If there’s one thing that press-on nails and clothes have in common, it’s this: The fit is everything.
When sizing your press-ons, they should fit your nails perfectly without extending past the nail plate or covering your cuticle. Having well-fitted press-on nails guarantees a better-looking and more comfortable manicure.
In this post, we’ll explain how to measure your press-on nails, whether you’re shopping for pre-sized kits or you need to find the best fit from a multi-size set.
Table of Contents
Why Proper Measurements Matter
Having well-fitted press-on nails is crucial for the look, feel, and longevity. Press-ons that are too small will look fake, while overly large ones will look oversized compared to your fingers. When your press-ons fit perfectly, they will easily be mistaken for professional extensions or even your natural nails.
Additionally, a correct fit is also much more comfortable. Press-on nails that are too small can hurt due to the tight fit. If there are any gaps between the press-ons and your nails, they can fall off more easily. Even worse, they can trap moisture, leading to “green nail syndrome”, a type of fungal infection.
Tools and Materials Needed for Measuring
Measuring press-ons is a little different depending on the type of kit you’ll be purchasing. Here’s what you’ll need for each technique.
Multi-Size Kit
If you’ll be using a kit with nails of various sizes, like our Lilac St. Press-On Nail Kits, then everything you need to measure will come in your kit. Specifically, you will need:
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Press-on nails of various sizes
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Nail buffer
Pre-Sized Kit
If you’re purchasing a pre-sized kit of nails or getting made-to-measure press-ons, then you’ll need to measure your nails before shopping. For that, here’s what you’ll need:
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Flexible measuring tape or a straight ruler
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Sticky tape (if using a straight ruler)
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Pen or marker
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Paper or phone to take notes
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A dime (if accepted by your press-on nail artist)
Measuring Your Nails for Press-Ons
Here are all of the methods for sizing up your press-on nails, with step-by-step instructions.
For multi-size kits
With complete multi-size nail kits, you don’t need to do any measuring before you purchase. Sizing your nails is a simple part of the press-on nail application process, and it’s just a question of checking what fits. Here’s how to do it:
- Before applying any glue, first choose a press-on nail that seems like it may fit, and hold it against your natural nail.
- The press-on should fit comfortably without extending past your skin. Its underside should make full contact with your nail plate.
- Once you’ve selected a correctly-sized press-on for a nail, lay it down. As you continue, nail by nail, make sure to play them in the order in which you plan to apply them.
- Your fingernails on each hand might not be the same size, so make sure to measure both hands.
- If any of your nails are in between sizes, it’s better to choose the larger nail. Using the nail buffer, file down the sides of the nail to achieve a better fit.
- Many press-on nails are numbered on the underside, so you can take note of the numbers that fit you best to save measuring time with future applications.
For pre-sized sets
Pre-sized nail kits are usually sold in size ranges from extra small to large. If your nail measurements are very different from the available sizes in the kits, you can usually ask for custom sizes. These are the most common measurements for the different kits, but always double-check before making a purchase:
|
Size |
Pinky |
Ring |
Middle |
Index |
Thumb |
|
Extra Small |
7 or 8 mm |
10 mm |
11 mm |
10 mm |
14 mm |
|
Small |
8 or 9 mm |
11 mm |
12 mm |
11 mm |
15 mm |
|
Medium |
9 mm |
12 mm |
13 mm |
12 mm |
16 mm |
|
Large |
10 mm |
13 mm |
14 mm |
13 mm |
17 or 18 mm |
If you’re shopping for custom or pre-sized press-ons, you’ll need to measure your nails before making a purchase. There are a few ways to measure depending on what tools you have on hand.
Measuring Tape Method
If you have measuring tape at home, this method is quick and easy, although it does require some dexterity.
- Make sure to use the centimeter side of your measuring tape.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your nail.
- Line the tape’s 0 line with one side of your nail, and count the millimeter lines to see how wide it is.
- Don’t forget to write down the width of each nail!
- Measure the nails on both hands, as there can be some variation.
Straight Ruler and Sticky Tape
The tape method is a little less finicky, although it does create some waste and may leave a sticky residue on your fingernails.
- Apply a small strip of sticky tape to your nail, making sure to press it down completely so it’s completely attached without gaps or bubbles.
- Using a pen or marker, draw two lines to mark the width of your nail.
- Remove the sticky tape, and lay it down flat on a piece of paper.
- Using the ruler, measure the tape by millimeters, and record the number.
- Continue for all nails.
The Dime Method
You can have your press-on nail designer measure your nails with the help of your phone camera and a dime or another common coin. Before you decide to try this method, make sure it’s accepted by your press-on nail retailer. This is usually only possible with locally made press-on nails.
- Place a common coin, such as a dime, on the table.
- Place your hand next to the coin with all of your fingers except the thumb pressed down flat.
- Take a straight-on picture of your hand from above.
- Next, place your thumb flat next to the coin, and take another picture.
- Do the same with your other hand.
- Send the photos to your press-on nail provider. They’ll be able to use the photos with the coin as a reference to find your custom fit.
Bottom Line
Measuring your nails for press-ons is a simple process! There are a few ways to do it, depending on the type of press-on nails you’re buying and what measuring tools you have on hand. It’s still important that you take your time to do it correctly, to ensure a more comfortable fit and a longer-lasting manicure.
If you’re still on the hunt for gorgeous press-ons that you can purchase without pre-measuring, check out our collection. Lilac St. Press-Ons fit effortlessly and come in artful, lifelike designs to suit every aesthetic. They’re flexible and durable to stay comfortable while keeping up with your lifestyle.
