It’s hard not wanting to experiment with your nails when there are so many amazing nail artists and IG worthy manicures on our feed a daily. It’s easy to see how the shape and style of your nails can totally transform a look. Think about it: Short, nude round nails and nude stiletto nails all give a very different vibe when paired with your outfits. However, when it comes to nail shapes I used to be very clueless and used to stress out every time the nail tech would ask me how I would like my nails filed. Raise your hands if you feel the same! Or is it just me?
Eventually, I learned the different nail shapes and trends which isn’t exactly complicated but picking the right ones can be. While which nail shape you go with depends on your preference or personality, it’s also important to keep in mind your lifestyle. For example, if you use your hands a lot you should avoid getting extra long or extreme nail shapes. Either way, if you have a desire to get a little more creative with your nails keep scrolling to find the most popular nail shape trends at the moment you’ve got to try. Take note of all the nail shape knowledge, then pick your favourite to get your own Insta-worthy manicure.
Keep reading to check out the best nail shapes and styles worth trying:
1. Stiletto
Like a killer pair of sky-high heels, stiletto nails have a long, pointed tip. Both dramatic and high maintenance if you’re looking for an edgy look, this is for you. However, because they are super tapered, pointy and long you’ll need to commit to extensions. Mainly done with acrylics or gel overlays, you want to make sure you care for them so they last long. With plenty of space to work with you can try a ton of designs like glitter, rhinestones and other fun additions.
2. Round Nails
As the name suggests round nails have rounded tips. Soft, natural and an easy look to maintain because it won’t break easily, it looks great with nails of any length. You can aslo do it yourself at home if you can’t grow your nails super long. All it requires to get the shape is by following the natural shape of your fingertip until you have a perfect semi-circle.
3. Oval
If you’re in doubt, oval-shaped nails long or short are always a winner. The curved edge almost mirrors the curve of the cuticle, which technically can be the ideal nail style for everyone. While it looks simple enough to do at home it takes a ton of patience to execute. if you file too heavily or not enough it can easily veer into almond or round territory. At the end of the day, the oval makes a great base for any kind of nail art but are also great for those that want classic medium-length nails.
4. Almond
Almond shapes can be very flattering, chic and modern. It gets its name because the entire nail looks like an almond in that it’s elongated at the tip with a round base. Ideally, they work best with longer nails since plenty of lengths is require for it to be noticeable but the extra length allows for more creativity when it comes to nail art. So it’s common with acrylics that require salon maintenance.
5. Square
Pretty self-explanatory the square shape has a straight-across edge. The flat tip of this nail shape gives the illusion of extra width, making nails appear wider than they actually are. Plus allowing a little more space for a statement tip. Square edges are easily achieved by simply filing back and forth across the top of your nail. But because the corners tend to get jagged they require regular filing to keep them smooth.
6. Squoval
Combining two looks in one—a mix of square and oval, Squoval nails are the perfect hybrid. Modern and soft anyone can wear these nails. It’s such a subtle shape, it works with pretty much any colour or art you want, so get ready to give it a go ASAP!
7. Coffin
Another celeb favourite, coffin nail shapes have really become Insta famous. If you’re not afraid of bold looks you’re going to love this trend. It looks amazing on slender fingers with acrylic nails. Because it looks like a coffin, it requires strongly tapered sides with a very straight edge across the top. However like stilettos, these require salon maintenance, so make sure to get your fills when needed.
8. Arrowhead
Not quite as tapered or intense as the stiletto nail. When it comes to this pointed shape, the sides are generally kept pretty straight up until the top, when they are filed into a triangular tip. If you’ve got thick and long nails you can pull this shape of naturally. Otherwise use acrylics and gels. This is great if you like pointed tips but want something more practical.
What’s your favourite nail shape trend? Let us know in the comments below.
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