How to Choose the Best Nail Shape for Your Hands?
At LA Nail Supplies, we see that different nail shapes can greatly affect manicure style and wear. There are nail shapes for every taste, be it delicate curves or sharp points. We have created this ‘all you need to know about types of nails’ guide to help you figure out the right look. We'll show you all types of nail shapes and how to chisel them using gel tips and sculpting gels. So, let’s just get into it!
What are the Most Basic Classic Nail Shapes?
Round
The natural fingertip curvature stretched somewhat creates a round nail form. The sides are straight, and the top is curled like your fingertip. Round nails are less prone to break or snag than pointed ones and work on all nail lengths, say experts. This gives a round nail shape a low-maintenance, daily look for most people. A slight curve when filing nails at home gives them a nice, rounded edge. For increased length, we have APRÉS Gel-X Natural Round (600pc) extension kits. These kits have multiple pre-shaped spherical tips for uniformity and durability.
Square
Flat, straight-across tips and 90-degree corners define square nails. Parallel sides without taper give a clean, geometric appearance. Square nail shapes look modern with vibrant colors and are easy to maintain. This shape suits short and long nails (particularly narrow ones). File the nail straight across at the free edge and bevel the corners for a squared tip. For best square extensions, choose the Après Tip Box Sculpted Square Medium, 600pc. This package comes with pre-shaped square tips for a quick and consistent square look.
Squoval
Squovals are square-oval hybrids. It has a square nail's flat top and gently rounded corners like oval nail styles. So, square with softer edges. These hybrids are universally attractive since they avoid the harsh corners of real squares while keeping width. Squoval nails balance wide nail beds without being boxy. Square shapes can be squoval by rounding the corners. Many like it because it has plenty of gloss or art surfaces.
Oval
Nails are longer and tapered than circular ones. Filling the sides inward toward the tip creates a smooth oval termination. This added curvature makes fingers appear longer and slimmer. Oval is a traditional feminine shape. To make oval nails, gently curve the sides and round the free edge. For nail extensions, The GelBottle Short Oval Tips are delicately rounded.
Almond
These are named after the almond they resemble. Shaped like an egg, the sides taper abruptly to a rounded apex. Almond styles generally utilize gel or acrylic reinforcement since natural nails may not withstand this extreme taper. The almond shape elegantly elongates fingers. It's popular for manicures. For instance, our APRÉS Tip Box Natural Almond Medium 2.0, 600pc has almond-shaped tips for constant nail length and shape.
Which Ones are Trendy and Specialty Nail Shape Types?
Stiletto
Stiletto nails are long and pointed. They begin almond-like but end sharply. This fashion-forward form draws attention. Stiletto nails “showcase creativity” but require more care. Due to their sharp tips, they need strong gel or acrylic to prevent breakage.
Ballerina (Coffin)
Long, straight coffin nails taper to a flat square tip. Imagine a stiletto with the tip squared off—it appears like a coffin or ballerina slipper, hence the names. This shape is chic and edged. Coffin nails need extensions or long acrylic sets to look proper. We have all-inclusive coffin-tip collections and gel systems, so nail professionals would create this look at home or in a salon.
Flare (Duckbill)
Duckbill nails have a sharply flared free edge. Like a duck's bill, the nail broadens near the tip, hence the nickname. This bold design is great for avant-garde manicures. Flares are reserved for special events since they snag or shatter quickly. Gel or acrylic extended sides create flared nails. Artists personalize tips for this look in select salons, and we give wide tip forms for out-of-the-box flare patterns.
Lipstick
Being One of the most underrated fingernail shapes, lipstick nails have a diagonal slash at the tip like a lipstick bullet. The nail is shorter on one side, creating a cool, angled look. The lipstick form is like a square nail with a slant. The edgy style works short and long. Bold color contrasts or diagonal geometric motifs look great with lipstick nails.
How to Choose the Right Nail Shape?
This 5-step procedure would work for curing any shapes of nails with ease:
- For short fingers or nails: Choose curves to elongate short fingers or nails. Oval or almond nails are good because their moderate taper lengthens fingers. In rounded or tapered styles, short nails can be beautiful.
- For durability and low maintenance: Go with round or squoval. No corners mean round nails rarely grab or split. Square or squoval nails seem robust and tidy. These simpler shapes are easiest to maintain and use regularly.
- For wide nail beds: Try squoval or oval shapes. Squovals combine large nails with a softened square top, while ovals naturally narrow at the tip. Either flattens wide nails without reducing polishing area.
- For an active lifestyle: Stick to low-profile shapes. Round, squoval, or soft-square nails don't snag fabrics or instruments. Typing, cooking, and sports can make sharp points or severe flares impractical. Avoid pointed or projecting styles if your hands are full.
- If your nails are naturally strong or you use extensions: Feel free to experiment. Long forms like coffin, stiletto, and pointed almond work best with strong nails or gel/acrylic. With length, strong shapes like duckbill shine. Remember: longer, sharper nails need more care.
LA Nail Supplies has everything you need for these nail shapes. Round and sculpted square shapes are examples of APRES Gel-X tips in round, square, almond, and other shapes. For precision shaping, we carry many nail files, buffers, and e-file bits. Our business has the equipment to file, sculpt, and perfect your nails.
Final Words
Your nail shapes show your personality and way of living. Old school shapes like round, oval, and square are sweet and simple, but trending shapes like stiletto, coffin, and duckbill are catchy. Keep your nail length, finger shape, and daily routine in mind as well for choice. LA Nail Supplies' extensions, gels, files, and more let you shape and style your nails with bold confidence. Find everything you need today on our website!
