17 Coffin Nail Designs to Try in 2022 | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

January 21, 2022

17 Coffin Nail Designs to Try in 2022 | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (1)

By: Catharine Malzahn | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a fresh acrylic set. Coffin nails are one of our favorite nail shapes, and they’re equally loved by nail artists, style icons and celebrities alike. If you’re looking for a fun yet practical nail shape — the long, flat top makes them more durable than a stiletto-shaped nail — coffin nails are the way to go.

Ahead, learn more about coffin nails and check out some of our favorite coffin nail designs so you have all the inspo you need for your next trip to the nail salon.

What Are Coffin Nails?

Coffin nails are one of the most popular nail shapes right now, in part due to them being Kylie Jenner’s go-to nail shape for quite some time. With a long, flat edge on the top and squared corners, they get their name from looking like a coffin itself. Sometimes called ballerina nails, the coffin shape also resembles a pointe shoe as well.

Coffin nails are usually created using a set of acrylics — unless you’re one of the lucky ones blessed with long, strong nails, it’d be pretty difficult to create that shape using your natural nail. But, if you’re not ready to commit to acrylics just yet, there are tons of fun press-on nails you can try to feel out the shape and length of a coffin nail. Press-ons are becoming more and more popular, so they’re easy to come by and available in a wide variety of lengths, shapes and designs.

How Long Do Coffin Nails Last?

While coffin nails aren’t the weakest nail shape, they’re not the strongest either. As Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of nail care brand Olive & Junesaid, a round or squoval shape will be the most resistant to breakage thanks to the lack of sharp edges around the nail. Without sharp edges, there are no weak points in the nail. The sharp edges of a coffin nail may not last as long as a more rounded shape.

The amount of time a coffin nail will last depends on the application, the strength of your nail and a variety of other factors. To keep your nails healthy, acrylic nails should be changed approximately every four weeks .

Wondering how to help make your manicure last longer? Try applying a cuticle oil, like the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, twice a day for stronger, more hydrated nail beds.

Coffin Nail Designs

Short Coffin Nails

Short coffin nails are a fun way to rock the trend if you don’t feel comfortable with a longer set. Even with shorter coffin nails, you can choose a solid color, French tips or a subtle design like polka dots or checkers. Yin-yang nail designs are one of our favorites right now.

Medium Coffin Nails

If you’re not sure how you feel about a set of long acrylics, medium-length coffin nails are the perfect introduction to get more comfortable with long nails. Choose a design that speaks to you, like swirls or stripes. We’re loving negative space nail art.

Long Coffin Nails

Long coffin nails are especially fun, thanks to the extra real estate on the nail to come up with creative designs. If you want to let your personality shine with bejeweled nails or a really bold design, like the ones celebrity nail artist Chaun Legend creates, long coffin nails are the way to go.

Coffin French Tip Nails

A French tip doesn’t just mean a white tip anymore! French tip coffin nails are super popular right now and are being done in new and creative ways. From pink to green to rainbow or pastel color schemes, you can find ways to make a French tip look different and more exciting than ever.

Summer Coffin Nails

When we think of summer, we think of bright, vibrant colors. With so many color and design options, summer coffin nails can look like anything fun and festive, from floral to fruity designs. You can show off a trendy maximalist style with prints and art like never before.

Winter Coffin Nails

If you want to get cozy, opt for a more neutral color for your winter coffin nails. From light blue to a classic snowy white, your nails’ hue may help get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, with nail designs being so popular right now, you can try a snowflake design or pearly-finish accent nail for extra holiday cheer.

Marble Coffin Nails

The only thing more fun than wearing marble coffin nails is watching the TikTok videos of nail artists creating the marble effect for a client. Marble coffin nails can work for any length and almost any color, too, making them extra versatile and full of personality.

White Coffin Nails

Sometimes a classic white nail just does the trick. They can be perfect if you’re headed to a wedding or if you’re looking to keep it simple. There’s nothing quite like minimalistwhite nails, but if you want to add a little extra oomph, try adding a single polka dot at the bottom of the nail or a little jewel to bedazzle your style.

Nude Coffin Nails

Like white, nude nails are forever classy and a great go-to. They’re also the easiest to wear since you can count on them matching with nearly everything. Simple and chic, you can rock nude coffin nails on their own or with a bit of rhinestone work to up the ante. They look great in a high-gloss or matte finish, and you can even try adding an accent nail if you want to switch things up.

Photos: @bombnails_aurora, @nailsamazing7

17 Coffin Nail Designs to Try in 2022   | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

FAQs

What color looks best on coffin nails? ›

From sage to forest green to everything in between, this is a pretty chill statement. Neutrals: A step up in edge from a simple one-tone neutral color like beige or tan, polychromatic neutrals are an interesting twist and add depth and a little excitement to any coffin-shaped manicure.

How should coffin nails look? ›

They're long, round, and slim with a narrow but rounded top. "The coffin nail shape is for those who prefer a more square shape but don't want the nail to be boxy and wide," Truong says. It's basically a happy medium between the square and almond nail.

What does coffin look like on nails? ›

The coffin shape is unique because the nail bed and nail tip are kept to the same width, while the middle part of the nail is shaped wider. This narrow-wide-narrow shape gives an "illusion of narrow nail beds and slim fingers," explains Hirsch Hunty, a nail artist from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Are coffin nails still in style 2024? ›

In terms of shapes, we will see medium to longer lengths with softened stiletto, coffin and almond shapes continuing to dominate. Spring: Think psychedelic, holographic, and pearlescent finishes that nod to an immersive, alternate reality.

What is the latest nail in the coffin? ›

an event that causes the failure of something that had already started to fail: This latest evidence could be the final nail in the coffin for Jackson's case.

Are coffin nails classy? ›

This sophisticated shape can give you an elegant and classy look, regardless of how you choose to design your them. Plus, they make your fingers look slimmer, which can be a lifesaver if you enjoy wearing rings. Coffin nails also look fantastic regardless of your favorite nail length.

Do coffin nails look good on chubby fingers? ›

For chubby fingers, you can opt for these nail shapes: oval, round, almond, and coffin. These nail shapes will make your nails and fingers look longer as well as hide the chubby fingers underneath the tip of your nails.

Do coffin nails look good short? ›

If length is on your side—or if you're not opposed to acrylic tips—consider short coffin nails. Just remember: Coffin nails typically have extreme length, so even short coffin nails will still have some.

Who should get coffin nails? ›

Everyone can go for this trendy nail shape. Especially, if you are the girl who cannot grow out her nails and wants really long, cool nails, our team would suggest you coffin nails as the way to go.

Why do people like coffin nails? ›

Why choose coffin nails? They elongate the fingers and provide a bigger canvas for nail art. And they obviously add a bit of edge to every outfit. They've also been seen on the fingers of myriad celebrities, from nearly all of the Kardashian-Jenners (Jenner-Kardashians?) to Zendaya.

Are coffin nails still in fashion? ›

Logomania has yet to die down, stiletto and coffin lengths are only getting longer and more intricate, and thanks to the “clean girl” movement, short nails continue to reign supreme.

Are coffin nails practical? ›

Coffin-Shaped Nails

But on a daily basis, coffin nails (a.k.a ballerina nails) aren't the most practical shape choice. "If you have weak or short nail beds, I would advise going with a short coffin nail look because it leaves you less exposed for nail breaks, but still feels creative," Lin suggests.

Should I get coffin nails? ›

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

Will coffin nails suit me? ›

Coffin or Ballerina

This shape works well for those with naturally strong, long nails and slim fingers. To create it, simply square off the free edge.

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