The nail shapes you need to know for the perfect mani (2024)

As for those lipstick-shaped nails we mentioned earlier? Nail pro Park Eunkyung (better known as @nail_unistella) is the driving force behind so many of the mani trends that make there way to our fingers, and she's the originator of the lipstick shape currently picking up momentum for looking – you guessed it – like a lipstick, thanks to it's slanted lipstick bullet-shaped tip.

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Amanda Lee, founder of Iris Avenue beauty salon, tells GLAMOUR that ‘almond’ for long nails and a ‘soft square’ for short nails are among the most requested nail shapes at the moment. “Short nails look great as a soft square. This is straight across with rounded edges. It gives a clean, ‘put together’ look. Medium-length nails are pretty versatile but an oval shape will give a classic look. Long nails, like Kim Kardashian's, look amazing almond shaped. It makes the hands look slick and feminine,” she says.

As for tips to maintaining your nail shape from home Amanda says: “If in doubt, go for the nail shape that mirrors the shape of your cuticles. Gently push back your cuticles with a wood stick to identify the shape then file the nails to match the shape. If the goal is to elongate the fingers, go for an almond (if you have some length) or oval shape. Look for the centre of the nail as a guide for where the tip will finish. File each side of the nail towards that centre. To achieve a soft square look, start by filing the nails straight across, then smooth out the corners.”

Still not sure which shape to go for? To help inspire you for your next nail appointment, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to all the nail shapes you need to know about in 2024 — and asked experts about the benefits of each.

Natural nails

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

The nail shapes you need to know for the perfect mani (2024)

FAQs

How to know which nail shape is best for you? ›

When choosing a nail shape, it is important to consider your hand type and personal style. If you have short nails, you may want to choose a round or oval shape to help elongate your fingers. If you have wide nail beds, you may want to choose a round or squoval shape to help make them look narrower.

What are the five basic nail shapes? ›

Most clients lean toward one of five basic nail shapes: square, round, oval, squoval, or pointed.

Why is it important to know the different nail shapes? ›

Nail shape is important because it helps to showcase your style and personality. This is why there are so many different shapes to choose from, we are all different and like different things! Nail shapes change throughout time because people become more daring in what they do with their nails.

How do I find the perfect nails? ›

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

What is the strongest shape for your nails? ›

square nails

this timeless nail shape is also one of the strongest. because it respects the full width of the nail, those who wear a square shape often notice that their nails withstand bumps and stress much better than their curved or rounded counterparts.

What is the most functional nail shape? ›

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.

What is the perfect nail structure? ›

Lateral Structure

A sidewall must extend straight out from the cuticle to the free edge on both sides. (Picture #3) When you look at the nail from the side or the top, the sides should be straight and both sides must look the same - even with pointed nails.

What is the standard shape of nails? ›

It describes 5 basic nail shapes: oval, round, stiletto/pointed, squoval, and square. The oval nail is ideal for shorter nails and has a natural look. The round nail is strong for short nails. The stiletto nail has the sides filed to a point.

What nail shape is best for fat fingers? ›

For chubby fingers, you can opt for these nail shapes: oval, round, almond, and coffin. These nail shapes will make your nails and fingers look longer as well as hide the chubby fingers underneath the tip of your nails.

What nail shape is best for a wide nail bed? ›

We recommend that you opt for rounded shapes in general, especially if you have a wide nail bed.

What does your nail shape tell about you? ›

If you have Long Nails, your personality traits reveal that you are highly creative, imaginative, and meticulous. You tend to be calm, independent, and pragmatic. Your right brain is more developed than your left brain. You however can also act rational in situations that require you to be logical.

Which nail shape is attractive? ›

The most feminine nail shape is widely considered to be the almond shape . This shape mimics the natural curve of a woman 's nail bed and gives the illusion of longer , more delicate fingers . It is also versatile and can be worn in a variety of lengths and designs .

How do I choose which nails to get? ›

First up: “How do I know what nail polish color suits me?” This is such a great question! It's important to remember that everyone's skin tone is unique, but as a general rule, if you have cool undertones, opt for shades like blue or purple. If you have warm undertones, reds and oranges can make your skin glow!

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 shape is best to avoid breakage? ›

Having a longer or narrower point increases the chances of your client catching their nails on something and breaking it. The wider edges in square or natural-looking shapes offer more support for the nail, and rounded nails create a softer edge that is less likely to scratch and tear while doing everyday tasks.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6286

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.