To get the look, you file straight across for a square shape first, but round out the edges. “Squoval nails combine the elegance of oval shapes with the straight edges of square nails, offering a balanced and versatile look,” adds Russell. “This shape is ideal for short, medium and long nails. It offers the strength of an oval as there’s no sharp corners, but has the clean look of a square.” That said, it does require weekly reshaping as nails grow out.
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“Like oval nails, almond nails are filed down the sides and have a more tapered point,
like the look of an actual almond,” says Green. “Choosing this shape will instantly give your mani a touch of glamour.” She adds that this shape works well at lengthening and creating the look of slimmer fingers.
Lee notes that almond nails tend to work best with longer nails. “It’s common with acrylic nails, so if you go that route, it will require salon maintenance. This shape is great if you want something chic and modern,” she says. If you have long nails, you can get the almond shape by filing each side of the nail to create a peak, then rounding it out for the pretty almond shape. Lee loves negative-space designs on this nail shape, while pastels look super ladylike.
Ballerina nails are similar to coffin nails, except the sides are a little more curved before they hit the flat tip—like a ballet dancer’s pointe shoe. “They’re best with long acrylic nails and will require salon maintenance,” says Lee. “Rhinestones or glitter gradients look great with this shape.”
“Similar to stiletto, this shape requires long nails and is also a statement shape,” adds Russell.
“This is for those who want a statement trendy nail,” says celebrity manicurist and KISS ambassador Gina Edwards. A lipstick tip has a straight-across square shape, with one angled side to create that cool lipstick shape. It has to be done with acrylics, so be prepared for upkeep if you’re after this look.
“The tip of the nail is slanted, giving the look of a lipstick bullet, providing a trendy and unique shape,” adds Green. “This shape suits those who are out to make a statement.”
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Flare nails, also known as “duck nails,” have a very early-aughts feel—and tend to be controversial in the nail world. They’re also fairly high-maintenance, because with this shape, you really have to commit to acrylics or tips. “The tip flares out wider than the rest of the nail, so there’s no way to really get this shape unless you get them formed or used flare tips,” says Lee. “The most common designs I see are French tips with some bling.”
Which nail shape is best for your cuticle type?
“When picking a nail shape, I like to look at the shape of your cuticle area,” says Lee. “I find that if it’s more rounded, then a round or oval shape typically looks best. And if it’s wider, then a square or squoval shape may work.”
