Intro — why sizing matters
At LuxeCharm we often hear the same story: “The design is perfect, but it popped off.” Nine times out of ten that’s a sizing problem. Fit is the single most important factor for press-on nail performance. As the writer who’s applied hundreds of sets in our studio, I’ve learned that a press-on that hugs the natural nail bed properly will last longer, feel more natural, and look salon-clean. This guide shows you exactly how we size LuxeCharm nails — step by step, with practical tips for everyday use. For detailed sizing guide, please visit our press on nails size chart
SECTION 1 — Understand the sizing system (XS → L)
Most LuxeCharm press-on sets include 10 nails in sizes XS, S, M, L (exact counts vary by collection). Sizes correspond to width across the nail plate, not length. Common shapes (short almond, medium almond, square) will slightly change how a size reads, which is why sampling 2–3 sizes per finger is key.
Keywords to know:
• Nail bed width — the measurement you care about.
• Sidewall — the edge where your nail meets skin. A snug sidewall prevents lifting.
• Overhang — when an artificial tip extends past your natural nail edge — avoid this.
SECTION 2 — Step-by-step measuring method
You’ll need: a millimeter ruler or a 1 Rand coin, a clear, natural light source, and 5 minutes.
- Clean nails: remove polish, oils, and gel.
- Push back cuticles gently — don’t trim aggressively.
- Measure at the widest point: place the ruler horizontally across the nail bed (not at the cuticle). Record the millimetre width. Or take photos of your nails with 1 Rand coin on the side.
- Round down to the nearest available size if you’re between sizes (a slightly snug fit is preferable to overhang). If you took photos, send to LuxeCharm, we will tell your nail size!
- Repeat for at least 3 nails and note any fingers that are significantly wider or narrower than the same finger on the other hand.
Pro tip: your dominant hand’s fingers are often slightly wider. Treat left and right hand measurements independently.
SECTION 4 — Go for the LuxeCharm ID Series
Our ID Series is the simplest way to remove guesswork. It contains 120+ tips across 15+ sizes and multiple shapes and base colors. LuxeCharm also offers size kit for the first-time purchase, so you can physically test the best fit at home.
How to use the kit:
- Match the tip that looks closest to your nail.
- Schneider test: press the tip onto your nail without adhesive — if it sits flush and the sidewalls align, that’s your size.
- Photograph your hand in natural light and upload to our Virtual Fitting service for confirmation (we’ll recommend your top 3 sizes).
- For on-the-spot help, visit one of our pop-up sizing bars in Cape Town or Johannesburg — we’ll size you free.
SECTION 6 — Common sizing mistakes (avoid these)
- Measuring at the cuticle — the widest point is usually halfway down the nail.
- Measuring when acrylic is on.
- Choosing a size with any overhang — even 0.5mm overhang increases snag risk.
- Ignoring sidewall fit — a loose sidewall = lift.
- Assuming both hands are identical — always size both hands.
- Skipping a test application — don’t glue straight away; dry-fit first.
SECTION 7 — Shape, length and lifestyle considerations
• Short almond and oval shapes are more forgiving on fit; they tolerate slight width differences.
• Square shapes demand precision; err on the snug side.
• If you’re a frequent swimmer or work with your hands, choose slightly shorter lengths and focus on snug fitting at the sidewalls.
• For weddings or long events, do a trial run 7–10 days prior using your chosen adhesive method so you’re confident on the big day.
SECTION 8 — How sizing ties to wear time and comfort
A well-sized press-on reduces air pockets and creates better surface contact for tabs or glue — that equals longer wear. Many customers who followed our sizing guide and used Sticky Tabs Pro report 7–14 day wear; with glue + peel-off base they regularly hit 10–21 days.
SECTION 9 — Troubleshooting — real fixes for real issues
Problem: nail pops off at the edge
Fix: choose a slightly wider size (if no overhang) or ensure you warmed the tab/glue area before seating.
Problem: pressure pain at the cuticle
Fix: try the next size up or check that you’re not seating the tip too far under the cuticle — press from the cuticle outward, don’t force.
Problem: consistent lifting on pinky or thumb
Fix: those nails often have extreme curvature — use the ID Series kit’s curved options or consider a custom file to relieve the stress point.
SECTION 10 — Aftercare so your fit lasts
• After application: wait 3 hours before water exposure.
• Daily: apply cuticle oil around the nail base to nourish the natural nail.
• Reuse: clean adhesive residue from the inner tip with alcohol and store in the original tray labelled by finger.
• Reapply fresh adhesive each use — never reuse old tabs.
SECTION 12 — Quick checklist (print or save)
• Measure widest point of every nail in mm.
• Round down if between sizes.
• Dry-fit 2 sizes per finger.
• Use our size kit for measuring hands.
• Apply correctly and test before big events.
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