The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Perfect Nail Shape

Whether you’re getting a standard or shellac manicure, there is plenty to consider: nail length, colour, art designs, and above all else, shape!

There are a few ways to shape your natural or acrylic nails. You may have a personal preference, but you should also consider your nail length, nail bed width, and even the length and shape of your fingers to help determine your ideal nail shape.

In this article, we’ll detail the most popular nail shapes and help you decide which one suits you best.

Round Nails

Round nails reflect your nails’ natural contour; they feature a short length with a circular edge at the tip. This simple silhouette is a classic and popular nail shape. It’s versatile, easy to maintain, and suits any nail polish colour, from neutrals to bright, bold tones.

Perfect for shorter nails, the round nail shape creates the appearance of longer fingers and makes wide nail beds look thinner and longer.

Oval Nails

The oval shape works for medium to long nails and short and wide nail beds and fingers. Nails are filed on both sides and end in a semicircle. It’s a feminine, natural look that gives the illusion of longer-looking fingers.

Your nails don’t need to be super long to rock the oval shape, but you do need a few millimetres past the tip of your finger.

The oval nail shape looks great in every hue, from reds to pastels to metallic colours. It also suits the latest trends in nail art.

Square Nails

Square nails, characterized by 90-degree angle sides and a squared-off tip, are the perfect nail shape for shorter nails and people with narrow nail beds and slim fingers; this style also makes your hands appear slightly wider.

Square nails are stylish, trendy, and popular with those of all ages. It’s a modern, low-maintenance nail shape that breaks less easily than other styles.

Dark, bright, and bold polish shades work well with square nails. For many, this shape also makes for great French tips.

Coffin/Ballerina Nails

Named for mirroring the shape of a coffin or a ballerina pointe shoe, this nail shape is long and dramatically tapers on the sides before finishing with a square tip.

Coffin/Ballerina nails are ideal for people with long nails and narrow nail beds. However, you do need nails that are long and strong to handle this nail shape, which makes it a good option for acrylic nails and people who don’t mind spending time doing nail maintenance.

This design goes well with natural hues, a dark matte polish, and an array of striking nail art designs.

Almond Nails

Almond nails feature elongated sides with rounded, tapered-off tips. You need a longer length to achieve what is considered one of the chicest nail shapes. This design works well for people with long, thin nail beds. It furthermore benefits those with wide fingers as it can make them appear longer and more slender.

Nude and natural polishes tend to suit almond nails the best.

Stiletto Nails

Not for the novice or those used to short nails, the stiletto shape lives up to its name. This style is long, dramatic, and filed to a point like a claw. Since this style breaks more easily than other shapes, it’s best suited for those looking to get acrylic nails. The stiletto shape also looks great with lots of glitter and glam accessories.

Want Your Nails Done? See an Expert Today

LASHGOD Don Mills is a beauty salon located in North York. We provide an array of cosmetic services, from manicures and body waxes to eyelash extensions. If you’re looking to get your nails done professionally, our team would be glad to help you choose the best shape and colour!
To find out more or book an appointment, call 647-986-5064 or visit us online.