Tuesday, April 16, 2013

How to measure for false / fake / artificial nails, FAQ, & sizing info - Kawaii Claws

Hello! I've written this short guide to help you measure your nails. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO MAKE THEM LARGER.
Don't forget to visit my Etsy shop  www.kawaiiclaws.com for all my 3D nail designs :D
I've also copied my size chart at the bottom of this post for your convenience!
Also at the end of this post is a FAQ-please read before asking questions, chances are I've answered it already :)
I always recommend giving me your custom nail measurements if possible not only for best fit but so I can make each part of the design on the finger it's designed to be on.
For example if you're ordering some spiked nails, I can't guarantee the spikes will fit on your middle or ring finger because I don't know which nail will fit which of your fingers. 

PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE FLATTER NAIL BEDS ADD 1MM TO MEASUREMENTS

You're going to need the following:
A ribbon tape measure (like my blue one pictured)
OR
a regular ruler (printable ruler HERE )
clear scotch tape or thin strip of paper
Marker, sharpie, or felt tip pen
'
First of all, you need to know how to read the measuring tape. If you can't do that we won't get very far ^_~
If you already know how to do this you can skip this part. I'm going to try to break this down as simply as possible for those who don't remember how or never learned. If anything is unclear you can contact me or leave a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
See the numbers on the measuring tape? Each number is 1 centimeter (cm). See how there are 10 little lines in between each number? Each of those little lines is a millimeter (mm). So 10mm is equal to 1cm. I've made some example measurements on the photo:

(click the photo to enlarge it)

All you're doing is counting the little lines on the measuring tape. Make sure you're NOT using the side of your tape or ruler with Inches; that will not work for this.

How to measure with a measuring tape:
To measure your nail you're going to hold the measuring tape horizontally across the widest point of your nail. Make sure you're not wearing false nails when you do this (like I am :P)


So there are 18 lines between each side wall of my thumb. Therefore, my thumb measures 18mm (or 1.8cm).

The 2  photos below show how NOT to measure and how to measure!



If you simply hold your tape or ruler over the nail without touching
each side you will end up with nails that are too small!

Always "wrap" the tape and make sure it's touching the whole nail to each side!


HOW TO MEASURE IF YOU DON'T HAVE A MEASURING TAPE:
First you're going to need tape (or 10 strips of paper) and a marker or felt tip pen (something that will write on the tape). You're also going to need a ruler. If you don't have a ruler you can print one out from HERE. If you can't print it out then I recommend going to a drugstore or even a supermarket and buying one, they're VERY inexpensive:
Stick a piece of tape across your nail carefully to avoid any creases or wrinkles.

Take your marker or pen and mark each side of the tape on your nail, from side wall to side wall; do not make the line too thick or you won't get an accurate measurement:

Remove the tape and compare it to your ruler.
TIPS:
If you're in between lines, round up to the next line.
If you have flatter nail beds, add 1mm/1.0cm to your measurements(for very flat nail beds add 2!)
Make sure to measure at the widest point of the nail. For some its closer to the tip, for some its in the center.
Make sure to measure ALL TEN fingers. It's common to have different measurements on each hand.
An average thumb usually measures anywhere from 14mm to 19mm. Sometimes a bit larger or
 smaller.
Your height can also be a factor in nail size. Usually petite, shorter girls will have smaller nails while taller girls will have larger nails. Of course this is not always accurate. I am 5'8 and wear the Large size!

Size Chart (Measurements are in WIDTH)
-------------------------------
You will receive 2 of each size:
*XS*-14mm(1.4cm),12mm(1.2cm),11mm(1.1cm),10mm(1cm),9mm(.9cm),9mm(.9cm)
*S*-15mm(1.5cm), 13mm(1.3cm), 12mm(1.2cm), 11mm(1.1cm), 10mm(1cm), 9mm(.9cm)
*M*-16mm(1.6cm), 14mm(1.4cm), 13mm(1.3cm), 12mm(1.2cm), 11mm(1.1cm), 10mm(1cm)
*L*-18mm(1.8cm),16mm(1.6cm),15mm(1.5cm),14mm(1.4cm),13mm(1.3cm),12mm(1.2cm)
*XL*-19mm(1.9cm),17mm(1.7cm),16mm(1.6cm),15mm(1.5cm),14mm(1.4cm),13mm(1.3cm)



FAQ (frequently asked questions)

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-How long do they last? I really can't give an exact answer because everyone is different. This depends on application method-for glue anywhere from 5 days to 2.5 weeks-totally depends on how you take care of them and how much stress is put onto them and amount of 3D pieces. Nails with a lot of 3D objects may be more delicate so extra care should be taken. If you use nail tabs they can be taken off and reused multiple times.

-Can I reuse them?
Depends on how you applied them. Nail tabs are the easiest way to reuse them. I know a few people that will put a layer of clear polish on their nails and then apply the false nails after it dries and this makes it easier to remove them without damaging them. You can also soak nails in hot water and use a birchwood (or orangewood) stick to create loose bondings between the glue and your nails-this takes time and patience to remove them carefully.

-Do they come with glue?
Domestic orders come with glue-international orders do not. If you prefer nail tabs instead of glue leave a note at checkout and I will include them (if I have them available.)

-Do you take custom orders?
Depends on current order volume-Usually I'll only take a few custom orders at a time because they take much longer than regular orders. The more specific you are, the better. Please do not send me photos of other artists work and ask me to copy it. I do not copy designs.

-How long will it take to get my order?
Depends on order volume-Usually about 12-16 business days to ship, but may be longer. Please check the shipping tab of the listing for more info.
I know you are excited for your nails and I promise I will do my best to get them to you as quickly as I possibly can! Please be patient, I am only 1 person with 2 hands. I have a full time job and I am a full time college student. I spend a lot of time on each set of nails! Ask any and all questions prior to purchase!

-Where do you get your supplies?
Would you go into a restaurant and ask the chef for her secret recipe? Of course not. I spend too much a lot of time searching for nail supplies and one of a kind pieces to create original and unique designs. I like using pieces that not everyone has and I'm constantly updating my inventory.
Use your resources-Remember-Google is your friend. I am not Google. But I am your friend. ^_~

If you have anymore questions let me know, I will get back to you as soon as I can. Sometimes I don't get messages on etsy for some reason, so after a few days if I have not replied, please re-send your message! I may not always check messages on weekends. Thank you <3

3 comments:

  1. I dont understand this tape thing cuz i never use tapes and i am in to nails so im 12 years old, can you tell me what nail size would fit me when i order nails online

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    Replies
    1. You really need to have either the measuring tape or the clear tape. The only other way to know what nail size you'd use is to buy some fake nails at the store and try on the different sizes that come in the box. However, I'm not sure if the number sizing is the same among all brands. I wear a size 3 in the Kiss nails on my thumb, for example, but maybe I'd need a size 2 or 3 in Revlon or Nailene.

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  2. I really don't understand how you are measuring your thumb nail. I tried for over an hour to follow your method and I'm in tears from confusion.

    When I measured it via the 10 number, my nail took up the entire number 10. What does that mean?

    ReplyDelete