Choose a nail shape they said. It would be easy they said. But that’s where the sticky point lies.
Because the truth is that picking a nail shape is akin to picking characters in a sitcom.
What kind of characters are you feeling?
Are you naturally fanged and ready to attack, are you calm and cute, or do you want to be somewhere in the middle?
Which type of nails do you like? Do you want to wear nails that say “I am going to conquer the world” or would you prefer something more subtle that says “I am stunning but not intimidating.”
Honestly, it must be said, with an aesthetic of nails extending from naked almonds to sharply pointed stilettos to almost surreal nail art, it is confusing as to why one even gets a style in the first place.
We’re trying to go for a manicure, not an identity crisis!
Otherwise, there are click-client nails that are as practical as they are rounded and ooze organization (even if one doesn’t understand themselves) or coffin nails that bring an abundance of drama.
Long and short, nail shapes are extensions of the personality of whoever wears them.
Feeling bold? Go for some flared duck nails. Or looking for timeless beauty? An oval nail will suit perfectly.
Yes, every shape has its own character, style, and attitude which effectively turns your fingers into a statement piece.
However, before you reach for the phone to book an appointment and think to yourself “Ugh, I really have no idea what I want,” it would be best to take a look at these 13 best and unique nail shapes.
Whether you feel like keeping it classy and elegant, or a shape that would make you feel ready to conquer the world, there’s something in this for every personality and every finger.
#1 Almond-Shaped Nails
Almond-shaped nails can be perfectly described as Audrey Hepburn of a nail shape which is classic, sophisticated, and quite chic.
They do taper off with rounder tops and are great for making your fingers look longer and allowing you to give off an impression of sophistication while still appearing rather approachable.
Perfect for those who wish to maintain quite a timeless appearance with a modern edge.
#2 Rounded Nails
Rounded nails are the type of nail shapes that feel like sweatpants in the best possible way.
They are easy to care for, or should we say, very forgiving, and they always look neat and tidy even when you do not need to put in the effort.
Cut in this gentle, bent form is ideal for a kind of no-makeup aesthetics that one can wear at any event.
Absolutely amazing for a worst-case scenario where you wish to look as if you are sorted out, even if you actually aren’t.
#3 Classic Square Nails
Square shapes emphasize the geometrical aesthetics and the simplicity of the nail form. They are audacious, they are sturdy, and they couldn’t be better when a bit of sass is needed along with the grace.
In addition to this, they are tough and quite resistant to breakages which chances are also the equivalent of a well-fitted denim.
Spot on for the times when one wishes to appear effortlessly ‘cool” without the desire of actually putting any effort whatsoever.
#4 Coffin or Ballerina Nail Style
Coffin or ballerina nails must be among the longest and most exaggerated nails.
Tapered in the middle and ended with exaggerated square tips, these nails do not require too much decoration as they are a statement on their own.
Designed for an aspirational lifestyle, these impressions are fit for a gunner. These stunning glasses are made specifically to be photographed — stunning selfies and glamorous images for social media.
#5 Oval Nail Form
Transferively oval nishe is classic, soft, and rounded but slender at the end. This stylish fit is quite pronounced but not intimidating to the ridge and is perfect for making the fingers appear longer and flawless.
A thick texture to round out two sides of an almond-shaped nail is exceptionally attractive. Perfect for when you do not want anything too over the top but would still like to keep it classic & feminine.
These are the nail shapes that do not shout sophistication but rather whisper it.
#6 Pointed Stiletto Nails
One nail shape stands out above the rest and that is of stiletto nails which basically says, “Yes, I’m here, and I’m fabulous.” These long, pointed beauties are a little, no, a lot more fierce and bold.
And just dangerous enough, that if Catwoman had a manicure, it would look like this.
Stiletto nails are any type of nails that extreme fashion lovers adore with a stamp that says ‘Caution: Approach at the risk of awesomeness’.
#7 Flared Duck Nails
Flared duck nails are wide at the tips, which makes them a bit wild. Other nail styles pale in comparison to their daring and attention-grabbing fashion.
They are a showstopper! A perfect accessory to any outfit and strikingly bold to healthy extremes.
For anyone who has a peculiar taste, duck nails offer jewel-lime and colored polish. Perfect for anyone who believes that boundaries are meant to be broken!
#8 Durable Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails are natural nails but on steroids and packed with strength. Surprise, surprise; they get the definite job done.
Chipping polish is a complete and utter disaster for anyone. But guess what: you never have to worry about it ever again.
For anyone who plans on being in the limelight or is always on the go, these nail styles are perfect.
#9 Squoval Nail Design
Squoval nails have a square base with rounded tips hence they consist of an integration of two nail shapes.
Their simplicity and elegance make them ideal for people who don’t want anything too extravagant to handle but still want clean angles on their nails.
For any occasion where no decoration is necessary, Squoval nails are sophisticated simply because they are unobtrusive.
#10 Pointed Arrowhead Nails
Nail art in Korea designed arrowhead nails as a shorter, less intense version of stiletto nails, which are beautiful, stylish, and pointed.
They really give your look a dramatic kick, allowing you to wear them any day and everywhere.
All the attention goes to anyone who has a keen sense of gorgeous and trendy designs.
#11 Crescent Moon Nails
One crescent nail looks like the moon, and the other one looks like it’s been spun around to make the other side direction, creating a really cool chic design.
Simply sculpt your nails to feature a more edge-emphasized rounded shape that’s easy to wear while also looking stylish.
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If visioning crescent moons gets you excited, did you ever ponder about toughening elegant peep wings?
#12 Edged Nail Design
When looking for a contemporary design, edged nails – with their sharp controverted outlines – will be your first choice.
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This shape has been adapted to those who desire an unusually dramatic appearance. Ideal when words aren’t necessary.
Tiny works of art will be created as a result of these nails’ sculptural shape.
#13 Flared Out Nail Shape
Flared angled nails are wide, strong, and impossible to miss. Camo is not on their agenda – they came to be admired.
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Great for anyone who does not care about the shape of classic stiff nails and wants to mix things up, these nails require a new approach to fashion. Flared-out nails mean getting noticed and so should you.
