While a stylish pop of color adds the perfect finishing touch to beautiful nails, any manicurist will tell you that shape matters. Considered the basis of any good manicure, the shape of your nails is the basis for creating fabulous fingers. Besides complementing your choice of color or design, the right shape can also flatter your entire hand and make it more attractive. Whether it’s elongating short fingers or accentuating beautiful nails, the shape of your manicure has more power than you think. As such, choosing the best nail shape for your fingers is an important task that should not be overlooked.
RELATED: How to do a manicure at home like an expert
nail shapes
When choosing a nail shape, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the different options available. While there are many silhouettes and variations on offer, there are five key shapes you need to be aware of. The square, the round, the oval, the almond and the coffin are essential shapes. To accurately determine which style is best for you, you will need to consider your finger shape, the width of the nail bed, and the length of the nail.
“alignnone size-full wp-image-172151″ src=”data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=” http:=”” alt=”Chart of nail shapes” width=”800″ height=”450″ data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661129450_843_The-Best-Nail-Shapes-for-Your-Fingers.jpg”/>
almond shaped nails
Almond-shaped nails feature thin sides, which taper towards the end, and a rounded tip. Although this chic shape doesn’t work on short nails, it looks lovely on longer lengths. The silhouette is naturally suitable for long and thin nail beds thanks to its elongated shape. Almond nails are also ideal for slimming wide fingers to create the look of slender hands. In addition to this, women with short figures will also find this nail shape beneficial due to its ability to create the appearance of extra length. If you think this shape is for you, try the look with neutral and nude polishes as well as glamorous and girly designs.
“alignnone size-full wp-image-172153″ src=”data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=” http:=”” alt=”Almond nail shape” width=”800″ height=”450″ data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661129451_412_The-Best-Nail-Shapes-for-Your-Fingers.jpg”/>
round shaped nails
If you want to create the look of longer fingers but like to keep your nails short, you should consider going for a round shape. Round shaped nails, which feature a short length with a naturally curved edge, are perfect for subtly elongating short, wide fingers. The shape can also be used to make wide nail beds appear slimmer and longer. If you have narrow nail beds, do not exclude a round shape either. The simple silhouette is not only classic but versatile and fuss-free. Perfect for women who don’t have time to go to the salon, round nails are easy to maintain at home and their soft, round look makes them ideal for all polish colors. You can even try switching between neutral, bright, and unique tones depending on your mood and outfit.
“alignnone size-full wp-image-172156″ src=”data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=” http:=”” alt=”round nail shape” width=”800″ height=”450″ data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661129453_877_The-Best-Nail-Shapes-for-Your-Fingers.jpg”/>
square shaped nails
Like round shapes, square shaped nails are also perfect for shorter nails. Characterized by straight edges and a square tip, this nail shape looks neat and elegant. While women who prefer a longer nail should go for a more tapered shape, those who like a short, bold yet elegant look will love this style. Square-shaped nails are especially flattering for those with thin hands and long, slender fingers. If this looks like you or your nails are long and narrow, consider asking for a square shape for your next manicure. The style, which will have a subtle widening effect on the hands, also breaks less easily than other shapes, making it ideal for low-maintenance ladies. When it comes to color, square nails look most striking when paired with a bright, bold, or high gloss polish.
“alignnone size-full wp-image-172157″ src=”data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=” http:=”” alt=”square nail shape” width=”800″ height=”450″ data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661129454_821_The-Best-Nail-Shapes-for-Your-Fingers.jpg”/>
Coffin/Ballerina Nails
One of the best shapes for lovers of long nails and those with narrow nail beds is the coffin shape. Also known as ballerina nails, this nail style gets its name from its silhouette, which resembles both a coffin and a ballet slipper. The elegant shape is typically long and narrow. It also tapers considerably towards the end before ending in a square point. Although the sophisticated and bold design attracts many women, women should only try it if their nails are long and strong. Short, brittle nails may not be able to handle this shape. Alternatively, you can try the look with acrylic nails. Although the bold design is high-maintenance, its looks when paired with pale neutrals, dark tones and matte polishes are worth it.
“alignnone size-full wp-image-172154″ src=”data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=” http:=”” alt=”Coffin and ballerina nail shape” width=”800″ height=”450″ data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661129456_4_The-Best-Nail-Shapes-for-Your-Fingers.jpg”/>
oval shaped nails
Thanks to their lengthening abilities, oval-shaped nails are ideal for short, wide nails and fingers. The medium to long shape, which ends in a half circle, is similar to the almond styles, except it is blunter and more delicate in appearance. The result is a feminine nail shape that helps make wide fingers look slimmer and short fingers look longer. Although you don’t need very long nails to achieve an oval shape, you will need some length. A few millimeters of free edge extending beyond your finger should do the trick. Once you’ve created this chic shape, you can pair it with impressive nail art or feminine pastel shades for a chic runway-ready appearance.
“alignnone size-full wp-image-172155″ src=”data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=” http:=”” alt=”oval nail shape” width=”800″ height=”450″ data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1661129457_703_The-Best-Nail-Shapes-for-Your-Fingers.jpg”/>
How to shape nails at home
While it’s always best to visit a salon when your nails need an update or a little love, it’s possible to shape your nails at home. As long as you have experience with a nail file, you can create any nail shape you want. From almond to oval to coffin to square, every nail shape just takes a bit of focus, patience, and skill. So whether you want to refresh your usual style or completely change the silhouette of your nails, this video can show you how. After learning the essentials about angles and proportions, you’ll soon be able to file and shape your nails like a pro. Remember to keep in mind that some shapes will only suit long nails while others will look best on shorter lengths.
Different nail shapes
- Familiarize yourself with the different nail shapes including square, round, oval, almond, and coffin/ballerina.
- Consider your finger shape, nail bed width and nail length to find your ideal nail shape.
- If you keep your nails short, choose between square and round shapes.
- If you have medium or long nails, oval, almond and coffin shapes will suit you best.
- Use elongated nail shapes, such as almonds, coffins, and ovals, to elongate and slim short, wide fingers.
- Women with naturally long, slender fingers should choose a square nail shape for a flattering effect.
FAQs
What are the most popular nail shapes?
Coffin nails are the most popular style to make a statement. They are long, elegant and can be decorated in many ways thanks to their length and shape. If you are looking for a less elaborate option, almond nails are also popular. Although they can make a statement, the shape is a little more functional for everyday use.
Which nail shape is the easiest to type?
Shorter square and round nails are the easiest shaped nails to type. They’re less likely to press other keys and chip, and they won’t click as much as you type, which can be an advantage in open-plan offices.
What nail shape is in style 2022?
The best trendy nail shapes for 2022 are almond and coffin/ballerina. They allow for a lot of creativity and make a bold statement. Moreover, these nail shapes are popular among celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Khloe Kardashian.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox.