From modest, nude oval acrylics to glossy, red stiletto talons, nail art and unconventional shapes are having their moment. With more nail shapes than you have digits, there are a surplus of options to choose from, but some shapes are more flattering and practical than others when it comes to your hands and your lifestyle.
A traditional rule that most nail artists adhere to is that your nail shape should follow the shape of your cuticle line producing the most flattering look. But with so many funky shapes, it doesn’t hurt to bend the rules a little. More extreme shapes like coffin and stiletto are sure to catch the eye of just about anyone, but if you work with your hands or have children, these may not be the most practical options. Let’s take a look at the different shapes and what style might be best for you.
Round Nails
With a shorter length and soft curve, the round shape is a no muss, no fuss option for natural nails and acrylics and look great bare or polished. This shape can be maintained from home and you can obtain the freshly manicured look with at-home products like gel polish or the Dip Powder from SNS Nails. This shape is ideal for those who require a low maintenance manicure or work with their hands.
Square Nails
The squared-off nail is filed to precise and sharp edges which tend to be much sturdier for both long and short nails. This is a classic shape that looks great with just about any shade of color. However, if you have shorter fingers, the blunt edge can cause your fingers to look even shorter or stubier, so take that into consideration before settling on this shape.
Oval Nails
Oval is a great shape for just about anyone and is the most likely to mirror your cuticle line as a continuation of the finger and nail bed creating an elongating effect. This is specifically a good shape for those with narrow nail beds or fingers and are still low-maitenance enough for those who work with their hands.
Squoval Nails
The squoval is another natural shape that mimics the cuticle line and can be maintained at home. This shape is flat at the end with slightly rounded edges and is perfect for bare nails or polish and Polish Pops nail wraps, making it the most practical nail for most people.
Almond Nails
Another shape ideal for narrow nail beds is the almond. Resembling the nut, the tip of the nail slims out and comes to a soft point adding a little more 50’s flair to your ensemble. This shape is still manageable to those working with their hands and add a nice little “click clack” while typing on a computer keyboard.
Stiletto Nails
If you are looking to take your nail shape to the extreme, stiletto is the shape for you. Stilettos boast major length and taper coming to a cat claw-like point. While buttoning your jeans or picking up flat objects from a table surface will prove to be a struggle with these talons, you are sure to make a statement. With this length and the narrow tip, gels nails or acrylic are almost certainly required to achieve this shape.
Coffin/ Ballerina Nails
If the length and style of the stiletto appeals to you but you prefer a softer approach, the coffin (commonly referred to as the ballerina nail) may be the answer. This shape is long and tapers in a similar manner to its stiletto cousin, but instead of a point, it stops at a flat edge. This shape elongates the appearance of your fingers and allows for plenty of space for fun nail art and paint designs. This shape, given its length, will require an extension of the nail with gel or acrylics.
The beauty of nails is the flexibility to try something new. With so many shapes and colors and designs to choose from, you can change up your nail game every week without ever repeating the same look.
