The Sunday Mail
SECONDS after you sit down in the nail salon, you have historically been forced to make a binary decision: square or round? But it is not that simple anymore. These days, nail shapes are more varied than ever, thanks to influencers and celebrities alike wearing a variety of far-from-traditional silhouettes. It is not just about picking the perfect nail colour or showing off a funky design anymore — nail shapes are the new it-factor when it comes to nailing a manicure (no pun intended). Read on . . .
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Square nails
Square nails are flat on top with straight, sharp corners. They neither flare out nor taper in and are a popular shape for people with short nails. They are also popular among those with long, narrow nail beds. Square nails are typically seen as stylish and clean. In addition, they require low maintenance. This shape looks amazing with a bold, block colour.
Round nails
The classic round shape is another favourite 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 ones start with straight sides but curve at the edges to follow the natural shape of the fingertip. If you want to go bold with colour but are not sure about the shape, there is no going wrong with a round nail shape.
Squoval nails
Square oval — or squoval — nails are perfect if you are into the flat edge of the square but hate sharp corners. It unites the best parts of square nails and oval ones. 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.
Oval nails
Yes, round nails are different from oval ones. Here is 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; giving the illusion of length. The oval shape is especially great if you want to do a bit of nail art.
Almond nails
Like oval nails, almond ones 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.
Stiletto nails
Possibly one of the most striking shapes you can opt for, stiletto nails are all about 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 colour, art and texture.
Almondetto nails
If almond and stiletto nails had a baby, it would be almondetto. This hybrid of two nail shapes is perfect for those who love the dainty appeal of almond-shaped nails but want a bit more edge. It is longer than the traditional almond, which is why it has this hybrid name. The nails became popular since the Gel-X nail brand Aprés began creating its gel tips in the almondetto shape.
Ballerina nails
Ballerina nails are also known as coffin-shaped nails. There is a huge spike in coffin-shaped nails at the moment, 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.
Lipstick nails
These 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 will definitely make you stand out.
Flare nails
As the name suggests, this nail shape flares upwards and out, and is also known as the duck bill shape.
Some say the best way to enjoy a flared nail is to just have fun with it. They cannot be plain; flashy colours, 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.
Edge nails
Edge nails form a point. However, the point is not as long as a stiletto shape or as aggressive as an arrowhead. At the same time, it offers a slightly sharper angled tip than a mountain peak. They are 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 centre of the nail, mimicking an edge.
Arrowhead nails
An arrowhead nail is 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 who do not 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. — Wires
