For us, nothing says 'me time' quite like a fresh manicure. Whether you're painting your nails at home or heading to the salon, we love any excuse for some creativity and pampering in one. One element, however, often proves itself to be more than just a little overwhelming - choosing a nail shape. We're completely spoilt for choice - and that's even before getting down to the business of picking a nail colour.
Now, the decision about what nail shape to choose is far more complex. There are a whole host of new nail shapes to choose from that have emerged from celebrity and influencer nail trends alike. What nail shape, for example, goes best with the light blush colour of this season's new rosé themed nail look? And who could forget tortoiseshell nails and logo nails? Then there's the question of what nail shape is best for your natural nail and finger shape? The list goes on.
If a weekly manicure has now become your at home endeavour, you may have turned to Instagram or Pinterest for a load of nail inspiration that could have you asking, 'What types of nail shapes are there?' 'What nail shape should I do?' and 'What are the best nail shapes for short/long nails?' Worry not, we have all the answers.
The main seven types of nail shapes you can opt for are: oval, almond, square, squoval, coffin (also known as ballerina), stiletto (or pointed nails) and, of course, round. Confused? We've broken down each style so you can find the one that suits you best. Whether you have long piano fingers or your digits are short, and you need guidance, we have you covered.
See below for our definitive guide to nail shapes...
The 7 Different Nail Shapes: Find What Suits You
1 of 7Nail Shape: Oval (U Shaped Nail)
Overview: feminine, classy, classic. Wear if: you have shorter fingers or shorter hands with wide, stubby nail beds, as an oval shape will create the illusion of length. It's also a good shape on longer fingers that have wide and short/stubby nail beds. Best with: nail art and classic French manicures.
2 of 7Nail Shape: Almond
Overview: glamorous, chic, feminine. Wear if: you have shorter fingers or shorter hands with wide, stubby nail beds, as an oval shape will create the illusion of length. It's also a good shape on longer fingers that have wide and short/stubby nail beds. Best with: plain, shiny and metallic polish colours.
3 of 7Nail Shape: Square
Overview: stylish, clean-cut, low-maintenance. Wear if: you have long fingers and long, narrow nail beds. Best with: block, bold polish colours.
4 of 7Nail Shape: Squoval
Overview: classic, natural, suits all. Wear if: if your nail beds are wide and long. Squoval nail shapes will look good on short or long fingers. Best with: geometric nail art.
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5 of 7Nail Shape: Coffin/Ballerina
Overview: chic, glamorous, high-maintenance. Wear if: you suit square or squoval shapes (narrow and long nail beds). Best with: tidy and unchipped acrylic nail shapes with pale polish colours.
6 of 7Nail Shape: Stiletto/Pointed
Overview: loud, high-maintenance, elongates hands. Wear if: you have time/money for upkeep and want to make a statement. Best with: elborate and pretty (and unchipped) nail designs.
7 of 7Nail Shape: Round
Overview: tidy, elegant, elongates shorter fingers. Wear if: you have short fingers with short or narrow nail beds. Best with: any shade of polish or left unpainted.
After a new polish? Take your pick from our curated edit below
Nail Polish
1 of 6Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish in Plum Pudding, £6.99
Dark and dramatic - we're obsessed with 'plum pudding.'
2 of 6Nailberry L'Oxygen Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, £14.50
This nail berry number makes light work of the lipgloss nail trend.
3 of 6OPI Nail Lacquer in Did You See Those Mussels?, £13.90
This pretty blue makes for the perfect spring manicure shade.
4 of 6Essie Nail Polish in Not Just A Pretty Face, £7.95
A total classic that oozes 'clean girl' vibes.
6 of 6Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Lavender, £3.99
This shade is all sorts of lilac loveliness.