Claw Nails Guide: Shapes, Sizing & How to Wear Press-On Claws
Claw nails are the most dramatic shape you can put on your hands: long, curved and pointed, like an animal's claw. They look incredible, and they also make people ask a lot of questions. Which length should I choose? Can I type with them? How do I size them when they are this long?
I'm Chann, and I hand-paint every claw set we make at Donailsart. This guide covers what I tell customers before they order their first pair: the six claw shapes we make, how to measure for them, how to put them on, and how to live with them day to day.
What are claw nails?
Claw nails are long nails sculpted with a downward curve that ends in a sharp point, so each nail looks like a claw from the side. A stiletto is straight and pointed. A claw bends, like a cat's or a tiger's.
The curve is what makes claws hard to make. Every nail in the set needs the same arc and the same point. If one bends a little more than the others, the whole hand looks off. Dark finishes and chrome make this harder, because they reflect every bump on the surface. A single claw set can take hours of sculpting, layering and polishing before it is ready.
That's why press-on claws make sense. All of that work is done before the set reaches you, and you can wear the look for a night out, a photoshoot or a whole season without sitting in a salon chair for hours.
The 6 claw shapes we make
Every design in our Claw Nails collection can be made in any of these six shapes. You choose the shape when you order. See all shapes side by side in our nail shape guide.
| Shape | Length | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten Claws | 17mm | The smallest curve, short and cute | Your first claw set, or wearing claws to work |
| Short Claws | 21mm | A clear claw shape that is still easy to live with | Daily wear, typing, phone use |
| Tiger Claws | 25mm | A bolder curve and a sharper point | Going out, events |
| Cat Claws | 25mm | A slimmer, more pointed curve | A sleek, feline look |
| Long Tiger Claws | 30mm | Tiger Claws, longer | Photoshoots, Halloween, statement looks |
| Long Cat Claws | 30mm | Cat Claws, longer: the most dramatic claw | Full drama, costume and editorial looks |
If you are not sure, start with Kitten or Short Claws. You get the claw silhouette without having to relearn how to use your hands. Once you're used to them, the long shapes are easy to step up to.
How to size claw nails
Claws need one extra measurement compared with regular press-ons.
- Measure the width of each nail at its widest point, in millimetres, from thumb to pinky. This is the same as for any press-on set. Our sizing guide shows how.
- Measure the length of your natural nail from the cuticle to the tip of each nail. A claw is sculpted to curve over the end of your real nail, so I need its length to place the curve in the right spot.
- Choose "Custom" as your size and write both sets of numbers in the box, for example: Width 12-9-10-9-7, Length 15-13-14-13-11.
Standard sizes XS to L are there if you already know yours. For claws, though, I strongly recommend Custom, because a claw that is the wrong length for your nail bed is the main reason a set feels awkward or lifts. If anything in your measurements looks unusual, we'll email you before we start painting.
How to apply press-on claws
Every set comes with a nail file, cuticle stick, buffer, alcohol wipe, two kinds of adhesive tabs and a hard tin case. Here is how to use them.
- Prep: Push back your cuticles, buff the shine off your natural nails, then clean them with the alcohol wipe. Oil is the number one reason press-ons pop off.
- Lay out the set: Match each claw to a finger before you stick anything down.
-
Pick your adhesive:
- Adhesive tabs: 1–2 days of wear. The nails come off cleanly and can be reused.
- Nail glue: up to 2–3 weeks.
- Press at an angle: Start at the cuticle and roll the claw down toward the tip, then hold firm pressure for 20–30 seconds. Because a claw is long, any leverage at the tip pulls on the base, so give it a solid hold.
- Give it an hour before washing your hands or using your fingertips for hard tasks.
Living with long claws
Long claws take a day or two to get used to. These are the habits that help most:
- Use the pads of your fingers for typing and your phone screen, not the tips. Your hands adjust faster than you'd expect.
- Use your knuckles or the side of a claw to press buttons, open cans and pull tabs. Never use the point as a tool.
- Wear gloves for washing dishes and cleaning. Hot water and soap weaken adhesive.
- Be careful with zips, contact lenses and hair. Long Tiger and Long Cat Claws in particular need a bit of planning.
- If one lifts, re-stick it straight away, before water gets underneath.
Removing and reusing your claws
Soak your fingertips in warm, soapy water (a little cuticle oil helps) for 10–15 minutes, then gently lift each claw from the side with the cuticle stick. Don't pry or rip them off, because that is what damages natural nails. Clean off any leftover adhesive, dry the claws, and store them in their tin. With careful removal, you can wear the same set again and again.
Our claw designs
Each set is hand-painted to order in 3–5 days, then shipped worldwide.
Black Claws
High-gloss black, nothing else. It looks simple, but black shows every flaw on the surface, so it is one of the hardest finishes to get perfect. This is the claw set to start with if you want something that goes with everything.
Red Chrome Claws
Translucent ruby red with a deep chrome glow. Getting a mirror-like shine across ten curved claws without streaks takes several layers and a lot of patience.
Blood Claws
Clear claws that bleed into deep red toward the tips. A favourite for Halloween and vampire looks.
Silver Claws
Mirror silver chrome that looks forged rather than painted. Sharp and futuristic.
Pure Claws
Clear claws with an iridescent pearl sheen. The most minimal set in the collection, and the hardest to hide mistakes on, because there is no pattern to distract the eye.
Aquarium Claws
Clear claws with green aquatic plants built into the nail, like a tiny tank on each finger. This one is built in layers to get the depth.
Mossy Claws
Clear claws with green moss inside and silver chrome accents. Earthy and a little witchy.
Amber Claws
Translucent amber, red and brown, like resin with light shining through it.
Fossil Claws
Amber, black, marble and clear textures mixed across the set, like something dug out of the ground. Every nail is different.
Gritty Claws
Silver-grey and black marbling with a raw texture. It looks chaotic, but every streak is placed on purpose.
Wild Claws
Clear and black claws with smoky marbled details. Untamed, but still balanced across the hand.
Claw nails FAQ
What is the difference between claw nails and stiletto nails?
Both end in a point, but a stiletto is straight while a claw curves downward over the fingertip. The curve is what gives claws their animal-like look.
Can you type and use your phone with claw nails?
Yes. Use the pads of your fingers instead of the tips. Most people adjust within a day or two. If you type a lot, Kitten or Short Claws are the easiest to live with.
How long do press-on claw nails last?
About 1–2 days with the adhesive tabs included in the set, and up to 2–3 weeks with nail glue. Because claws are long, glue is the better choice for anything longer than a weekend.
Are claw nails bad for your natural nails?
Press-ons themselves don't damage nails. The damage comes from ripping them off. Soak them loose in warm soapy water and lift them gently, and your natural nails stay healthy.
Can I reuse my claw nails?
Yes. Remove them carefully, clean off the adhesive and store them in the tin they came in. They can be worn many times.
Why are claw nails more expensive than regular press-ons?
Each claw has to be sculpted to the same curve and point, then painted in layers. A full set takes far longer to make than a short or medium set, and every one is made by hand to your measurements.
How long does it take to get my claw set?
We make each set to order in 3–5 days, then ship worldwide. Delivery times for your country are listed under Shipping & Duties on each product page.