Not sure which nail shape to go with? Screenshot the below graphic for your next nail appointment. Orchid can help you decide which one works best on your fingers and with the nail art you’re hoping to get.
The square nail shape is pretty self-explanatory. Square nails are square — they’re flat on top with straight, sharp corners.
They neither flare out nor taper in and are a popular shape for those with short nails or long, narrow nail beds.
Square nails are typically seen as stylish and clean but also low-maintenance, this shape looks amazing with a bold, block color.
The classic round shape is another favorite for those who prefer to keep their nails clipped short. If you feel you have shorter fingers, you may be more likely to go for a round nail as it can elongate fingers, Like square nails, round nails start with straight sides but curve at the edges to follow the natural shape of the fingertip.
If you want to go bold with color but aren’t sure about the shape, there’s no going wrong with a round nail shape. “They truly look brilliant with any shade of polish you’re in the mood for,”
Square oval — or squoval — nails are perfect if you’re into the flat edge of the square but hate sharp corners. It unites the best parts of square nails and oval nails.
This classic, hybrid shape is universally beloved and seriously suits everyone.
However, it can be especially appealing for those with wider, longer nail beds because it helps balance out the look of wide nails.
Yes, round nails are different from oval ones. Here’s how: Oval nails are filed down on the sides in addition to the tips. The curvature is more extreme, so it tends to make fingers look a little longer.
Known to be a classic choice, an oval shape will also elongate the nail to give the illusion of length, . Oval nail shape is especially great if you want to do a bit of nail art.
Looking for a super glamorous nail shape? Then the almond nail shape is for you. Like oval nails, almond nails are filed along the sides. The nail wall is tapered to end in a round peak, similar to the shape of an actual almond.
Natural nails are often too weak to hold this structure on their own, so most almond manicures are reinforced with gel or acyclic.
Possibly one of the most striking nail shapes you can opt for, stiletto nails are all about the drama. Shaping this spiked look starts off the same as its nuttier counterpart, the almond, but ends at a much sharper point with a wider base. This shape is quite high-maintenance, “but it can showcase creativity with color, art, and texture.”
Ballerina nails, also known as coffin-shaped nails, are Kylie Jenner’s go-to nail shape. “We are seeing a huge spike in coffin-shaped nails at the moment,” “As inspired by the resurgence of Y2K beauty and that throwback style that has made a huge comeback.”
The shape is essentially the same as a stiletto nail but with a square tip instead of a pointed tip — resembling the shape of a coffin and ballerina slipper. This shape offers the length of a stiletto nail without the sharp drama of the tip.
Another easy-to-understand name, lipstick nails are shaped like the cut angle of a fresh tube of lipstick.
This squared nail style slants diagonally at the tip for a seriously unique nail shape. They work well with any nail length and they’ll definitely make you stand out.
You can also play around with geometric nail designs, like slanted lines and shapes to enhance the unique shape.
As the name suggests, this nail shape flares upward and out, and is also known as the duck bill shape. The best way to enjoy a flared nail is to just have fun with it. 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.
However, if you work with your hands a lot, this might not be the nail shape for you. If you work at a bar or you are a hairstylist, have a small child who needs nappy changes, or operate a cleaning business it just won’t work, they definitely get in the way compared to more traditional shapes.
Edge nails form a point, but the point is not as long as a stiletto shape or as aggressive as an arrowhead. However, it offers a slightly sharper angled tip than a mountain peak. They’re shaped with the sides extending straight before the top edges are filed to look like an edge. When created with acrylics, the edge nail also forms into a ridge through the center of the nail, mimicking an edge.
If you’re thinking of giving this shape a try, it’s important to be comfortable with the sharpness of the shape. 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.
With that being said, Its worth giving this one a try if you want something different and exciting. 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.
Arrowhead nails are a less severe version of a stiletto nail with a shorter point featuring more dramatic angles to create the tip.
These are perfect for those that don’t have or like the super long nails.
In fact, this shape is great for someone who wants to test drive long, pointy nails before fully committing to the stiletto shape.
Nail shapes play a crucial role in the world of manicures, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of well-groomed hands. Different nail shapes can complement various styles and finger shapes.
Choosing the right nail shape depends on personal style, finger shape, and lifestyle. Additionally, maintaining healthy nails through regular grooming, moisturizing, and avoiding excessive use of harsh chemicals is essential for achieving a flawless manicure.
