Cassandra
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Remember when picking different nail types meant just choosing between square or round? But now? Now we’re living in what I like to call the golden age of nail shapes. While square and almond are still totally classic choices (and my personal go-tos), there’s this whole world of wild shapes out there – like lipstick tips and edge designs that’ll make your Instagram followers do a double-take.
Listen, I get it. Sitting in that salon chair, frantically Googling nail types while your manicurist waits… we’ve all been there! These days, nailing the perfect manicure isn’t just about picking a fun color or some cute nail art. The shape you choose? That’s what really makes or breaks your whole vibe.
I recently chatted with Lilly Rojas (she’s the genius behind Brooklyn’s super-trendy Lili and Cata nail salon), who totally gets why we’re all obsessed with trying new nail shapes. “Playing around with different nail types isn’t just about looking good,” she told me. “It’s like trying on a new personality! Sometimes wearing a shape you’d never normally pick feels weirdly empowering – kind of like when you finally rock that bold red lipstick you’ve been nervous about.”
But here’s the thing – you’ve got to keep it real when picking your nail type. I learned this from Anastasia Totty (she’s this amazing LeChat nail educator who owns Artistique Salon in Jacksonville). She broke it down for me: think about your style, what you actually like (not just what’s trending on TikTok), and – let’s be practical – what works with your job. “The best nail shape isn’t just about what’s hot right now,” she explained. “It’s about what makes you feel like your best self.”
Want a pro tip? I love this trick from Deborah Lippmann (yes, THE Deborah Lippmann): Look at your cuticles! “Push back those cuticles properly, and then match your nail tips to that same curve,” she explained. “It’s like your nails are giving you a cheat sheet for what shape works best.” Mind. Blown.
Real talk: We’ve got more nail shapes now than fingers to put them on (which is kind of hilarious when you think about it). That’s exactly why I’ve broken down the 11 most popular options. Trust me, by the time you finish reading this, you’ll be schooling your nail tech on the difference between coffin and ballerina shapes.
Oh, and take it from Rojas – don’t be afraid to shake things up! “Switch your nail shape every few months,” she suggests. “It’s like trying a new hairstyle, but way less commitment. You might stumble onto your signature look when you least expect it.”
Let’s dive into these shapes, shall we?
1. Square Nails Type: The Classic Beauty
When it comes to timeless nail types, square nails reign supreme. Picture perfectly straight edges meeting a flat top – that’s your classic square shape. Perfect for short nails or those blessed with long, narrow nail beds.
Charlotte Knight, founder of Ciaté London, puts it perfectly: “Square nails are typically seen as stylish and clean but also low-maintenance. This shape looks amazing with a bold, block color.”
2. Round Nails Type: The Versatile Favorite
Think of round nail types as your manicure’s best friend. They follow your fingertip’s natural curve, starting with straight sides that gently round at the edges.
“If you feel you have shorter fingers, you may be more likely to go for a round nail as it can elongate fingers,” Knight explains. She adds, “They truly look brilliant with any shade of polish you’re in the mood for.”
If you like this kind of type you can give a look into a collection of 25 Cute Halloween Nails Ideas For A Crazy Spooky Season.
3. Squoval Nails Type: The Perfect Mix
Can’t choose between square and oval? Squoval nail types offer the best of both worlds. It’s like square nails went to finishing school – all the structure without the sharp corners.
Knight notes that this classic, hybrid shape is universally beloved and seriously suits everyone. It’s especially flattering if you’ve got wider, longer nail beds, helping to balance out your natural nail shape.
4. Oval Nails Type: The Elongating Enhancer
Oval nail types take that round shape and kick it up a notch. The sides get filed down along with the tips, creating a more dramatic curve that makes fingers look like they go on for days.
“Known to be a classic choice, an oval shape will also elongate the nail to give the illusion of length,” says Knight. Plus, this nail type creates the perfect canvas for nail art enthusiasts!
5. Almond Nails Type: The Glamour Statement
Want to feel like you’re ready for your close-up? Almond nail types deliver pure sophistication. These beauties taper along the sides to create a round peak – just like their namesake nut.
Style Note: Natural nails might need reinforcement with gel or acrylic for this shape. But don’t worry – brands like Sally Hansen, Glamnetic, and Kiss offer gorgeous press-on options in this shape.
6. Stiletto Nails Type: The Drama Queen
Ready to turn heads? Stiletto nail types are all about making a statement. Think almond shape but with extra attitude – sharp point, wide base, can’t lose.
Knight notes that this shape is quite high-maintenance, “but it can showcase creativity with color, art, and texture.”
7. Almondetto Nails Type: The Modern Hybrid
Meet the lovechild of almond and stiletto nail types. Elle Gerstein, Los Angeles-based nail artist, explains: “It’s longer than the traditional almond, which is why it has this hybrid name.”
“Aprés took the work out of sculpting it, so now it’s easier to just get straight to your art and cut your salon time down — it’s why we’re seeing it everywhere,” says Gerstein.
8. Ballerina (Coffin) Nail Type: The Y2K Comeback
Kylie Jenner’s signature nail type is having a major moment. “We are seeing a huge spike in coffin-shaped nails at the moment,” Knight shares. “As inspired by the resurgence of Y2K beauty and that throwback style that has made a huge comeback.”
9. Lipstick Nail Type: The Unique Statement
Just like your favorite lipstick bullet, these nail types rock a diagonal slant at the tip. Rojas notes, “They work well with any nail length and they’ll definitely make you stand out.”
Pro Tip: Try geometric nail designs to enhance this unique shape’s angular appeal.
10. Flare (Duck Bill) Nail Type: The Bold Choice
These nail types spread their wings – literally! The tips flare outward, creating that distinctive duck bill effect.
Totty keeps it real: “They can’t be plain; flashy colors, fun prints and bling are the way to go. You have to really like attention to be able to rock these beauties.” She adds a practical note: “If you work at a bar or you are a hairstylist, have a small child who needs diaper changes, or operate a cleaning business it just won’t work. They definitely get in the way compared to more traditional shapes.”
11. Edge Nail Type: The Sharp Sophisticate
Edge nail types bring the point without the extreme length of stilettos. “They’re shaped with the sides extending straight before the top edges are filed to look like an edge,” Rojas explains.
Totty offers some real talk: “Those edge nails are very sharp and may get in the way. It’s also important to get them filled in more often and reshaped to avoid wear and tear.”
Lippmann encourages experimentation: “Anyone that wants to try a new nail shape should try this. A new nail shape is just as fun as trying out a new nail color.”
12. Arrowhead Nail Type: The Starter Point
Think of arrowhead nail types as stilettos’ more approachable cousin – shorter point, more dramatic angles. As Rojas puts it, “These are perfect for those that don’t have or like the super long nails.”
Choosing Your Perfect Nail Type
Consider these factors when picking your shape:
- Lifestyle and daily activities
- Natural nail strength
- Maintenance commitment
- Personal style
- Finger length and nail bed width
Remember, the best nail type is the one that makes you feel confident while fitting your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment – your perfect nail shape might be one you haven’t tried yet!
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