Frequently asked questions
Which size press-on nail should I order?
Before ordering a nail set, you must always order a sizing kit first. You must order a new one for each nail shape (e.g. you know your almond medium nail size but you want to switch to square long) and I recommend ordering a separate sizing kit for each nail length, too. Especially in the longer lengths, your size may differ significantly.
The only case in which you don't have to order a sizing kit: You happen to already know your Après Gel X tip size in a specific shape and length, and you want to order a set in that shape and length.
How to measure your nail size:
- Align the tips in your sizing kit with your cuticle and press down. Check that your whole nail is covered, but that the edge does not dig into your skin.
- If you are between sizes, pick the smaller size.
- Write down the size of your nail in the fields provided on the sizing kit, then correspond to the standard sizes and order your set in your size.
- If your sizes don't correspond to the standard size ranges, or if you've got two different sized hands, select "custom" from the "Your nail size" dropdown, and type out your nail size in the box provided.
How to know the nail fits:
- It covers your natural nail nicely.
- It does not dig into the skin beside your nailbeds.
- It does not pinch your nail, and there is no discomfort.
How do I apply press-on nails?
You will find brief instructions on the back of your nail set, and each set comes with an application kit that includes everything you need to apply your nails. The only thing you might want to keep handy in addition are some paper towels (loo roll works just fine).
Application takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Preparation (all nails at once):
- Push back your cuticles with the wooden stick and remove any dead skin from the nail plate, if necessary.
- Trim your nails short or file them with the included file.
- Lightly buff the whole surface of your nails with the buffer block. A little goes a long way: You only need to roughen up the surface a bit, to ensure maximum grip.
- Wipe your nails with the alcohol wipe to remove oil, dust, and moisture.
Application (one nail after the other):
- Lay out your nails in order from pinky to thumb.
- Apply nail glue: One small drop on your natural nail, and one small drop on the inside of the press-on. Make sure to leave space between the glue and your cuticle, so that it doesn't flow onto your skin.
- Place the press-on at a 45-degree-angle to your natural nail, nice and snug at the cuticle, and then lower it down quickly, upwards towards the edge of your nail. This prevents air bubbles.
- Press down firmly for about 30 seconds. If any nail glue seeps out, wipe it immediately with a paper towel.
After application:
- Avoid water for two hours. This allows the glue to fully harden.
- Avoid cuticle oil or lotion for two hours, too.
How do I safely remove press-on nails?
To gently remove (and reuse) your press-on nails, use the oil-and-water soak method.
- Apply lots of cuticle oil around the edges of your press-ons. Let the oil seep in (You can use any type of skincare oil, like olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil).
- Soak in warm water: Fill a bowl with warm water and one or two drops of washing-up liquid. Submerge your fingers in the soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently lift the nails at the edges with the wooden stick from your application kit.
- Re-soak if necessary: If you feel any resistance or the nail doesn't budge, submerge your fingers for a few more minutes. Never pull, rip or peel the nail off, as this will damage your natural nail, and the whole point of press-ons is that those stay intact.
- Wash and dry your press-ons and your hands.
- Stick the press-ons back on the packaging backer and pop them in their cellophane wrapper to keep them dust-free and ready for the next application.
- Gently buff away any residual glue on your natural nails and give yourself a good rub with cuticle oil or lotion. If you can, let your nails breathe at least over night before applying your next set of press-ons - we love a healthy natural nail <3
How often can I re-wear my press-on nails?
Up to three times. So, if you usually wear your gel manicures for a month, you get three months of wear out of every Story set.
Can I swim, wash my hair and dive with press-on nails?
Yes, you can wash your hair and you can do an average amount of swimming and bathing with your press-ons.
If you plan on snorkelling in the Carribean, though, they might not be the right choice of nail for that trip: If you spend more than 30 minutes submerged in water, they might come off. So, save your press-on set and apply it after you've done your water sports :)
I've got downward-growing natural nails. Can I wear press-ons?
Don't worry. About 10% of women have downward-growing nails. In your case, there might be a gap between the press-on nail and your natural nail - this is fine.
- Once you've applied your press-ons and the glue has hardened a little (after approximately 30 minutes), carefully drip more glue into the gap between your natural nail and the press-on, to fill it up.
- Wipe away overflowing glue with a paper towel.
- Let your nails cure for two hours as usual, avoiding water and lotion.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
What is the return policy?
Since press-on nails are a highly customised product with multiple variables tailored to the individual customer, we don't offer returns on any nail sets.
Where are Story press on-nails made?
All Story Zurich press-on nail sets are carefully handmade by me, in Zurich. I use only the highest quality Korean gels and some Swiss gels I really like (e.g. for French tip nude bases).
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the items in your order. You will always know the shipping price before you purchase.