Press On Nail Sizing, Application & Care Guide

Welcome to your complete guide for DIMES Cosmetics handmade press on nails. Follow the steps below to get the best fit, a long-lasting wear, and safe removal every time.

Step 1 — Measure Your Nail Width

Getting the right size is the most important part of a great press-on look. Here's how to measure:

Using a soft measuring tape or a strip of paper and a ruler, measure across the widest part of each natural nail (just below the cuticle line).
Record the width in millimeters for all 10 nails — your two hands are often different sizes.
Match each measurement to the size chart included in your kit. Sizes typically run from a size 0 (widest) to a size 9 (narrowest).

Tip: If you fall between two sizes, size down for a snugger fit that lasts longer.

Step 2 — Choose Your Size

Each DIMES Cosmetics press-on kit includes multiple sizes so you can mix and match the best fit for every finger. Lay all the nails out and hold each one over your natural nail before applying — it should cover nail-to-nail without overlapping your skin on either side.

Too wide: The nail will lift at the edges and pop off sooner.
Too narrow: Gaps at the sides will be visible and the bond will be weaker.
Just right: The press-on covers your entire nail bed without touching the surrounding skin.

Step 3 — Fit the Curvature (C-Curve)

Our nails are shaped to match a standard natural nail curve. Before applying, hold the press-on against your natural nail and check that the curve aligns from side to side. If there is a small gap at the center, gently warm the nail between your fingers for a few seconds — this softens the material slightly and allows a closer fit.

Duck/flare and coffin shapes (featured in many DIMES sets) have a wider free edge by design — this is intentional and correct for those styles.

Step 4 — Apply Your Press On Nails

Proper prep is the key to a long-lasting wear.

What you'll need (included in your kit)

Nail file or buffer
Cuticle stick / pusher
Nail glue tabs or nail glue (depending on your kit)
Rubbing alcohol wipe or nail prep pad

Application steps

Prep your nails. Wash your hands thoroughly. Push back cuticles with the cuticle stick. Lightly buff the surface of each natural nail to remove shine — this gives the glue something to grip.
Clean. Wipe each nail with a rubbing alcohol pad and let it dry completely. Do not apply lotion or oil beforehand.
Apply adhesive. Peel the backing off a glue tab and press it firmly onto your natural nail, or apply a thin, even layer of nail glue to your natural nail (not to the press-on). Less glue = easier removal; more glue = longer wear.
Press on. Starting at the cuticle edge, align the press-on nail and press down firmly for 30–60 seconds. Apply steady, even pressure from the base to the tip.
Repeat for all 10 nails. Avoid getting your hands wet for at least 1–2 hours after application.

For longest wear: Avoid soaking your hands, use gloves when washing dishes, and keep oils away from the nail edges.

Step 5 — Remove Safely

Never force, peel, or rip off press-on nails — doing so can damage your natural nail. Instead, follow these steps:

Soak. Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water and a few drops of dish soap, or use a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Soak your fingertips for 10–15 minutes until you feel the bond loosen.
Gently wiggle. Use the cuticle stick to gently lift from the side edges of the nail — never from the top. Work slowly around the edges, re-soaking if needed.
Slide off. Once the bond releases, slide the nail off from the base toward the tip.
Clean up. Remove any remaining adhesive residue from your natural nail with a light buff or rubbing alcohol. Apply cuticle oil to nourish your nails after removal.

Important: If a nail does not come off easily after soaking, soak for an additional 5 minutes rather than forcing it off.

Step 6 — Reuse Your Press On Nails

DIMES Cosmetics handmade press-on nails can be reused with proper care.

After removal, gently clean off any adhesive residue from the inside of each press-on nail using a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol or a small amount of nail polish remover. Do not scrub the design side.
Dry completely before storing — moisture can warp the nails or degrade the finish.
Store flat in the original kit box or in a small organizer, away from direct sunlight and heat to protect the design and finish.
Re-apply using fresh glue tabs or a thin layer of nail glue following the application steps above.

Reusability depends on how carefully the nails are removed and stored. Glue tabs are gentler on the press-on and allow more reuse cycles; nail glue provides stronger hold but may be harder to clean off for reuse.

Quick-Reference Size Tips

Measure in millimeters across the widest part of your nail bed.
When between sizes, go smaller for better fit and longer wear.
Check the fit of the curve before applying — warm gently if needed.
Different fingers on each hand often need different sizes.

Questions? Contact us and we'll help you find your perfect fit.