How to Properly Size Your Nails For Press-Ons

Hello there! Welcome! If you are here, I am hoping it's because you are ready to have a little bit of fun! At this point of 2020, I have seen how the press-on nail game has changed, and I am so impressed! It's been something that's been on my "maybe someday" list... and now it's here! And I am so excited, because I think that press-ons have much to offer! Today I want to focus on how to properly measure your nails, so you have the perfect fit! 

This is only one part of three parts to my press-on nails series. To learn how to prep your nails and apply them go here. If you're interested in how to re-use your nails, click here.

​OK, HERE'S THE MOST IMPORTANT INFO:
Well-fitting press-ons should fit comfortably, and should cover your entire nail bed. It should not fall short when fitting from side to side, but should also not fit so loose that it touches the skin. For the best fit, you need to measure from sidewall to sidewall (edge to edge from side to side), on the widest part of your nail bed, following your natural curve. This is true no matter what method you choose to use.

Some other important details I want to share, is to consider that nail artists may create press-ons from all different kinds of nail tips. There are a lot of brands on the market, and within each brand, and between each brand, there are different shapes and lengths to consider. What this means is... nails are not one size fits all! Which is why it's important to measure your nails. The process may seem a bit tedious, but once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy. And well worth it!

What will you encounter?
Nail artists have different options. They may sell:

• Full sets of 20 non-customized nails (no measuring needed as you receive all sizes)
• Pre-made sets that are typically sold as small, medium, and large sets. This means you may get some customization as far as art or designs, and you can make the sizes work for your nails, but they may be slightly off.
• Sizing kit option for the buyer. This may be included in your pricing, or you may need to purchase separately. You'd fit each fingernail to a size, following the guidelines above, make note of what number matches each nail for left and right hands, then make those numbers available to your nail artist. 
• Option for you to measure your own nails. There are two ways to do this, based on the supplies you have available

Option 1:
Use a soft, flexible measuring tape. Using the millimeters side, measure from edge to edge with the guidelines from above, and write down the width for each nail. 

Option 2: 
Use regular clear tape to measure in the same method. Once you've placed the tape following the curve of your nail, use a permanent marker to mark at each edge from side to side. Once that's done, remove the tape and then stick onto a straight ruler to take your measurements in millimeters. Again, write down the width for each nail. 

Here's an example for my middle finger on my left hand:
Using a sizing kit, I was a size 3 on that particular nail shape and size
When I used the soft measuring tape to measure, the width was 14 mm
When I used the regular tape and ruler method, the width was 14 mm
I, then, measured the widest part on the inside of the size 3 press-on nail, and it was 14 mm wide

All measurements were consistent and I was quite happy with the results. Ofcourse, for visuals, please watch linked video above!

I hope this was informational to you, or that it helped answer some questions you may have had!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

Feel free to check out these other videos related to press-ons:
How to Apply Press-ons Using Glue
How to Re-use Your Press-ons