How to Choose The Size of Your Nail Strips
Finding the perfect-fitting gel nail strips or wearing armor nail isn’t just about style—it’s the key to comfort, durability, and a natural-looking finish. Ill-fitting nails can lift, snag, or feel bulky, while properly sized ones blend seamlessly with your natural nails. Follow this step-by-step guide to nail the fit every time.
Step 1: Measure Your Natural Nails
Start by prepping your nails—ensure they’re clean, dry, and free of polish or oils. Grab a soft measuring tape or a piece of paper and a ruler. For each finger:
- Measure the width of your nail bed at its widest point (this is the most critical measurement for gel nail strips and wearing armor nail).
- Note the length of your natural nail if you prefer a specific length (short, medium, or long) for your armor nails.
Record measurements for all 10 fingers—our dominant hand often has slightly larger nails!
Step 2: Match Measurements to Sizing Charts
Most gel nail strip and wearing armor nail kits come with a sizing chart (usually printed on the packaging or included in the instructions). Here’s how to use it:
- Compare your recorded widths to the chart’s size options (typically labeled 0-9, with 0 being the smallest and 9 the largest).
- For gel nail strips: Choose a strip that’s slightly narrower than your nail bed (1-2mm) to avoid overlapping skin, which causes lifting.
For wearing armor nail: Opt for a size that covers the entire nail bed without extending past the sides—too wide will press into your cuticles, too narrow will look gaps.
Step 3: Test and Adjust
If you’re unsure between two sizes, test both:
For gel nail strips: Peel and place the strip gently on your nail—if it curls over the edges or feels tight, go up a size; if it’s loose or gaps, size down.
For wearing armor nail: Press the fake nail onto your natural nail (without glue) to check fit—there should be no air pockets, and the edges should align with your nail’s curve.
Step 4: Consider Nail Shape
Your natural nail shape (round, square, almond, etc.) also impacts fit:
- Round or oval nails: Look for gel nail strips/wearing armor nail with a curved edge to match your nail’s contour.
- Square nails: Choose styles with straight edges for a crisp, tailored fit.
If your nails are uneven, opt for slightly flexible gel nail strips—they conform better than rigid armor nails.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fit
- Trim or file your natural nails first—shorter nails are easier to size and reduce the risk of the fake nail tipping.
- For gel nail strips, if the length is too long, trim the free edge with nail clippers before applying.
- If you can’t find an exact match, size up slightly and file the sides of the wearing armor nail with a nail file for a custom fit (avoid filing gel nail strips—they may tear).
With the right size, your gel nail strips or wearing armor nail will stay put for days, feel lightweight, and elevate your look effortlessly. Don’t rush the measuring process—taking 5 minutes to find your perfect size makes all the difference!