Discover which of eight trendy nail types is best for your next manicure, as explained by the experts.
Manicures are among the most relaxing things you can do for yourself, right up there with taking a bath or engaging in aromatherapy, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have to make some tough calls along the way. Nail shape is just as crucial as nail color when it comes to the overall appearance of your manicure. The difficulty lies not only in learning about the many nail forms, but also in deciding which one is best for you. Some styles might make your fingers appear longer, while others can give the impression of a more natural width or length.
So, what’s a lady to do? You should consider the length and form of your fingers to determine the optimum shape. The best nail shapes are those that complement the form of your fingers and cuticles. We talked to nail artists and manicure specialists to find out what you need to know about nail form for your next session, whether it’s with yourself or a professional manicurist. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
Manicure Templates
Oval
The oval form is quite reminiscent of an almond, but the very end has been filed off to make it look more like an egg. Because of its elongating design, this manicure style is ideal for women with smaller hands and “shorter fingers because it tends to make the nail look longer since it’s filed in on the sides, which adds length and subtle drama,” as explained by Mary Lennon, president and co-founder of Cote.
For those who have small hands and/or short fingers.
Round
Nails with a circular tip mimic the nail’s natural shape. If your fingers are on the shorter side, circular nails will look best. Sundays is a wellness-inspired nail care company founded by Amy Lin. “It softens and slims the look of wide nail beds and helps shorter fingers look elongated,” Lin adds. To achieve this look, take your file and smooth down the top of your nail while keeping the sides straight.
Fits those who have short fingers yet broad nail beds.
Square
Filing in a straight line produces square nails, which are straighter on the sides and have a rounded tip. Square nails provide “the illusion of a wider nail bed,” thus a certified nail artist and VaultBeauty member named Chelsea King warns that they can make your hands look shorter and stumpier. “But if your nail beds are narrow and your fingers are long, square nails are a stylish option due to their sharp corners.”
Favorable Conditions: Narrow-nailbed long fingers
Squoval
Maintaining a squoval shape requires the least amount of effort. It’s how most people’s nails develop naturally, therefore maintenance consists mostly of smoothing them out,” adds King. “Trim nails to the desired length in a square shape, then use a nail file to round the corners, and you’ll have this shape.” This is the most universally attractive nail form, and it looks best on nails that aren’t much longer than the tip of the finger.
Those with any kind of fingers can use it!
Almond
Almond-shaped nails are narrow at the sides and broad at the base, with a rounded tip. According to renowned manicurist and brand founder Deborah Lippmann, “this shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim.” You can achieve a peak-like free edge by filing the sides and making the very tip narrow.
For those with broad, short fingers.
Stiletto
According to Lennon, the most difficult nail style to maintain is the dramatic, long, and filed to a pointed tip stiletto. This form is most flattering on long nails, although gels or acrylics are necessary to keep them in place. You can achieve this look by filing the free edge of the sides to a point.
The perfect size for: fingers that are particularly long
Ballerina or Morgue?
This form’s narrowing at the top and bottom call to mind both the coffin and the pointe shoe worn by ballet dancers. “Narrower than your typical square shape with a squared-off tip,” Lippman says of the coffin and ballerina nail styles. Those with long, strong nails and thin fingers can benefit from this style. Just square off the free edge to make this form.
Perfect for those who have slim fingers and sturdy nails.
Lipstick
Because it visually elongates the fingers, the lipstick form is a favorite among Instagram celebrities. This shape is accomplished by filing “your nails at an asymmetrical angle and creating a diagonal slant that looks like a lipstick bullet,” and may be worn with either long or short nails. “The shape was popularized by Unistella Nails’ Park Eunkyung,” explains Lin.
Perfect for those who have small hands and long or short nails. Also you can refer to: A Comprehensive Guide to Choose Your Ideal Nail Shape.