Getting a manicure can require some ~tough~ decisions, and we’re not just talking about polish color. The nail shape you choose will significantly impact the final look of your mani and the multitude of shape options can be overwhelming—enter our handy guide to eight of the most popular nail shapes out there.
From soft round nails to sharp stiletto nails, scroll down for our nail shape breakdown.
Round Nails
Definitely the simplest and cleanest option, round nails mirror the contour of your natural nail with a circular edge at the tip. If you have short fingers or prefer short nails, consider this your go-to shape—it will soften and elongate your fingers.
Stiletto Nails
The unique and ultra dramatic stiletto shape won’t go unnoticed, since it’s one of the longest styles and filed to a fiercely pointed tip (à la the heel of the same-named shoe)—but it does come with a downside. Because the tip is super pointy, it can break easily and you’ll likely need acrylics to reinforce your nails.
Square Nails
As one of the most practical nail shapes, square nails are fairly easy to maintain and ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time typing. Though the straight sides with a blunt top edge can make those hands with already wide nail beds appear short and stubby—but if you have narrow nail beds and long fingers, the sharp edges looktrès chic.
Lipstick Nails
This standout shape may be all over your social feeds, but lipstick nails are not an ideal shape for anyone who uses their hands a lot (though they look gorgeous in an Instagram snap!). The shape can be worn on long or short nails and is essentially achieved by filing your nails at an angle to create a diagonal slant that resembles a lipstick bullet.
Oval Nails
In the elongating oval shape, the tip of the nail is filed to mimic an egg-like appearance. It works well for small hands and short fingers because it’s filed in on the sides to add subtle drama and length. Of longer shapes, this is one of the easiest to maintain and most practical.
Almond Nails
Inspired by the nut it’s named after, almond nails are shaped to be slim on the sides and wide at the base coming to a chic rounded peak. While this shape will elongate your fingers and make them appear thinner, the shape isn’t very practical for anyone using their hands a lot—expect your nails to break fairly easily.
Squoval Nails
The easy, super functional squoval nail shape is the easiest to maintain as it mimics the way most people’s nails naturally grow—square-shaped nails that have been rounded at the corners. That also makes it universally flattering, although it tends to look best on nails that aren’t longer than your fingertips.
Ballerina Nails
Imitating the design of a ballerina pointe shoe, the ballerina nail shape is tapered at the top and narrowed on the sides. While not the most practical shape on a daily basis, they will definitely grab attention and work particularly well for people with long nails and slim fingers.
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FAQs
How to choose your nail shape
- Round. Best for: short nails with a wide nail bed. ...
- Almond. Best for: short, wide fingers – helps to lengthen the appearance of nails and hands. ...
- Oval. Best for: small hands; medium-long nails. ...
- Square. Best for: long fingers; slim hands. ...
- Squoval. ...
- Coffin/Ballerina. ...
- Stiletto.
round nails
they're easy to shape, low maintenance and, because they're entirely curved, they have no sharp edges or corners to snag on clothing or surfaces. this shape is recommended for anyone, however you may want to opt for a squoval if your nails are very short.
What is the most requested nail shape? ›
Oval-shaped nails are one of the most popular choices for women. They are classic and timeless, and they are also low-maintenance and easy to take care of. If you have short nails, oval is a great shape to choose.
What nail shape is best for aging hands? ›
Opt for a slightly rounded or oval shape, as it can give the illusion of longer and more youthful-looking fingers.
What nail shape is the classiest? ›
If you prefer a classic and elegant look, you may want to choose a round or oval shape. If you prefer a more edgy or dramatic look, you may want to choose a square, stiletto, or coffin shape.
What is the most seductive nail shape? ›
What is the most attractive nail shape? Again, nail shape is up to personal preference, but an elongated, rounded style– especially when done with a nude, skin tone-like color– can help to make the fingers appear longer and therefore, some may find it a more attractive nail shape.
What is the most feminine nail shape? ›
OVAL. The oval shape is considered to be a more traditional shape. It features straight-filed sides with softer, rounded edges towards the top. This shape offers a natural and feminine look.
What is the most attractive nail? ›
Red conveys a direct attraction and is associated with sensuality and erotic interest. Black, one of the favorite colors, is considered particularly trendy and is therefore also associated with attractiveness.
What nail shape makes fingers look skinnier? ›
Almond. "An almond-shaped nail is slim on the sides and wide on the base, coming to a rounded peak," says Deborah Lippmann. "This shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim." To get the look, file the sides and make sure the tip is narrow, so the free edge mimics a peak shape.
What nail colors should I avoid for older hands? ›
Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.
“For younger-looking hands, orange or peach-based hues work best,” says Colette Keenan, butter LONDON national field manager, adding that shades with orange undertones, such as reds or corals, draw attention away from any signs of aging.
Which type of nail shape is timeless? ›
Similar to round nails, oval nails also champion a more natural, timeless look. Usually calling for more length, this nail shape tapers slightly towards the end, keeping a rounded edge at the top.
How do you know what nail color suits you? ›
Understanding your undertone colours
Finding the ideal nail color starts with understanding your undertone. To determine your undertone, observe the veins on your wrist. If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If they have a greenish hue, you probably have a warm undertone.
How do I choose the right nail? ›
First off, a good rule of thumb for picking screws or nails for your project is this: The length should be twice the thickness of the wood you're driving through. So if you're driving through a one-by-four board, which is ¾” thick, then you should opt for a 1 ½” long screw or nail.
What is the classiest nail color? ›
Nail polish popularity ebbs and flows with the tides of trends, but the most enduring shades are the classics: red, nude, pale pink, sheer white, and opaque white.
