If you break out into a cold sweat every time your nail tech asks you how you want your nails filed (just me?), you’ve officially come to the right place. Bc despite what your IG feed might be telling you, your options are far from limited when it comes to nail shapes. Like, sure, you’ve got your classics (hiii, almond and square), but you’ve also got plenty of room to play around with length, sharpness, and width for a cool new look. So if you’re ready to retire your boring, blah manicure for something a bit more exciting, keep scrolling to find the absolute best nail shapes of all time. NGL, I think you’re about to discover your new favorite.
A quick PSA that there’s no such thing as the best nail shape—it’s all about finding a style that works great for you. Try to keep your lifestyle and preferred nail length in mind when trying a new look, since some shapes (see: anything in the coffin or stiletto family) will definitely require a set of acrylics or gel extensions. And when in doubt, there’s no harm in chatting over your options with your nail tech—they’ll be able to check out your natural nails IRL and give you a pretty good idea of which shapes are worth trying.
Got it? Cool, now keep reading for 13 of the prettiest nail shapes, along with a few tips and tricks for trying them out yourself.
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A touch skinnier than coffin nails, this square stiletto shape features long, tapered sides and a sharp square edge. The longer length makes them perfect for anyone looking to make a statement with their nails, and they’re versatile enough that you can combine them with any combo of nail polish or nail art (tho, like, I’m super into the pink ombré situation pictured here).
💫Who it’s best for: Down to try acrylics or gel extensions? Good, bc they’re kinda nonnegotiable for this nail shape.
Try it with: Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Gel Polish in Fairy Floss
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Think of the arrowhead shape as a less intense stiletto nail. You still get the sharp, pointy tips, but they’re a bit more angled along the sides. Arrowhead nails are great for folks who aren’t into the super-long look and/or want something a touch more practical.
💫Who it’s best for: You can pull off this shape with natural nails (as long as they’re relatively thick and long), but acrylics and gels are fair game too.
Try it with: Pear Nova Classic Lacquer in My Candy Rain
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Just because you have shorter nails doesn’t mean they need to be totally shapeless. This natural-looking shape features a somewhat angled tip and soft edges for a look that’s equal parts delicate and pretty.
💫Who it’s best for: Go for this shape when you need a break from your acrylics or dip powders, since it looks excellent on natural nails with minimal polish.
Try it with: Dior Nail Glow
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The coolest thing about flare nails? You can make them as extreme or lowkey as you want. All you need is a sharp, flared edge (like this option here) and the rest is totally in your hands. Prepare to get festive with your nail art—the more abstract, the better.
💫Who it’s best for: To get the sharpest, strongest edge possible, you’ll want to try out this nail shape with acrylics or gels (unless, like, your natural nails are made of steel).
Try it with: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Flash-Ionista
Baby blue💎💎💎 Color: Route 66 from @colorclubnaillacquer Rings: @queenpee
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Named after a pair of sky-high heels, “this shape is a statement—it’s both dramatic and high maintenance,” says nail stylist Miss Pop. Because stiletto nails call for super-tapered sides, pointy centers, and hella length, you’ll need to commit to extensions.
💫Who it’s best for: “There’s no such thing as a natural stiletto nail, since they’ll break too easily in this shape,” says Miss Pop. Choi recommends getting gel overlays versus acrylics to increase the length. “Acrylics can look thick, which is why I prefer using gel instead, since the shape will always look more elegant.”
Try it with: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Get Lucky
💚💚💚 기록 세우는 중. 내가 이렇게 오래 붙이고 있다니💚 누가 뭐래도 Love my #lipstickshapednails . 출시되자마자 대기 많을까 봐 걱정돼서 전화했더니 대기자는 없다던 역시 내 스타일 내 #nikeairmaxff720 so lovely🖤. . 📸 @ellie__eee 🖤
A post shared by Park Eunkyung (@nail_unistella) on Jul 2, 2019 at 8:46am PDT
PSA: This nail shape is guaranteed to earn you a few compliments (I mean…look how unique it is). Lipstick nails are defined by their slanted and sharp tips, which make them especially perfect for dual-tone manicures.
💫Who it’s best for: This shape requires a set of decently strong nails, so it’s best to try it out with acrylic or gel overlays if you want ’em to last (which, trust me, you do).
Try it with: Red Carpet Manicure LED Gel Nail Polish in Yacht Hoppin’
Slowly transitioning into Fall 🍂 Rusty oranges and Sandy nudes Using @essie #trilogy #rockyrose Ring by @doublemossjewelry Pinky: #comeouttoclay Ring Finger: #setinsandstone Middle: #yesicanyon Index: #cliffhanger Thumb: #noshadehere
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“This is a very soft, natural look that’s easy to maintain—even if you break a nail, you can sacrifice a little length and still keep the shape,” says Miss Pop. Move a nail file “side to side to create the gentle arc,” she says, almost like you’re mimicking the curve of your cuticles.
💫Who it’s best for: “It works best on nails that are short or that have grown slightly over your fingertips,” she adds. Translation: This is a great go-to for people who can’t grow their nails super long.
Try it with: People of Color Nail Polish in Abuela
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This nail shape is deceivingly difficult to execute, since the slightly tapered end can easily veer into almond or round territory if you file too heavily or not enough. “It takes patience to file this shape—so go slow,” says Miss Pop.
💫Who it’s best for: Got short nails? This shape won’t work unless you add acrylics or gel overlays. “If you flip your hand palm side up and can still see the tips of your nails, then you can definitely create this shape,” says Miss Pop.
Try it with: Olive & June Nail Polish in BP
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Unlike an oval nail, which has only slightly tapered sides, this nail shape is more extreme. “It’s very glamorous,” says nail pro Jin Soon Choi. “It gets its name because the entire nail looks like an almond in that it’s elongated at the tip with a round base.”
💫Who it’s best for: The almond shape looks best on medium to long nails, since plenty of length is required for it to be noticeable, says Choi.
Try it with: PacificaBio Glitter Translucent Topper
Fall florals for Scarlett 🍁🍂
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Arguably the easiest shape to create, square edges are achieved by simply filing back and forth across the top of your nail. Keep in mind that the corners tend to get a little jagged though, so prepare for regular filing to keep them smooth. “When filing the sides, make sure to keep the file perpendicular to your nail, and be careful not to apply too much pressure or the edge will take on a concave U shape versus staying straight and boxy,” says Choi.
💫Who it’s best for: Square edges work on both natural and fake nails, but “it tends to look best on those with long, narrow nail beds,” says Choi.
Try it with: Ciaté London The Cheat Sheets Nail Stickers
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“This square-meets-oval hybrid is my favorite because anyone can wear it—whether you have short, medium, or long nails—plus, it’s modern and soft,” says Choi. The catch? It’s easy to mess up. “People make the mistake of filing straight across the top and then curving the corners, which is actually square with round edges, not a true oval,” she explains. Instead, create a subtle arc at your tips and then connect the sides so there’s a natural taper.
💫Who it’s best for: Like Choi said, it suits any nail length, so get ready to give it a go ASAP.
Try it with: JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Verismo
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Celebs like Kylie and Khloé, Ariel Winter, and Halsey have all made the coffin nail shape Insta famous. “It’s the new stiletto,” says Choi. As for the shape, because it looks like a coffin, it requires strongly tapered sides with a very straight edge across the top.
💫Who it’s best for: Pros say it’s not for everyone, as it needs major upkeep and length (natural nails are typically not an option here unless you’re super blessed in the length department).
Try it with: Orly Breathable Treatment + Color in Cherry Bomb
French Drip😍💗💗💗✨
A post shared by Kylie ♥️ (@kyliejenner) on Aug 20, 2019 at 5:17pm PDT
Consider this nail shape the stiletto’s softer-edged cousin. It’s named after the top part of a ballerina’s pointe shoes, which have slightly convex sides and a straight tip. To copy this fresh look, Miss Pop recommends filing your nail in a perfect oval shape and then squaring off the tapered tip.
💫 Who it’s best for: Unless you have rock-hard natural nails, you’ll likely need acrylic or gel overlays to get the strength needed to keep your tips from breaking. And it never hurts to throw in a cuticle oil every day.
Try it with: CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner