There are some different nail shapes available that you could experiment with, and each shape will give your overall look a different attitude. From chic almond-shaped nails to sharp, pointed nails, listed here are nine funky nail shapes to try.
Almond Nails
While some nail shapes look better with either longer or shorter fingers, your finger length doesn’t really matter with almond nails, as this shape is really so versatile. However, people who've quite narrow and long nail beds can pull this shape off especially well.
What exactly are almond nails?
Think from the silhouette of the almond – it’s wide at the bottom, slightly rounded, after which quite pointed at the top.
This is a reasonably practical way to rock a pointier shape, but still be able to get lots done. It also gives you plenty of space to experiment with color and nail art! Even though they are a little similar to oval nails (which are listed further down), they've got more edge and attitude, giving your hands additional drama.
Wondering ways to get almond nails?
It’s easy, just follow these steps:
- Hold your nail file in a 50 degree angle from the left side of your nail
- File your nail, but do this in just one direction, as this will assist you to prevent your nail from splitting. The only real exception to this rule is if you use a glass nail file
- Repeat that step on the right side of the nail
- File the tip and sides of the nail right into a “U” shape. Take it slow when focusing on this part, as you want the general contour around naturally taper right into a subtle point. Should you file away too much of your nail, the finished look is going to be too sharp
You will likely need to re-file your nails weekly to keep them in their almond shape.
Any downsides to almond nails?
They do tend to be vulnerable to breakages and splitting, usually because the point doesn’t cash support, and almond nails in many cases are quite long.
Stiletto Nails
Just like almond nails, stiletto nails are pretty self-explanatory…
Their silhouette mimics that of a stiletto heel, meaning that they're long and result in a sharp point.
Stiletto nails definitely will have a fierceness for them, making it no surprise that this nail shape is popular with several celebrities out there. This shape also has the advantage of making your nails, as well as your fingers, appear quite slender and long.
Want to know how you can file your nails right into a stiletto shape?
Your nails have to be pretty long to begin with, or else you won’t have the ability to accomplish this shape properly.
The technique itself is similar to those of the almond nails mentioned above. The difference is incorporated in the third step – instead of filing the end of your nail into a “U” shape, you file them right into a sharper point.
As you can imagine, the main downside to this nail shape is that stiletto nails are highly prone to breakages.
But, don’t worry, you can always go for gel or acrylic stiletto nails itself, because these will be stronger. This is a great choice for all those whose nails aren’t yet long enough to provide natural stiletto nails a try.
Coffin Nails
Also known as ballerina nails, this nail shape mimics the shape of the coffin, or perhaps a ballerina shoe! It's basically quite like the stiletto nail shape, except that it features a flat top rather than a point.
When it comes to creating the coffin nail shape….
Follow the instructions for the stiletto nail, but then file your nail tips straight across into a flat, blunt edge. Consider it like a square tip, except that it is on the tapered nail.
This is really quite a simple contour around create and maintain, which makes it one that everybody should try!
Squoval Nails
Squoval nails suit just about everyone, whether your fingers are short or long. However, in case your nail beds are quite wide and long, this is a nail shape that will help to balance that out a little.
What exactly are squoval nails?
They’re a combination between square and oval. They are also known as the soft square shape.
This shape is a classy one, thanks to its squareness. However, the rounded tips make this shape quicker to maintain, in addition to a lot more practical. Although the edges are straight such as the square nail, they aren’t likely to snag or tear as much.
How would you get squoval nails?
You follow the steps above for the rounded square nail.
Then, you continue filing the very best edge of your nail right into a rounded curve. Do this cautiously, because it is so easy to file for an excessive amount of off at this time.
Just like the majority of of the other nail shapes about this list, you will have to re-file your squoval nails about once a week in roder to maintain their shape. Although the tips have a tendency to naturally maintain their shape very well, you will notice that they don’t grow perfectly evenly.
Pointed Nails
If you would like something even fiercer than stiletto nails, then pointed nails are the approach to take.
Ok, so that they don’t look that not the same as stiletto nails, but there are a few things that set them apart…
While stiletto nails are quite tapered completely up, pointed nails are usually kept quite straight along the sides. Then, towards the top, the tip is filed right into a triangular shape.
However, much like stiletto nails, pointed nails break so easily. It is also extremely difficult to keep that time, because it doesn’t take much to allow them to become blunt. So, if you wish to give pointed nails a try, you might want to opt for gels or acrylics instead.
If you'll still want to go natural…
Make sure that you apply a nail strengthener to your nails before you begin.
Square Nails
Square nails are very versatile and low-maintenance, making them perfect for those who want a stylish nail shape, but don’t desire to be spending a lot of time each week shaping them.
They work especially well on people who have longer fingers, in addition to long and narrow nail beds, because they will help to balance these shapes out.
Since this nail shape follows your natural nail quite closely, it is also quite a strong shape. Unlike a few of the other shapes mentioned about this list, square nails tend to be less likely to interrupt, that is largely why they’re so popular.
Never had square nails before?
This is a straightforward contour around try. Here’s what you ought to do:
- File straight over the surface of your nail. Ensure that you file one way only, unless you are using a glass nail file
- Once you've reached your required length, make sure that the square tip you've filed is neat and straight
- File underneath each side of the nail, as this will help to straighten them. If the square tip of your nail is pointing downwards, you have to file the sides more. When the tip is pointing upwards, then you have filed too much
Wondering list of positive actions using the corners of the nails?
You have two options:
- Sharp Square – keep the corners quite sharp, giving the square form of your nail more definition
- Rounded Square – this square shape features slightly rounded corners. To achieve this, simply provide the corners of the nails a gentle file, just enough to take the sharp edge off
How long should your square nails be?
This is totally your decision. Square nails look great both long and short, so try them both to determine what you personally prefer.
Is there anybody who shouldn’t go for square nails?
Yes. If your nail is of course quite wide, then square nails are something you’re probably better off avoiding.
Why?
Because this shape will make your nails appear wider. Should you pair this having a nail that is already wide, your fingers might end up searching of proportion.
Trapeze Nails
Trapeze nails are also known as flared nails or duck feet nails.
Why?
Because instead of narrowing towards the top, they flare outwards, using their shape being similar to that of duck feet.
If you’ve never seen trapeze nails before, this may sound strange, however they have actually been around for quite a while. However, they are making a small comeback at the moment, which is why you have probably seen numerous variations of this shape in your Instagram feed.
Want to give this nail shape a go?
While it can be done naturally, this is something which many struggle with, particularly if you want the flare to become quite dramatic. Fortunately, it can easily be completed with acrylics, and also applies very well to nail art.
It is obvious this nail shape is highly vulnerable to breakages, lifting and snagging. This isn’t a shape that you would wear every day, but it’s an excellent one to then add flair to your look for a special day.
Oval Nails
Elegant, classy and traditional, oval nails are among the popular nail shapes available.
Why?
Because they mimic natural curve of the cuticle, making it flattering for just about everyone. It also makes the fingers appear more slender, improving the appearance of the hands. Better still, oval nails work well just about every length, whether your nails are long or short.
Although oval nails may not be anything new, lots of people find it hard to achieve an ideal oval.
Here’s how to just do that:
- The perfect oval nail needs to reflect the oval form of each of your nail beds, so make use of your nail beds like a guideline
- Begin by filing down any sharp corners
- File your nails into an oval shape
- Once you are done, make sure that each nail follows the form of their nail bed. You should also check that all of your nails are identical length
- Finish off with an excellent file to remove any roughness, ensuring you are continuing to file your nail within the same direction
Lipstick Nails
The lipstick nail shape is ultra-dramatic, and it is definitely one from the more unique nail shapes out there.
Never heard of the lipstick nail before?
This shape was inspired by a fresh tube of lipstick. It’s an asymmetrical shape that looks like a tilted triangle, as being a lipstick tip.
Let’s face it – this nail shape isn’t probably the most practical. You will have to spend quite a bit of time maintaining this shape, also it could also ensure day-to-day tasks a bit more challenging. However, if you’re looking for creativity and flair, the lipstick shape is certainly someone to try.
How do you actually produce the lipstick nail?
You need to first choose which angle you would like the asymmetry to become.
Then, on the side that you want to help keep long, file along side it upright, just like you would for any square nail.
Once you're able to the very best, rather than filing straight across, file diagonally downwards.
Are your nails quite long?
Make certain you place a finger underneath each nail while you file them. Your finger will act as a brace, keeping the nail straight and strong when you file.
You can really have so much fun tinkering with different nail shapes, also it won’t get you long to find out which ones flatter both hands the best. Whether you opt for something classic, such as the oval or even the square, or take a risk using the stiletto or the trapeze, these nine shapes will certainly then add extra style to your nails.
