Forget square or round, nowadays when it comes to nail shape we’re completely spoilt for choice. In the past, we would answer our manicurist’s question about what nail shape we wanted to go for fairly decisively before getting on to the business of picking a nail colour. Now, the decision about what nail shape to choose is far more complex. There are a whole host of new nail shapes to choose from that have emerged from celebrity and influencer nail trends alike. What nail shape, for example, goes best with the light blush colour of this season’s new rosé themed nail look? And what about tortoiseshell nails? Then there’s the question of what nail shape is best for your natural nail and finger shape?
If a weekly manicure has now become your at home endeavour, you may have turned to Instagram or Pinterest for a load of nail inspiration that could have you asking ‘what types of nail shape are there?’ ‘What nail shape should I do?’ and ‘what are the best nail shapes for short/long nails?’ Worry not, we have all the answers.
The main seven types of nail shapes you can opt for are: oval, almond, square, squoval, coffin (also known as ballerina), stiletto (or pointed nails) and that old friend, round. Confused? We’ve broken down each style so you can find the one that suits you best. Whether you have long piano fingers or your digits are short and you need guidance, we have you covered.
See below for our definitive guide to nail shapes.
Different Nail Shapes: Find What Suits You
Nail Shape: Oval (U Shaped Nail)
Overview: feminine, classy, classic.
Wear if: you have shorter fingers or shorter hands with wide, stubby nail beds, as an oval shape will create the illusion of length. It’s also a good shape on longer fingers that have wide and short/stubby nail beds.
Best with: nail art.
Nail Shape: Almond
Overview: glamorous, chic, feminine.
Wear if: you have long or short fingers but your nail beds are narrow and long.
Best with: plain, shiny and metallic polish colours.
Nail Shape: Square
Overview: stylish, clean-cut, low-maintenance
Wear if: you have long fingers and long, narrow nail beds.
Best with: block, bold polish colour
Nail Shape: Squoval
Overview: classic, natural, suits all.
Wear if: if your nail beds are wide and long. Squoval nail shapes will look good on short or long fingers.
Best with: geometric nail art.
Nail Shape: Coffin/Ballerina
Overview: chic, glamorous, high-maintenance.
Wear if: you suit square or squoval shapes (narrow and long nail beds).
Best with: tidy and unchipped acrylic nail shapes with pale polish colours.
Nail Shape: Stiletto/Pointed
Overview: loud, high-maintenance, elongates hands.
Wear if: you have time/money for upkeep, and want to make a statement.
Best with: elborate and pretty (and unchipped) nail designs.
Nail Shape: Round
Overview: tidy, elegant, elongates shorter fingers.
Wear if: you have short fingers with short or narrow nail beds.
Best with: any shade of polish or left unpainted.
