Decisions, decisions. Isn’t it always hard to choose the nail shape when you go to the salon?
Considering all those things – nails, color, shape, even your hand type – this all can be a bit intimidating. Not to mention when it comes to picking the shade! There are so many choices.
If you doubt what nail shape suits you best, let’s move on.
What To Take Into Consideration When Choosing Nail Shape?
We all know the power of a good manicure. However, is it always easy to choose the right nail shape? You should consider your hand type, finger type, and surely the preferred nail shape. The nail shapes guide shows all the available options, but which one is best for you?
From elongating short fingers to accentuating small nails, you should think about these things before choosing the final nail shape for your mani.
What’s Your Hand Type?
You need to know one thing. All hands are unique and beautiful in their own way. However, hand proportion and finger length come into play when you need to choose your perfect manicure.
Let’s see together what type of hands you have. Are you Hi-Five, or maybe you got piano hands?
Hi-five Hands: Long Palm, Short Fingers
If you have long palms and short fingers, your hands are likely the hi-five type. The best nail shape for you is oval. It will make your fingers appear longer, as well as slender to make a perfect balance out the hand’s length.
To achieve an oval shape, you need to file the sides of your nails straight and taper the free edge into an oval shape.
Grounded Hands: Wide Palms, Short Fingers
If you wondered what nail shapes are best for wide palms and short fingers, the answer is almond and oval. The key is to elongate the fingers, and the almond shape is perfect for that.
If you are not a fan of almond nail shapes, you can also go for an oval. In fact, any rounded shape will do just fine.
Generous Hands: Long Palms, Long Fingers
If you have a generous hand, it means your palms are long, and so are your fingers.
The best nails to choose from are square nails. Luckily for you, this also means you can be creative and let your imagination do the work of magic on your fingernails. Little squares on fingers are great for nail art.
Piano Hands: Wide Palms, Long Fingers
If you were thinking about gathering some attention and turning heads, then piano hands in combination with ballerina or coffin nails are the things for you. The edgy coffin shape is perfect for balancing out wide palms and long fingers.
You should be careful if your nails are weak. These two nail shapes require special attention.
How To Find the Best Nail Shape for Your Fingers, Plus a Visual Guide To Nail Shapes
The options are endless when you try to choose the best nail shape. However, familiarizing yourself with these options is essential to picking the right one. We have listed all those nail shapes, whether you have short or long nails.
1. Square Shaped Nails
If you are into short nails, square shape nails are the right ones. Square nails are straighter on the sides with a blunt and straight top edge. The style is very neat and chic, great for women who like their nails in order but stylish.
If your nail beds are narrow and your fingers long, then square-shaped nails will look great on you. Otherwise, you run the risk of your hands looking shorter.
Regarding nail polish, square nails look amazing with bright colors and classic red or black.
2. Arrowhead Nails
As the name says, arrowhead nails are known for their extremely pointy tip that looks like an arrow. This unique shape might not be the most used one, but it is very interesting and eye-catching.
These nails are the perfect canvas for many different designs, from sequined tips to ombre nails.
Be careful, though. This nail shape is prone to breakage, so you must keep your angles in good condition. Depending on the length, you won’t be able to do sports or train with these nails.
3. Coffin/Ballerina Shaped Nails
Another nail shape that imitates the name is a coffin or ballerina nail shape. These nails look like a coffin or ballerina pointy shoe top. The shape is very long, tapered at the sides with a squared-off tip.
Women with naturally strong nails can go for the ballerina’s nails. Coffin nails look amazing on women with long, slim fingers and long nails. They need to be maintained well. This nail shape matches many nail polishes, from classic red and burgundy to acrylic and matte nail polishes.
4. Duck Nail Shape
You may love or hate them, but one thing is true – duck nails were the hype of the ’90s. They experienced being popular again in recent years, thanks to social media. When you see them, you may wonder how it is possible to wear them. Their shape is flattened and flared, so it looks like a duck’s foot. That is why professionals usually do these nails.
They are ideal for nail art since there is so much space.
5. Acrylic Nail Shape
Acrylic nails are both practical and appealing. Whether you prefer short or long nails, you can achieve any of the shapes with acryl. Many women have weak nails but like to wear them long. Acrylic nails are great since your nail artist can achieve anything with them.
Make sure you trust your nail artist enough to do your acrylic nail shape. Their only downside is that acrylic nails can damage the nail if they are not applied or removed correctly.
6. Squoval Nail Shape
Squoval nails are the easiest nails to maintain. Actually, for most people, this is how their nails grow naturally.
To get the shape, trip the nails to the desired length, and then use a nail file to taper the corners by making them a bit round.
The good news is that this nail shape looks perfect on any finger type. It is natural, chic, and appropriate for any manicure. However, if your nails are longer than the fingertip – they will look even better!
7. Edge Nail Shape
If you are looking for another way to do your manicure and make it more appealing, check out the edge nail shape. Its cone-shaped appearance makes your nails appear extra long. These nails are definitely attention-drawing. It is a good option for those who like their nails to be bold.
Whether you opt for one color or a combination of glitter and matte nail polish, be assured that your nails will be visible and noticed.
8. Lipstick Nails
This shape became popular on Instagram. Originally made famous by nail artist Park Eunkyung, the lipstick nail shape has been tried by millions of influencers and celebrities around the world.
The name came from the shape itself – the edges are trimmed at an asymmetrical angle, and the created diagonal slant looks precisely like a lipstick bullet.
This shape can work on both short and long nails. Ideal if you can wear it if you have short fingers.
Lipstick nails are perfect for a French manicure and different nail art.
9. Flare Nail Shape
Like duck-shaped nails, flare nails look attractive, even though they are not the most practical ones. You can have them, but be aware that you will be deprived of many daily activities. These nails are great for show-off, thanks to the Y2k aesthetic.
10. Moon Nail Shape
Moon’s nails refer to the shape of that rounded cuticle at the base of the nail, where the nail starts growing. It is an important part of your nail bed since it can help you decide the nail shape and manicure you choose. A rounded or moon-shaped lunula will look great with round or oval nails.
11. Oval Shaped Nails
Oval-shaped nails are common but not less attractive and stylish. These nails are similar to almond ones, but with an edge, that is filled more oval. The oval-shaped nails are great for people with short hands and short fingers, thanks to their elongating abilities. Also, whether you have a narrow or wide nail bed, you can rock this style without problems.
Just a few millimeters of the edge will secure that perfect manicure you can wear daily. This shape is low-maintenance, matching perfectly with classic nail polishes and nail art.
12. Stiletto Nails
Are you looking for something dramatic, long, and eye-catching? Then stiletto nails are for you.
The stilettos are defined by tapered shapes and pointy tips. However, this tip might be the toughest to maintain since it is prone to breakage. This shape looks great on long fingers but can also elongate short ones.
If you want long stiletto nails, think about using gel or acrylic to reinforce them. Stilettos are made for nail art, glitter, and everything that will gather a crowd around your hands.
13. Round Shaped Nails
If you want to keep your nails short but make your hands appear long, pick round-shaped nails. This shape can be used to make wide nail beds appear like narrow nail beds.
Round nails are not only classy and chic but also fuss-free. Meaning low maintenance with great results and natural nails for daily wear.
14. Almond Shaped Nails
Almond-shaped nails have a wide base, slim sides, and rounded peaks. They mimic the shape of an almond. This shape will elongate short hands and make wide fingers appear longer.
Even though they have a pointy tip, almond nails are not prone to much breakage as stiletto ones. If you like this style, try wearing it with neutral shades, just a bit of glitter, and matte nail polishes.
Final words
The nail shape can greatly influence how you look and feel. Women consider their lifestyle, personality, preferences, or even a Zodiac sign before going to the salon. We suggest making these decisions with some playfulness: do some experiments and have fun. This isn’t something that is for good; remember that.
FAQ
You asked, and we answered! These are some of the most common questions about nail shapes.
What Is the Most Classy Nail Shape?
Since oval and almond nail shapes are flattering to everyone, they are the most classy too. Both can be worn short or long, in many different options and color combinations. Most importantly, these two nail shapes are great for work, office, or even weddings.
Keyboard-ready? What Nail Shape Is Easiest to Type With?
If you spend a lot of your time in front of a computer, it is normal to ask which nail shape is suitable for typing.
Low maintenance is the key here, so round and square nails should be the choice. These two styles look amazing when you wear them short, so don’t hesitate to choose them for your work.Â
What Nail Shape Suits Wide Nails?
People with wide nails should look for a way to elongate them. A perfect shape for that is a round one. The round nails can create an illusion of thinner nail beds. They are ideal for different occasions – from day-to-day activities to special occasions.
What Nail Shape Is the Strongest?
Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage. Both of them don’t have spiky edges, so the ends are not pointy and thin.Â
What Nail Shape Is the Weakest?
The weakest shape of them all is the stiletto. Stiletto nails are fragile due to their pointy tip and trimmed sides.
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