The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Perfect Nail Shape
Square or almond, stiletto or ballerina—learn how to choose your perfect nail shape.
Nail shape names aren’t exactly complicated—square, round, ballerina—but picking the right one can be. From basic oval to domineering stiletto, switching up your shape can alter the entire mood of the manicure. (Would anyone even think to call a nude colour on long coffin nails boring? Didn’t think so.) Learning the myriad of nail shapes out there isn't where your fingertip education stops, either—you also have to figure out which nail shape is right for you. So, we asked celebrity manicurists Jin Soon Choi, Miss Pop, and Deborah Lippmann, as well as OPI educator and licensed lacquer and gel artist Sigourney Nuñez, to break it all down. Take note of their nail shape knowledge, then follow their advice to get your own Insta-worthy manicure.
Definition: It mirrors the contour of the nail with a circular edge at the tip. "The tip of your nail is filed like the arch of a perfect circle," explains Miss Pop.
Bottom Line: Anyone looking to elongate fingers. "[It makes] them look more narrow and makes wide nail beds appear thinner," says Nuñez.
Wear It With: Any shade will really do.
Why not go for a fun shade, like blue, with round nails?
Definition: "It is natural looking, but gently filed in on the sides to elongate the nail, and it can give the illusion of making your finger look longer. Perhaps this is in part because, to achieve the shape, your nail must grow slightly beyond the fingertip," says Miss Pop.
Bottom Line: "An oval shape nail is very feminine," says Lippmann. "Perfect for experimenting with trending colours."
Wear It With: Along with bold and unexpected shades, this shape is great for metallics and reds.
Basic nail math: Glitter + oval-shaped nails = that extra-long look.
Definition: "Filed straight across the top, with flawless 90-degree angle sides," says Miss Pop. "I always associate this shape with nail queens Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliot, and Dolly Parton. It’s their go-to file. I’d also add that this shape is very popular on the West Coast."
Bottom Line: If you have narrow nail beds and slim fingers, this is the perfect shape for you. "I classify it as a modern shape and it seems to have appeal among younger people," says Choi.
Wear It With: "Beautiful solid dark colours lend this shape a cool trendy feel," she says. "Geometric and negative space nail art work well [with] this shape too."
Try a dark, bold hue like this deep navy.
Squoval nails are versatile, and a red shade never fails.
Definition: Mimicking the shape of a coffin or a ballerina pointe shoe, this shape is tapered on the sides with a straight edge on the tip.
Bottom Line: "This is a favorite among people who are really into nails and fashionistas in general," says Choi. "This shape is both chic and strong."
Wear It With: This shape provides more surface area for nail art. However, Choi suggests choosing a solid colour with a matte finish.
This dark rosewood shade with purple will look good with most skin tones.
Definition: Long, pointy, and dramatic. "Filed to a point, like a claw. This edgy shape evokes Russ Meyer vixens and Cardi B. Although it has seen a recent surge in popularity, it actually dates back to the mid-20th century," says Miss Pop. "However, I would argue for this shape to be truly wearable, you need gel or acrylic to reinforce the nail. "
Bottom Line: "It's good for people who have a daring fashion style," says Choi. "People who want to sport a nail look that is outrageous and noticeable get this as a fashion accessory."
Wear It With: This is where you can show off gems and glitter.
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.