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Learn the A to Z of nail shapes to add new dimensions at your next manicure!
Round or square?” If those are the only nail shapes you’ve heard of, here’s some nail-biting information.
See which nail shapes suit your fingers and nail type the best!
Round
SOURCE: myciin.com
Profile: round nails follow your natural shape, extending just slightly past your nail bed.
Ideal for: those who want to elongate stubby fingers but prefer keeping their nails short, clean, and chip-free.
Square
SOURCE: youwishyou.com
Profile: square nails are filed straight across the top and sides for a bold and blunt shape.
Ideal for: those with long fingers and narrow nail beds. These are great if you want an attention-grabbing look without excessive length, or short nails without the schoolgirl roundness.
Rounded Square
SOURCE: polishplease.blogspot.com
Profile: just like the square, but with softened edges for a less severe look.
Ideal for: everyone! Rounded squares occupy a happy middle space on the nail shape spectrum.
Oval
SOURCE: blog.spaweek.com
Profile: a shape for longer nails, with a soft, rounded curve.
Ideal for: those who want a classic, feminine look. Oval nails are universally flattering, and help make your fingers look longer. The rounded edge makes it more durable than squared nails, making it a great choice for brittle nails.
Squoval
SOURCE: playbuzz.com
Profile: The longer version of the rounded square; the edges of the squared tip are softened for a more contoured appearance.
Ideal for: everyone! The squoval is the nail shape almost everyone has gotten at some point in their life without knowing its name.
Almond
SOURCE: Instagram user the_nail_lounge_miramar
Profile: the almond nail is shaped like the oval, but has a narrower tip. Like an almond!
Ideal for: those who want to elongate their nails further. Almond nails do require more filing along the sides, so weak nails should approach with caution. Prevent flaking and breakage with acrylic gel extensions or nail strengtheners.
Stiletto
SOURCE: Etsy seller RaveNailz
Profile: stiletto nails are currently in the limelight, thanks to Kylie Jenner. These are super long and pointy nails – they’re best achieved with glue-ons as some natural fingernails do not have the strength to hold this shape.
Ideal for: lots of glam and drama! Opt for a shorter ‘mountain peak’ version for a manicure that’s less likely to break. Stiletto nails paired with muted matte nail colours add pizazz to a classic, everyday look.
Pro-tip: the pointy shape isn’t ideal for contact lens wearers or texting addicts.
Coffin/Ballerina
SOURCE: YouTube user Nail Career Education
Profile: Also a favourite of the younger Jenner, the delightfully macabre coffin nail is similar to the stiletto but with a narrow, squared tip. It also looks like a ballerina’s shoe, so you have a mom-friendly backup answer if she asks.
Ideal for: long, sturdy nails and those who want to try something daring and different.
Lipstick
SOURCE: Instagram user pgsnichole
Profile: shaped just like your favourite new lipstick, this nail has a sharp, diagonal tip.
Ideal for: those who look at the coffin nail and think that it’s not daring enough. You’re nailing it, you wild thing.
Learn the A to Z of nail shapes to add new dimensions at your next manicure!
