Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (2024)

Our nails are not only functional, but are also an important fashion accessory. Whether it's adding a touch of colour or experimenting with different nail shapes, there are plenty of ways to style our nails and make them fit our personality. In this blog, you will read about some of the most popular nail shapes and their corresponding personalities.

What nail shapes are there?

Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (1)

Roundnail shape

Round nails are one of the most classic and popular nail shapes and suit almost all hand shapes. They are easy to maintain and suit any occasion. The round nail shape is the most natural shape and therefore the easiest to make. It requires little filing and is suitable for people who don't have time for extensive nail care. Round nails suit people who like a classic and a timeless look.

Oval nail shape

Oval nails have a rounded shape that is slightly more pointed than round nails. Oval nails are perfect if you have slightly smaller hands and wider nail beds. This nail shape is relatively easy to make and requires only a little filing to achieve the desired shape. This shape creates an elegant and feminine look and suits people who like to exude a groomed and stylish look.

Square nail shape

Square nails have a flat top and right angles. This nail shape suits a slightly larger hand with wide nail beds and is suitable for people who like a neat and businesslike look. This nail shape is also relatively easy to make. Square nails are also easy to maintain and are a good choice for people who don't have much time to take care of their nails.

Squoval nail shape

Squoval nails are a popular nail shape that is a combination of two different shapes: the square nail shape and the oval nail shape. As the name suggests, squoval nails have a square base with rounded corners, giving them an oval shape. This nail shape is popular because it combines the best features of both nail shapes. The square nail shape has a sleek, neat look, while the oval nail shape has a softer, more elegant look. The combination of these two shapes creates a nail shape that is both sleek and elegant. Suitable for people with short fingers, this shape is both professional and stylish. People who prefer squoval nails tend to be practical and have a penchant for simple things.

Almond nail shape

Almond nails have a pointed shape that resembles an almond. This nail shape suits a narrow hand with long fingers well and is popular among people who like a dramatic and striking look. This nail requires more filing than the round, oval or square nail shapes. It is important to follow the nail beds and gradually form a point at the top. Almond nails are ideal for people who like to experiment with different colours and nail designs.

Coffin nail shape

Coffin nails have a long, flattened shape that resembles the shape of an inverted ''V''. As with the Almond nail, it is important to follow the nail beds and file the top off straight. This nail shape is suitable for people who like a dramatic and edgy look. Coffin nails are popular among people who like to experiment with different nail polish colours and designs.

How to file your nails in the right way.

Some nail shapes are easier to make than others because of the way they are filed and shaped.

Easy to file:

Round nail shape

For this nail shape, file your nails in a semi-circle. Always make sure that you always file in one direction. This works best if you file from the outside to the centre.

Oval nail shape

For the oval nail shape, file the sides of your nails straight. File the top in the middle of the nail round.

Square nail shape

To get the angular shape, file the sides of the nail and the centre straight. Make sure the that all sides of the nail are filed equally straight.

A little bit more difficult to file:

Almond nails

This nail requires more filing than the round, oval or square nail shapes. File the nail edges straight and then subtly round off the tip of your nail to get an almond shape. This nail shape looks best with long nails.

Stiletto nails

For this shape, the nail corners are filed towards the centre of the nail and the top is straightened. This nail also looks best with a long nail.

What are the trends in nail shapes?

There are a few nail shapes that we see a lot of in 2023.

Almond nails remain a favourite because of their elegant shape. They are also versatile and can be both subtle and striking, depending on the length and colour.

Square nails are currently very popular for their sleek and neat look. This nail shape fits well with the current trend of minimalist and understated styles.

Squoval nails are a popular nail shape. This shape combines a square base with rounded corners. The result is a nail that looks natural, yet has a certain strength and durability.

Extreme nail shapes

Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (7)

If you want something different with your nails, the nail shapes below are a fun option to try out:

Stiletto nails

Stiletto nails are long nails that extend to a pointed tip. These are still in fashion for their dramatic and eye-catching look. Although they are not as practical as other nail shapes, this is a great option for special occasions.

Lipstick nails

Lipstick nails are shaped like an inverted U and resemble the shape of a lipstick. This nail shape is relatively new and trendy and is becoming increasingly popular for its unique and playful look.

Mountain Peak

The mountain peak looks a bit like the stilleto nail, but the tip is slightly less sharp and more rounded. A good choice if you want to stand out, but find the stiletto nail a little too extreme.

Ballerina

The ballerina nail shape is very similar to the almond shape, but has a sharper tip. The nail shape is inspired by a ballerina's pointe shoes.

Wide

This flared nail shape runs wide and gives you just a bit more space to get started with nail art.

To conclude there are several different nail shapes to suit different personalities. Whether you opt for a bold stiletto nail shape or a classic oval nail shape, the important thing is to choose a nail shape that suits your personality and style and makes you feel confident and comfortable.

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Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (2024)

FAQs

Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? ›

There are a few nail shapes that we see a lot of in 2023. Almond nails remain a favourite because of their elegant shape. They are also versatile and can be both subtle and striking, depending on the length and colour. Square nails are currently very popular for their sleek and neat look.

What nail shape is popular for 2023? ›

Nail shapes 2023: Almond nails

This shape is a favorite of the year for a feminine look, says Nguyen. “Although not too long, these give a little extra length to your nail base,” she says. Gerstein agrees: “Whether the almond comes to a point or is a little round — it's the most requested shape right now."

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.

Which nail shape is more attractive? ›

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 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 hottest nail color right now 2023? ›

Chocolate Brown

Brown may be most commonly associated with autumnal color trends, but according to WGSN, it's set to trend throughout 2023. While golden butterscotch browns and soft desert-inspired tones will be big news later in the year, we're already seeing a lot of love for rich deep chocolatey shades.

What nail shape makes your fingers look slimmer? ›

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 is the best natural looking nail shape? ›

round nails are the most natural and easiest to wear of all of the nail shapes. they're easy to shape, low maintenance and, because they're entirely curved, they have no sharp edges or corners to snag on clothing or surfaces.

Which nails are more attractive? ›

The bold and vibrant nature of red nails instantly grabs attention and adds a touch of glamour to any look. Whether it's a romantic date night or a formal event, red nails are a go-to choice for many. The allure of red nail polish lies in its ability to make a bold statement and convey a sense of power.

What's the most feminine nail shape? ›

OVAL. The oval shape is considered to be a more traditional shape. It features straight-filed sides with softer, rounded edges towards the top. This shape offers a natural and feminine look.

What nails do men find most attractive? ›

For one, it seems to suggest that men are more attracted to women who have red nails. This is likely because the color red is associated with passion and excitement, which are qualities that many men find attractive in a partner.

What nail shape is popular now? ›

According to our trio of manicurist sources, the almond-shaped manicure is the must-have nail look to covet this year. For those new to the nail shape, it features narrow sides and a rounded tip with a subtle point. It's a favorite among fans of lengthening enhancements such as acrylics or gel extensions.

What nail colors should I avoid for older hands? ›

Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.

Which type of nail shape is timeless? ›

Similar to round nails, oval nails also champion a more natural, timeless look. Usually calling for more length, this nail shape tapers slightly towards the end, keeping a rounded edge at the top.

What makes hands look younger? ›

Some people may take steps to make their hands appear more youthful. These can include using hand cream, wearing hand protection, or making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. Skin aging is a natural and inevitable part of the aging process, and the hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging.

Are acrylic nails out of style in 2023? ›

“Things are getting simpler and cleaner.” Shorter nails are taking the place of extra long acrylics, fun finishes like chrome and velvet are pushing bright, bold designs to the sideline, and French manicures, which received a funky twist as one of 2022's nail trends, are becoming even more dainty and elegant.

What is the nail shape trend in 2024? ›

Almond Nails

The almond nail shape is a timeless and elegant option that is gaining popularity in the world of nail trends. This shape is characterized by its tapered and elongated oval edge, resembling the shape of an almond.

What is the current nail trend? ›

Perhaps the biggest trend in 2024 was chrome nails, and that will continue into the next year. "It won't be a surprise to see chrome or metallic nails all over," says manicurist Hemi Park. Expect to see chrome finishes across a range of different colors — silver, gold, blue, and pink, to name a few.

What is the trend in pedicure 2023? ›

"Bright colours have long been a summer pedicure trend and, this year, red, pink, orange and coral are bestsellers," she adds. "Cobalt blue and neon shades are popular too, but pastels are the newest trend, with lavender, light green, pale pink, powder blue and yellow all in demand."

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