When it comes to selecting your new season manicure, the length and style are just as important as the colour - and these nail shapes for spring prove that minimalism is in...
If you're a lover of long-lasting treatments like BIAB nails, for instance, or are looking for a shape that's easy to maintain at home, the 2024 nail trends are a treasure trove of inspiration. And while it's easy to get carried away with the popular shades - like milky white and burgundy nails - choosing the perfect shape and length is a top priority. After all, there's nothing worse than paying for a fresh set of gels or acrylics only to find that the length is uncomfortable - or that suddenly everyone around you is sporting an altogether different shape.
So, to help guide you towards your next signature mani, these are the nail shapes we're already seeing everywhere for spring...
The 5 trendiest nail shapes for spring 2024
Now, it goes without saying that nail lengths and shapes are subjective. You may prefer to keep your fingertips completely unhindered by your nails or favour long and statement talons - it all comes down to personal preference. That said though, some styles are proving more popular than others with the masses this spring, which is what brings us here today...
Our nail care and shaping toolkit
Margaret Dabbs London Crystal Nail File
RRP: £16
To shape your nails, we'd recommend investing in a crystal nail file. Make sure you only file your nail edges in one direction, to create a precise and smooth finish.
Before we dive into the trendiest and most coveted nail lengths for spring 2024 though, we've rounded up a few essentials to maintain the shape and health of your nails.
Almond is a timeless nail shape but while mid to long lengths were the go-to with this style in 2023, we're seeing more of an understated and subtle iteration this season.
The effect is very elegant and polished, especially when paired with a creamy white or sheer, glossy pink.
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If you're someone who finds long nails cumbersome, a fingertip-grazing style is perfect and proving to be very popular this year - with classic designs like French tip nails even being adapted to suit. We'd suggest either opting for an oval or "Squoval" shape with this length, to achieve that trendy minimalist look.
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.
As the name suggests, the shape sits somewhere between square and oval, offering a very clean and universally flattering finish. We especially love this shape when paired with dark, expensive-looking nail colours, like burgundy
It's safe to say that very long nail lengths appear to be being fazed out this spring, which is good news if you struggle with weak and brittle nails that break (we relate to you there). And though almond and oval shapes have been dominating the trends for what feels like years now, we have started to notice the re-emergence of squared nails.
They're mature, neat and sophisticated - the perfect combination for work, events and everything in between.
For our minimalist nail lovers out there, short nails that don't even peak over the fingertip, are also having a moment right now and will look so cute when paired with spring-ready pastels and soft natural nudes.
"When it comes to shape, an elongated almond is here to stay. But we're also seeing short and squared off return to mainstream. While square is a staple for its loyalists, a lot of converts from team 'round nails' are giving it a try too."
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.
Chrome and metallic nails will continue to trend in 2024, according to Tan Tran, owner and lead nail technician of VIP Nails & Spa. "Our clients are going for more bold and futuristic looks, taking the iridescent nail trend to the next level," he told BI.
The nail consists of the nail body, nail root, and free edge. Structures beneath the nail include the nail bed, matrix and lunula. Structures surrounding the nail include the cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, perionychium, nail walls and nail grooves.
Best nail shape: Almond and Oval. Tapered shapes like almond elongate shorter or wider fingers. We recommend that you opt for rounded shapes in general, especially if you have a wide nail bed.
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 ...
Think classic chrome finishes in shimmering silvers, but also everything from rainbow chrome brights to soft pastel variations. For a subtler take, why not try adorning your tips with iridescent metal-effect edges, for a look that combines several seasonal trends in one.
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.
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.
Think fiery reds, splashy blues, and even vivid yellows alongside classic springtime hues like lavender and pink. These nail colors take inspiration from Fall/Winter 2024 runway shows, spring fashion trends, and mood-boosting elements of the season.
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.
"Since then, we have seen every single shade of green crop up in both our wardrobes and on our nails, which helps explain why it is now the most popular nail color according to our new study.”
A basic or standard manicure is the traditional manicure that you're probably familiar with. Here your nails are trimmed, shaped and buffed. Cuticle oil is applied and cuticles are managed too. You'll usually get to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing hand massage. At the end, standard nail polish is applied.
Round: Feminine, Caring and Romantic. This is the classic nail shape. Oval: Practical and Independent. Oval shape nails look chic and trendy and they suit every type of nail bed be it narrow or wide. This shape is effortlessly simple and yet very elegant.
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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