12 coffin nail designs to inspire your next mani (2024)

Coffin (or ballerina) shaped nails are quickly gaining momentum thanks to ardent support from celeb fans like Cardi B, Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner and Rihanna. The benefits? They can make fingers look long and graceful and they provide plenty of space for getting crafty with intricate designs or razzle dazzle embellishments.

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Wondering WTF a coffin or ballerina shaped nail actually is? Allow Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of top London nail bar, TOWNHOUSE, to explain...

What are coffin nails?

“Coffin-shaped nails (also known as ballerina nails) tend to be of a longer length,” explains Juanita. “The shape is pointed [like a stiletto shaped nail] but with a squared-off blunt end,” she says. This makes it look like the shape of a coffin, or the pointe slippers that ballet dancers wear, which is where this nail shape got its name from.

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Why might people choose this nail shape over others?

“This shape elongates the fingers making them look delicate,” says Juanita. “The shape is very popular with nail extension methods as it can be difficult to maintain the length and shape with a natural nail.” For short natural nails, the squoval shape is a must-try.

What tools will you need?

You'll need some nail clippers and a nail file. Keep your file to 240 grit so that it's gentle on natural nails. Or, if you don’t have the length, you can recreate the shape with the help of acrylic nail extensions. For extensions, use a slightly coarser file (around 180 grit), as nail extensions tend to be thicker than natural nails.

12 coffin nail designs to inspire your next mani (2024)

FAQs

Are coffin nails still in style in 2024? ›

Coffin nails are still very much in style for 2024. They're showing up on runways and trending in nail art for both short and long lengths.

Who should get coffin nails? ›

Enhance and elongate the appearance of your nails by matching your hand type to a suitable shape. 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.

What nail design is trending right now? ›

Milky White Nails

The milky white nail trend is a continuation of soft, clean looking manicures that look good on both short and long nails. With creamier milky manicures, polish, and acrylic styles, this presents a clean and polished look. This is sometimes used alongside negative spacing and other nail techniques.

Are coffin nails classy? ›

This sophisticated shape can give you an elegant and classy look, regardless of how you choose to design your them. Plus, they make your fingers look slimmer, which can be a lifesaver if you enjoy wearing rings. Coffin nails also look fantastic regardless of your favorite nail length.

What is the nail color for 2024? ›

Vibrant Neons: Neon nail polish shades are all the rage in 2024. These bold and eye-catching colors add a pop of excitement to any manicure, making them a favorite choice for those who want to make a statement with their nails.

What color nails should a 40 year old woman wear? ›

When in doubt, a neutral nail color is the way to go. The neutrals range from nude to sheer tints of beige. These more natural-looking colors are perfect if you like to keep things simple, and they work well for both every day and evening occasions.

What color looks best on coffin nails? ›

The best way to emphasize the coffin nail's edgy quality is to choose a deep color like this glossy brown manicure. When you want something unique but don't want to commit to nail designs, choose two shades of the same color for each hand. Going with bright orange is all the more fun.

What shape nails should 50 year olds have? ›

As a combination of square and oval shaped nails, squoval shaped nails are highly recommended for older women as they are an appealing of the classic oval and trendy square shapes that are both said to enhance the youthful and slender look of your hands.

What is the rich girl nail trend? ›

The classic rich-girl nail is long and filed in a tapered square shape, which he says helps elongate your fingers. Next is the color choice: Stick with a full-coverage neutral shade that is either one shade darker or lighter than your own skin tone.

What are the summer nail tips for 2024? ›

Rainbow tips

If a French manicure feels too prim and proper, try a more colorful, chromatic take by adding colored tips to a pale pink base layer. If you prefer to keep things more uniform then choose the same shade for your tips, and be inspired by juicy tangerines, creamy yellows, or sky blues.

What is the nail trend in Vogue 2024? ›

Another nail trend for summer 2024 guaranteed to appeal to the minimalists out there is the transparent French: instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating altogether softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip–often provided ...

Are coffin nails out of style in 2024? ›

All nails were long, exciting and daring. 2024 will feature a shift away from extremism and become more spiritual, virtual and trippy. In terms of shapes, we will see medium to longer lengths with softened stiletto, coffin and almond shapes continuing to dominate.

What is the best length for coffin nails? ›

How long are coffin nails? In terms of length, Domingues says, "Ideally, coffin nails should be medium- to long- length to achieve a properly tapered, elegant shape.

What is the classiest nail shape? ›

If you prefer a classic and elegant look, you may want to choose a round or oval shape. If you prefer a more edgy or dramatic look, you may want to choose a square, stiletto, or coffin shape.

Are nails oval or square in 2024? ›

Oval: Perfect for those with short and wide nail beds as it gives an illusion of length. Square: Best for those with long fingers and narrow nail beds, offering a modern look that's easy to maintain. Coffin/Ballerina: A trendy choice for those who dare to be bold.

What nail shape is in right now? ›

Squoval nails

Squoval nails are arguably the most popular shape right now and it's not hard to see why. This style can be adapted to any nail length but is a staple look for those with shorter nails.

How long should coffin nails be? ›

In terms of length, Domingues says, "Ideally, coffin nails should be medium- to long- length to achieve a properly tapered, elegant shape.

Will coffin nails suit me? ›

Coffin or Ballerina

This shape works well for those with naturally strong, long nails and slim fingers. To create it, simply square off the free edge.

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