Liam Carter
Measuring your fingernails is important for choosing the correct nail size when ordering stick-on nails. It is common to have different measurements on each hand, so make sure to measure all ten fingers. A thumb typically measures between 16mm and 18mm. To measure your nails, you can place tape around the widest part of your nails, mark your side walls, and then measure the tape with a ruler. Alternatively, you can take a picture of your hand with a coin next to it, allowing the nail technician to scale the picture and determine your nail size.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fingernail Measurement
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Measurement Tool | Soft tape measure, hard ruler, or clear tape |
| Measurement Unit | Millimeters |
| Measurement Technique | Hold the measuring tape horizontally across the widest point of the nail |
| Nail Size Variation | Nails on both hands may differ in size; it is common to have different measurements on each hand |
| Customization | Some companies offer a custom option for non-standard nail measurements |
| Additional Tips | Exclude pen marks from measurements, as they can add 2-3mm; consider sizing up for a better fit |
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What You'll Learn
Measure all ten fingers
When measuring your nails, it's important to measure all ten fingers. Nails are often different sizes on each hand, so it's worth taking the time to measure them all.
To measure your nails, you will need to find the width of your nails at their widest point. You can do this by using a soft measuring tape, placing it horizontally across the widest part of your nail. Ensure you use the millimetre side of the tape and round up if you are between lines. If you have flatter nail beds, add 1mm/1.0cm to your measurements (for very flat nail beds, add 2mm/2.0cm).
If you don't have access to a soft measuring tape, you can use regular tape and a ruler. First, stick a small piece of tape across the width of your nail. Next, use a pen to mark the tape at the widest point on both sides of your nail. Remove the tape and measure the distance between the two marks in millimetres.
Repeat this process for all ten fingers, noting the measurements as you go. These measurements will help ensure that any false nails you purchase will fit correctly. It's always better to size up than down, so you have room to file away any excess for a perfect fit.
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Use a hard ruler
If you want to measure your fingernails and only have access to a hard ruler, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to use a piece of tape, such as Scotch tape, and a pen. Place the tape around the widest part of your nail and use the pen to mark the sidewalls. Then, remove the tape and lay it flat on a surface to measure the distance between the two marks with your ruler. Make sure to use the millimeter side of the ruler and round up if you are between lines.
Another method is to use a piece of paper and a pen. Hold the paper against your nail bed and use the pen to mark the widest part of your nail. Then, use your ruler to measure the distance between the two marks.
If you don't have tape or paper, you can also measure your nails directly with a ruler. Place the ruler horizontally across the widest point of your natural nail and note the measurement. Remember to use the millimeter side of the ruler and consider adding 1mm or 1.0 cm to your measurements if you have flatter nail beds.
No matter which method you choose, it is important to measure all ten fingers, as it is common to have different measurements on each hand. With these measurements, you can then choose the correct nail size when ordering press-on or false nails that fit your nails perfectly.
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Take a picture with a reference object
Taking a picture with a reference object is a great way to accurately determine your nail size. This method is especially useful if you're ordering press-on or false nails online and want to ensure they fit your nails perfectly. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose a Reference Object
Select a small object with a known size as your reference. A coin, such as a quarter, is a good option. You can also use a ruler if you have one handy.
Step 2: Position Your Hand and the Reference Object
Place your hand on a flat surface, preferably with good lighting and a plain background. Position the reference object next to your hand, ensuring it is clearly visible in the frame. If using a coin, place it flat on the surface, right next to your fingernail.
Step 3: Take the Picture
Use your phone or camera to take a clear, focused picture of your hand and the reference object. Make sure the reference object is easily identifiable in the photo. Take multiple shots from slightly different angles to ensure you capture the width and curvature of your nails accurately.
Step 4: Measure the Reference Object
If you used a coin, measure its diameter with a ruler and note down its size in millimetres. For example, if you used a quarter, measure its diameter and record the measurement.
Step 5: Scale and Measure Your Nails
Using the photo, you can now scale the image to determine your nail size accurately. Place a ruler on the screen or use image editing software to measure the width of your nails in millimetres, using the reference object as a scale.
Step 6: Record Your Measurements
Write down the measurements for each fingernail, as nail sizes can vary across different fingers. An average thumb nail, for instance, typically measures between 16mm and 18mm in width.
By following these steps and taking a picture with a reference object, you can ensure you have accurate measurements of your nail size. This will come in handy when ordering press-on nails or even when visiting a nail salon, as it ensures a perfect fit for your nails every time.
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Specify nail shape
When specifying a nail shape, it's important to consider the shape of your cuticles and nail beds. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick to reveal the true shape of your cuticles, then start shaping your nails by filing the sides down and narrowing them out. The amount you narrow the sides depends on the nail shape you're aiming for. For best results, file in one direction to prevent fraying.
There are many different nail shapes to choose from, including:
- Round — This classic shape elongates the fingers and makes them look slender. It is perfect for those who prefer to keep their nails short and is also a good choice for those with shorter fingers or wide nail beds.
- Oval — This shape elongates the nails in both width and length, making it perfect for those with small hands. It is similar to an almond shape but slightly more blunt.
- Almond — This is a slender and universally flattering shape. It is long, tapering in at the nail bed to a softly pointed tip. This shape is perfect for those who want to make their nails, fingers, and hands look longer.
- Square — Square nails are flat on top with straight, sharp corners. They are popular for those with short nails or long, narrow nail beds. This shape is stylish, clean, and low-maintenance.
- Squoval — This is a hybrid of square and oval nails, with the flat edge of a square nail and the rounded corners of an oval nail. It is universally flattering and suits everyone, especially those with wider, longer nail beds.
- Lipstick — This is a unique, diagonal take on the square nail shape.
- Stiletto — This shape is perfect for long nails, especially with acrylics, and ends with a sharp point.
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Order a size kit
Ordering a size kit is a great way to ensure you get the correct measurements for your nails. This is especially useful if you are planning to get false nails, as you no longer have to worry about buying ones that don't fit!
A size kit will usually include a soft measuring tape or a ruler, which you can use to measure the width of your nails at their widest part. You can also use a small piece of tape across the width of your nail and mark the sides with a pen. Then, simply remove the tape and measure the distance between the marks in millimetres.
If you are using a measuring tape or ruler directly on your nail, make sure to hold it horizontally and use the millimetre side, not the inches side. Round up to the next line if you are in between, and add 1mm/1.0 cm if you have flatter nail beds (add 2mm for very flat nail beds). Don't forget to measure all ten fingers, as it's common to have different measurements on each hand.
Some nail technicians or companies may offer their own size kits, which can include additional tools or guides specific to their products. This can be a great option, as it allows you to try on the nails before they are made or applied, ensuring a perfect fit.
So, if you're planning to get new nails, consider ordering a size kit first to take the guesswork out of measurements and ensure a comfortable and accurate fit.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a soft measuring tape, ruler, or paper to find the widest part of your nail and measure it in millimetres.
You can use a small piece of tape and stick it across the width of your nail. Mark the widest points on the tape with a pen, then remove it and measure the distance between the two marks with a ruler.
It is recommended to size up rather than down. You can always file away the edges for a better fit.
If you have flatter nail beds, add 1mm/1.0 cm to your measurements. For very flat nail beds, add 2mm/2.0 cm.
