The Most Common Nail Shapes, Explained

If you want your manicures to really pop (dare we say, hit the nail on the head), then forget polish colors, design themes, and the ever-pressing dilemma of to bling or not to bling. A truly cool mani that looks just as good naked as it does dressed up starts with one thing and one thing only: your nail shape. 

The length and width of our nail beds can dramatically change the overall look of a manicure and the physical appearance of our hands and fingers. Nail shapes can also help dictate the best color and design options or embody specific time periods for a fun, retro, or futuristic feel. Plus, it’s an easy and often more affordable way to get in on the latest fashion trends. 

Here are the main nail shapes you need to know for your next salon appointment. 

Round 

Let’s start with the basics: Round nails are essentially the default nail shape. The edge of the nail is rounded, following the fingertip’s natural curve, and the nails are cut close to the bed. Round nails are a great option if you’re highly active, have a labor-intensive job, or don’t like the feel of long nails. This nail shape is also easy to maintain at home and universally flattering. Round nails provide length to shorter fingers. 

Oval 

Oval nail shapes follow a similar edge as rounded nails, but the length of the nail itself is slightly longer. This nail shape can provide dimension to short nail beds, which can also create the illusion of longer fingers. These nails don’t make a huge statement, but that’s not a bad thing. Painted with a soft ballerina pink, oval nails create a timeless, feminine, and chic everyday look that works in the office or out on the town. 

Square 

Square nails — whether short and sleek or French-tipped — feature a distinct flat top edge and short to medium nail length. The stark contrast between the sharp edges of the nail and the round edges of the finger help bold, statement monochromatic looks really stand out. Square nail shapes tend to look the most balanced on nails with a narrow nail bed. Too-short squares can create the illusion of blunt, short fingers.

Squoval 

As the name implies, squoval nail shapes are a blend of square and oval shapes. These nails have the same boxy edge of square nails, but the edges are rounder, creating a softer appearance. Squoval nails can lengthen short nail beds and offer an interesting shape to longer fingers without adding more height to the nail itself. It’s a versatile shape that adds a bit of oomph to an otherwise subtle manicure. 

Almond 

Featuring a longer nail tapered to a rounded tip like an actual almond, these appropriately named nails are a trendy way to add drama to a manicure without committing to major length. Almond nails tend to emphasize the natural length of the finger, which means long fingers will look even longer and short fingers will look even shorter. A skilled self-manicurist can maintain this look at home, but beginners might find it more difficult. 

Stiletto 

Take an almond nail shape and add an extra quarter or half of an inch, and you’ll have stiletto nails. Named after the thin high heel, stiletto nails are long and taper to a narrow point. The catlike appearance of this nail shape adds an undeniable edge to any manicure, no matter the color or design. Stiletto nails (and the remaining nail shapes on this list) are best maintained with regular visits to a licensed nail technician. 

Coffin or Ballerina

Coffin or ballerina nails are basically stiletto nails with a squared edge, which gives this shape its distinct appearance of either a wooden coffin or a ballet slipper en pointe. Popular among celebrities, this nail shape adds eye-catching length and drama to a mani. It's a great candidate for highly decorative manicures or multiple colors that highlight the tapered width of the overall nail. Don’t let the coffin nickname fool you — these trendy nails are great year-round, not just during spooky season (though, that’d be a scary good time to start). 

Flare or Duck

Flare or duck nails are an oft-forgotten relic of the early 2000s, featuring an acrylic nail tip that flares out wider than the nail bed itself. This highly stylized shape isn’t for everyone, but for those who love statement manicures, chunky charms, and add-ons, and who don’t mind using acrylic or nail tips, these unique shapes certainly make a statement. Press-on nail company Nailuxe recommends flare tips for those with wider palms to bring an overall balance to the hands.