There Are 7 Different Nail Shapes But Which One Should You Go For?

Whether you're a simple 'squoval' or a more complicated 'coffin' type, here's your definitive breakdown...

different nail shapes

by Rachael Martin |
Updated on

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.

BUTTON

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...

Gallery

The 7 Different Nail Shapes: Find What Suits You

Oval1 of 7
CREDIT: Pinterest

Nail 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.

Almond2 of 7
CREDIT: Pinterest and Nails & Brows Myfair

Nail 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.

Square3 of 7
CREDIT: Pinterest

Nail 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.

Squoval4 of 7

Nail 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.

Coffin/Ballerina5 of 7
CREDIT: Pinterest

Nail 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.

Stiletto/Pointed6 of 7
CREDIT: Pinterest

Nail 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.

Round7 of 7
CREDIT: Pinterest

Nail 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

Gallery

Nail Polish

Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish in Plum Pudding, £6.991 of 6

Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish in Plum Pudding, £6.99

Dark and dramatic - we're obsessed with 'plum pudding.'

Nailberry L'Oxygen Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, £14.502 of 6

Nailberry L'Oxygen Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, £14.50

This nail berry number makes light work of the lipgloss nail trend.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Did You See Those Mussels?, £13.903 of 6

OPI Nail Lacquer in Did You See Those Mussels?, £13.90

This pretty blue makes for the perfect spring manicure shade.

Essie Nail Polish in Not Just A Pretty Face4 of 6

Essie Nail Polish in Not Just A Pretty Face, £7.95

A total classic that oozes 'clean girl' vibes.

Peacci Nail Polish in Madonna, £105 of 6

Peacci Nail Polish in Madonna, £10

Team with chrome for the best glazed donut nails ever.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Lavender, £3.996 of 6

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Lavender, £3.99

This shade is all sorts of lilac loveliness.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us