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.

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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

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

FAQs

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

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 most common shape of nail for people with long and perfect nail beds? ›

Square Nails

The square nail shape is pretty self-explanatory. Square nails are square — they're flat on top with straight, sharp corners. They neither flare out nor taper in and are a popular shape for those with short nails or long, narrow nail beds.

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.

What shape nails are the strongest? ›

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.

How do I choose the right nail? ›

First off, a good rule of thumb for picking screws or nails for your project is this: The length should be twice the thickness of the wood you're driving through. So if you're driving through a one-by-four board, which is ¾” thick, then you should opt for a 1 ½” long screw or nail.

What is the best nail shape for people who type a lot? ›

Shorter length square and round nails are the easiest shape nails to use in typing.

What nail shape is best 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.

What is the perfect nail structure? ›

Aim for a balanced and symmetrical curve on each nail, keeping the corners slightly squared to maintain strength. The maintenance is also quite easy. To keep the round nail shape, it's important to file and shape them regularly. Use a gentle nail file to smooth out any rough edges or snags that may occur.

What are the basic nail shapes? ›

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

What does nail shape tell about you? ›

Those who go for a square nail are strong, assertive, and are usually a leader of the pack. However, a square nail shape works best for those with long, narrow nail beds and fingers. Those with shorter nail beds and fingers may find this nail shape can accentuate these traits, making them appear even shorter.

What does the shape of your nails say about your health? ›

Have you ever paid attention to your nail shape? It might seem like a strange question, but a person's nails can indicate a lot about their health. If you begin to notice nail abnormalities, it may be a sign of a variety of conditions, including psoriasis, fungal infections, trauma, tumors, and ingrown nails.

What nail shape is least likely to break? ›

Round nails are a good choice for people with short fingers or wider nail beds, as they can make the fingers look longer and more slender. They are also a good choice for people who have thin, weak nails, as they are less likely to break than other nail shapes.

How do you get perfect nails? ›

To keep your fingernails looking their best:
  1. Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. ...
  2. Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. ...
  3. Use moisturizer. ...
  4. Apply a protective layer. ...
  5. Ask your doctor about biotin.

What nail shape reveals your personality? ›

If your nails have circular edges with rounded tips, you have a round nail shape. If you have Round Nail Shape Personality, your unique personality traits may be being calm and collected. You are not easily flustered or stressed. You tend to take things in stride.

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? ›

What Nail Shape Is Most Durable? If your nails are prone to breakage, it's best to keep them short and round.

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.

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