The Most Flattering Nail Shapes You Should Try

Almost immediately after you sit down at the nail salon, you are faced with choosing between square and round nails. While those are both respectable options, your nail technician understands that it’s no longer that straightforward.

There are more various nail shapes than there are fingers on your hand, and it can be difficult to keep track of them all, let alone choose one! Here’s a breakdown of the different shapes of nails you can choose from other than just round and square. 

1. ROUND NAILS

‍

For those who like to keep their nails short, the classic round shape is a favourite.

Round nails begin with straight sides but curve towards the edges to follow the natural curvature of the fingertip, similar to square nails. 

2. SQUARE NAILS

The square shape of the nail is self-explanatory. The tops of square nails are flat, with straight, sharp corners. They are a typical shape for persons with short nails or long, thin nail beds because they don’t flare out or taper in.

3. OVAL/ U SHAPED  NAILS

Oval nails are different from round nails, because, in addition to just the round tips, the sides of oval nails are filed down. Because the curve is more pronounced, the fingers appear narrow.

4. ALMOND NAILS

Almond nails, like oval nails, are filed on the sides. The wall of the nail tapers to a spherical top, like the shape of an almond. Most almond manicures are strengthened with gel or acrylic seeing as natural nails are frequently too fragile to hold this structure on their own.

5. SQUOVAL NAILS

If you like the flat border of the square but don’t like sharp edges, square oval or squoval nails are for you. Your best option is Squoval. For the best of both worlds, this universally flattering shape has softer corners compared to square nails.

6. STILETTO/ POINTED NAILS

Stiletto nails are like the drama queens of the pack. Shaping this spiky design begins similarly to that of the almond, but culminates with a much sharper apex and a wider base.

7.  EDGY NAILS

The point of edge nails is less forceful than that of stiletto, arrowhead, or mountain peak nails because it extends straight before the top edges are filed. When made with acrylics, the edge nail mimics an edge by forming a ridge through the centre of the nail.

8. COFFIN NAILS

‍

Coffin nails (also known as ballerina’s nails) are similar to stiletto nails but have a square instead of a sharp tip. Because the shape resembles both a coffin and a ballerina’s slipper, they’re nicknamed ballerina nails or coffin nails.

9. ARROWHEAD NAILS

‍

The tips of arrowhead are softer and shorter than those of stiletto nails. They are like a less intense version of stiletto nails.

10. MOUNTAIN PEAK NAILS

The mountain peak nail is similar to a stiletto nail, except it is shorter and pointier.

11.  FLARE NAILS

This nail form flares upward and out, just as the name implies. Because unusually wide flare nails can resemble a duckbill, this design is also known as the duckbill shape.

12.  LIPSTICK NAILS

‍

The slashed angle of a new tube of lipstick served as inspiration for this one. This squared nail style slants diagonally, just like your favourite shade, to create a truly distinctive manicure form.