Ultimate Guide to Nail Shapes & When to Wear Them

Photo: barsbymeg

Ever got confused while telling a nail technician in a nail salon which shape you want to try for your next manicure ? Or have you had difficulty identifying the shape of somebody’s nails you liked in a cafe? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! By the end of this blog, you’ll be able to identify all the nail shapes and understand which ones work best for trends like French tips, occasions like Christmas, or seasons like winter, etc.

1. Square

A classic shape identified by squared edges at the top, this looks best when you want to try french tips, monochrome shades or for using chrome. A classic shape for evergreen styles. You can wear these for work or casual outings. Square nails work great for wide nail beds.

2. Oval

Shaped like an oval at the edge and slightly longer than usual, oval shape nails enhance the ombre designs, marble art and nude tones. This shape elevates your outfit when youre attending weddings, formal events or just want to uplift your everyday elegant outfits. Oval nail shape is also top nail shapes for a manicure.

3. Rounded

Neatly round at the edge, giving an organic look to the nails, this shape gives a humble, down-to-earth vibe. Hence, it is best suited for classic reds or muted tones to be worn in family gatherings or at work. Or when you have a minimalist look in mind *Google, play Cheri Cheri Lady in the background *

4. Almond

Round, but make it pointed at the top and you’ve got the most chic of them all: Shape Almond .(I think we should start addressing nail shapes as sisters do to each other at church, it’s growing on me). Almond is the go-to for nail trends of 2024 as it enhances chrome nails, gemstone embellishments and bold colors. If you’re going to a date or cocktail party, almond is your guy.

5. Stilletto

Narrow, pointed, and long like a stiletto heel, this baby is made for occasions where you can wear stiletto heels too (pretty simple, no?) It looks best with 3D nail art, statement nails, and metallics , catering to the goddess vibes one looks for while going to nightclubs or high-fashion events.

6. Mountain peak

A little triangle at the top of the nail, and the straight till the base is a characteristic of the mountain peak. About to get abstract designs or a beautiful gradient glitter for your next big event? Mountain peak is what youre looking for

7. Square-Oval

A mix of both the OG’s square and oval , it has a broad width of a square and a rounded top. Suited for the cottage core aesthetic including pastel hues and floral patterns, your girlies will compliment you when you wear it to brunches and office parties.

8. Ballerina

As the name suggests, it’s shaped like the ballerina shoe, narrowing nails finished off with straight edge. This one goes well with animal prints and rhinestone accents, when you want to let out your maximalist side for glamorous events and date nights. Ballerina nails are another type of nail shapes acrylic for those who love a strong, chic look.

9. Edge

This is shaped like a sword with two sloping sides at the top. It perfectly matches your avant-garde parties and the extra-long nails with futuristic patterns.

10. Lipstick

Shaped like a newly opened lipstick, it complements the color block designs or quirky nail arts a fashionista would wear to trendy meetups.

11. Flare

Ever seen the shape of nail brush when you press it to apply a shade evenly? Thats exactly how the flare nail looks like. Give the bold shape, it goes perfectly with bold glitters and retro themes.

12. Arrowhead

Similar to edge, arrowhead consists just of the little triangle formed at the top of edge shape, integrated with your original nail length and shape. It wears edgy art and metallic finishes well.

And there you have it! Now you’re an expert on nail shapes. You can mix them and customize them according to your whim just like the IT girls ordering a long specific coffee at Starbucks that makes you think, “Damn! She really knows what she wants.” Can I get extra-long almond-shaped acrylic nails, a matte finish, in a soft nude pink base with an ombre fade to white, accented with gold foil on the ring fingers, and a glossy top coat for added shine? (So classy, I’ll scream). For more nail inspiration and home manicure (DIY) tips, check out our guide on 7 Easy Steps to Salon-Perfect Nails at Home.

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