7 Nail Shapes

Whether you keep your nails short or long, nail shape can make a huge difference in the way your nails look. The square, oval, rounded and almond shape are four of the most basic shapes, but recently the stiletto, ballerina shape and even elongated square shape have become much more popular. Here is some more information about the 7 most popular nail shapes and how to achieve them.

1. Square

Square shaped nails have been really popular for a long time, as they are great for french manicures and different designs and draw attention to your hands! The square shape can be achieved by first cutting your nails straight across with nail clippers to your desired length. After that with a nail file, file straight across in one direction until the top is completely straight. When the top is straight, file the corners of your nails upwards to even out the sides and remove sharp corners. Watch this video or read thisblog to see exactly how to file your nails.

2. Round

Round nails are great for people who like to keep their nails shorter, and they are much easier to shape and maintain. There are two ways to achieve a round shaped nail. 1) After following the steps to creating a square shaped nail, instead of filing the corners of your nails upwards, follow the curve of your finger and file your nails curved inwards. 2) Start by cutting your nails in more of a rounded shape, and with a nail file, file in one direction in more of a rounded shape. Watch this video to see how.

3. Stiletto

Really long stiletto nails have become super trendy this year. Stiletto nails are a bit harder to achieve at home, and most people prefer getting them done at a salon (especially if you don’t have naturally long nails in the first place, you’d probably have to get acrylic nails). With that being said, it is still possible to achieve stiletto nails at home if you have naturally long nails. All you need to create this nail shape is a nail file to help you smooth out the sides by filing in an upwards direction. Watch this video to help you achieve the perfect stiletto nail.

4. Ballerina or Coffin shaped nails

Ballerina or coffin shaped nails are very similar to square shaped nails, except with the ballerina nail the edges of your nail are much longer and there is more of an inwards curve towards the flattened top. This nail shape is easier to achieve with longer nails, and many celebrities like Kylie Jenner have been seen rocking this nail shape. Press here to see how to achieve this nail shape.

5. Squoval

Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval shaped nails. The squoval nail is achieved by creating a square shaped nail, and then softening the edges into more of an oval shape. If you have longer nails, this nail shape is probably one of the most practical nail shapes, as it still looks just as nice as the square shape, but is easier to prevent snagging and scratching. Watch this video to see how to file your nails to achive this nail shape.

6. Oval

Oval nails are similar to round nails, but are usually for people who keep their nails a bit longer than just a regular round shaped nail. The oval shape is achieved by using a nail file to round the tip of your nails but still keep the sides a bit straighter. Oval nails are very popular as they create more of a feminine look and can allow you to also have a feature nail. The feature nail has become really popular and can be fun to play around with on oval nails. Press here to see how to create a feature nail.

7. Almond

Almond shaped nails are one of the most popular nail shapes because they are great for people who have longer nails and they are super flattering on all hand sizes. Creating an almond nail shape can be a bit more difficult, but it is achieved by filing upwards after creating an oval nail and then filing more of a rounded pointynail tip. Read thisto find out more on how to achieve this shape.