Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2)

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s true — some nail shapes are more likely to break than others. If you swear by filing them square and straight yet find them breaking easily thereafter, it might be time to reconsider your nail shape of choice. Ahead, we spoke with Sarah Gibson Tuttle, nail expert and founder/CEO of Olive & June, about what shapes break most often, plus how to fix broken nails.

What Is the Weakest Nail Shape?

Because of their straight-edge shapes, square- and coffin-shaped nails are more prone to breakage, Tuttle says.

What Should You Do If Your Square Nail Breaks?

“If you break a nail, it’s best to smooth any jagged edges as soon as possible to prevent further breakage,” says Tuttle. She suggests grabbing your nail file and moving it in one single direction, filing it back to its original shape that matches your other nails, but it’ll be a little shorter. “If the break extends to the nail bed, it might be time to see a doctor as this can lead to an infection.”

How Do I Prevent My Square Nails From Breaking?

If you don’t want to give up your square or coffin nails, Tuttle provides some tips on how to avoid breakage, which starts with keeping your nails strong. “Your cuticles are the gatekeepers to nail health and strength,” she says, so it’s important to use a cuticle oil or serum daily. We recommend the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil or the Olive & June Cuticle Serum.


“Also, don’t buff your nail too much as this thins out your nail plate,” Tuttle notes. “The stronger your nails, the less likely they are to break.” Another way to minimize breakage? Use a nail strengthener, such as the Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener Treatment, which promises to help your nails feel less brittle in only three days.

Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (3)

What Nail Shape Is Most Durable?

If your nails are prone to breakage, it’s best to keep them short and round. “You still have options,” Tuttle says. “Think round, oval, squoval or even almond. Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”

Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (4)

Photo: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy

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Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (5)

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FAQs

Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal? ›

“Think round, oval, squoval or even almond. Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”

What shape of nail is the strongest? ›

Of all of the shapes, round and square are best for nails that are sturdy and healthy.

What nail shape causes less breakage? ›

File the nails with straight sides and gently round off the corners to achieve the squoval shape. To elongate your fingers, opt for longer squoval nails, or choose shorter squoval nails to enhance durability and reduce chances of breakage.

What natural nail shape is least likely to break? ›

Round Nails

This style keeps the natural shape of your nails and can help strengthen your nail beds. If you want healthy nails that are less likely to break, then round nails are a must-have style.

Are almond nails less likely to break? ›

ALMOND & OVAL

It's much easier to maintain longer natural nails with the almond or oval shape since the sides are less prone to impact and wear and tear.

What nail shape is most likely to break? ›

What Is the Weakest Nail Shape? Because of their straight-edge shapes, square- and coffin-shaped nails are more prone to breakage, Tuttle says.

What nail shape is best for aging hands? ›

Opt for a slightly rounded or oval shape, as it can give the illusion of longer and more youthful-looking fingers.

What is the least damaging nail style? ›

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

What nail shape is best for fat fingers? ›

Best nail shape for chubby 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.

How to shape nails so they don't break? ›

Don't file back and forth across the entire nail tip because it can damage the nail. When you achieve the desired length and shape on one side, file from the opposite corner toward the center. Go slowly. If you file too fast, you'll take off too much nail too quickly, which makes it hard to achieve a desired shape.

What shape nails 2024? ›

Trending Nail Shapes for Summer 2024
  • Stiletto Nails. If you're looking to add a touch of sophistication and edginess to your nail game, look no further than the stiletto nail shape. ...
  • Coffin Nails. ...
  • Almond Nails. ...
  • Deep Square Nails.

What is the most feminine nail shape? ›

Oval-shaped nails are considered classic and feminine, being similar to an almond but a bit more blunt. They have softly rounded edges that follow the natural shape of the fingertip, helping elongate nails in both width and length. Square-shaped nails have straight, flat edges and sharp corners.

Do oval nails break more? ›

Square and coffin-shaped nails are the shapes that break more often, due to their straight-edge shapes. Round and oval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nails.

What is the strongest nails to get? ›

Gel nail polish is less likely to chip, and acrylic is even stronger than gel.

Which type of nail has the most holding power? ›

Annular Ring or Ring Shank Nails

An annular ring also called ring shank, nails have rings on their shanks for extra grip and additional resistance to pulling out of the wood. They are commonly used for installing subflooring, where the extra holding power can help prevent floors from squeaking.

What nail shape is most practical? ›

Low maintenance and practical, square nails have straight, blunt edges to create a 'square' appearance. They are ideal for people with long fingers and slim hands, as they prevent further lengthening and the risk of creating an over stretched appearance.

What is the most attractive nail? ›

Red conveys a direct attraction and is associated with sensuality and erotic interest. Black, one of the favorite colors, is considered particularly trendy and is therefore also associated with attractiveness.

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