a gap.
Signs your size is right
- The nail covers your natural nail from side wall to side wall
- It doesn't touch the skin around your nail
- The curve sits flat without pressing down hard
Quick tips for a better fit
Measure when your hands are dry and at room temperature. Nails can look a tiny bit different when your hands are cold. Keep your list of sizes saved in your phone, so ordering your next set takes seconds.
Once you know your size, you can go further and pick the right nail shape for your hands, or design your own custom set.