When it comes to nail designs, almond nails remain a total classic. One of best seven nails shapes, a fresh, almond manicure has the power to boost our moods (and our hands) like no other – it’s sleek, chic, and beautifully feminine. Jessica White, OPI nail expert, defines them as, 'a softly tapered nail shape that resembles the silhouette of an almond, narrower at the sides with a rounded tip. They’re super flattering and elongate the fingers, giving a sleek and elegant look without being too sharp or extreme.'
As social media is brimming with an abundance of nail trends, it can be tricky to know which nail polish colours and nail art might complement our almond manicure the best. Thankfully though, a quick scroll through Instagram reveals all sorts of almond nail inspiration via our favourite manicurists' feeds.
Professional manicurists can all agree that the possibilities are endless with almond nails. Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey adds,' almond nails are great for the nail art lovers as you have the real estate for designs. Try French with a twist, as the free edge makes for an easy French polish application. Ombre looks great when you have room to blend the colour - try a DIY Ombre with ease using matte top coat and eyeshadows. My go-to products are Essie gel couture Matte top coat and the NYX cosmetics eyeshadows. For 3D art - leave this to the nail pros, but the trend has been taking over of late. And the possibilities are endless, from encapsulated stones and gems.'
To help aid your decision, we’ve rounded up a selection of popular almond shape nails that you can screenshot ahead of your next salon appointment. But first, let's take a minute to answer your most Googled questions on almond nail designs. Scroll on for more...
The Best Almond Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Salon Visit
Coffee Almond Nails
Coffee toned almond nails are having a moment right now – yes, even in the summer months.
Image credit: Instagram @paintedbyjools
Red Almond Nails
A red almond manicure feels seriously put together. It’s for sure one of the top elegant trendy almond nail designs.
Image credit: Instagram @paintedbyjools
Ombre Almond Nails
Ombre almond nails are continuously a favoured design. Choose sweet pastel tones like yellows, lilacs and pinks. This look works particularly well on almond shaped acrylic nails.
Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_
Heart-Shaped Almond Nails
Did someone say Valentine’s Day nails? While they’re certainly seasonal, these fun heart design almond nails command attention – for all the right reasons.
Image credit: @charsgelnails_
Green Swirl Almond Nails
Bright green almond nails are trending right now - they're the perfect summer nail for when the weather gets warmer.
Image credit: Instagram @withdanielle_
Vanilla French Almond Nails
Almond white tip nails will never go out of style. This vanilla French set mixes the perfect milky pink with icy white for a nail look that promises to remain modern for years to come.
Image credit @iramshelton
Nude Almond Nails
Iram Shelton is the Queen of simple, classic nails. Her natural, short almond nails in a glossy pink are totally timeless.
Image credit @iramshelton
Floral Tip
Almond nails are a great base for any nail design and this is a case in point: featuring floral motifs, rhinestones and a butter yellow tip, they prove just how much fun you can have with this classic nail shape.
Image credit: @nailssbyshirel
French Glazed Almond Nails
We have Hailey Bieber to thank for the enduring popularity of glazed doughnut nails and this white French tip set is as chic as it gets.
Image credit: @elica.nails
Butter Yellow Almond Nails
If you want to sport the trendy hue of the season look no further than butter yellow, it's the shade that has transcended dresses and jackets to land in our beauty routines, too.
Image credit: @nailsbymilee
Torte Almond Nails
For an entirely unique take on almond nails, consider this. With torte print accents, florals, gold 3D embellishments and negative space designs, this is how you get away with doing the most with your nails while keeping things chic.
Image credit: @glamnails_byrose
Ombre Almond Nails
Pink and orange scream summer-ready and this blended ombre finish combines both hues in the most sophisticated of ways.
Image credit: @avrnailswatches
Rainbow Almond Nails
For a real summer-approved mani, look to @thehotblend's brightly tipped French mani which is finished with alternating hues curving around smiles lines, too.
Image credit: @thehotblend
Blue Floral Almond Nails
For a simple yet effective style try this powder blue floral design that has been intricately painted atop of a matte base.
Image credit: @amberjhnails
Pink Cat-Eye Almond Nails
One of the most alluring nail designs is the cat-eye, which is created using a specialist polish and nagnet, This set plays shows how you can sport the finish in a multiple ways.
Image credit: @arisnailstudio
French Tip Almond Nails
After a classic look? Iram Shelton shows us how it's done with this timeless Fresh white tip set.
Image credit: @iramshelton
Starry Almond Nails
Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey may have been created this set for cozy season but their magical finish certainly have a lure year-round.
Image credit: @nailsbymh
Multicolour Almond Nails
This colourful set comes courtesy of A-list manicurist Tom Bachik, who gave Heidi Klum the kind of rainbow manicure that is set for summer.
Image credit: @tombachik
Negative French Tip Almond Nails
For a spin on the French mani try @thehotblend's take, which features white lines around the top and bottom of the nail tip, with the space in between left blank. A chic, modern variation indeed.
Image credit: @thehotblend
Glazed Donut Almond Nails
Hailey Bieber and her go-to manicurist @nailsbyzola put glazed doughnut nails on the map in 2022 and it has remained a force ever since. Clean, elegant and timeless for any occasion, it's no wonder this design is such a hit.
Image credit: @nailsbyzola
Milky Pink Almond Nails
This set is a fast-track to the clean girl aesthetic – minimal, soft and still very much 'done', they make for an effortless look.
Image credit: @nailsbyhanoti
Aura Almond Nails
One of the hottest new styles in recent years, aura nails are much like ombre nail designs in that they feature a gradient or blurred effect, but this is usually focused at the centre of the nail unlike ombre pattens which are more fluid.
Image credit: @avrnailswatches
Cherry Almond Nails
A spin on cherry nails, this nail set goes big on referencing the trendy cold season colour rather than creating a standard fruity nail motif set. Very clever.
Image credit: @nailsbyedithh_
Mermaid Almond Nails
Mermaid nails were big news in 2023 and judging by our social media feeds they are still all the rage. With 3D seashell patterns, flowers, ombre tips and aura finishes, this set is definately otherworldly.
Image credit: @amys.clients
Vanilla Chrome Almond Nails
Sometimes one single block colour in a high-shine finish is all you need. You can call on this light gold hue to zhoosh up any look.
Image credit: @thehotblend
Coquette Core Almond Nails
Yes, you can certainly chime into the charming coquette aesthetic with your nails, and this set proves how, bows and all...
Image credit: @amys.clients
Glitter French Tip Almond Nails
Cat-eye tips and gold accents were the brief for Sydney Sweeney's nails at this year's Met Gala, and celebrity nail tech @nailsbyzola certainly delivered.
I_mage credit: @nailsbyzola_
Capri Lemon Almond Nails
You'll have likely seen the Capri aesthetic all over TikTok as it continues to be a theme many lean to for parties, cakes and dresses, but it makes for a perfect summery nail set, too.
Image credit: @nailqueennadia
Cool Cowgirl Almond Nails
Cowgirl vibes are all the rage thanks to the likes of Beyoncé and this is a chic nod to the trend.
Image credit: @thehotblend
Fruity Almond Nails
A fun take on fruity nails, this intricate look is elevated with a pink French tip base, which keeps things looking chic.
Image credit: @arisnailstudio
Now that you've got all of the almond shape nail design inspiration for 2025, consider this the perfect time time to book in for those almond shaped gel nails, almond design BIAB nails and almond filed acrylic nails - we just can't get enough.
Almond nail FAQs
Are almond nails still in for 2025?
If the top manicurists are anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes - almond nails were a breakout trend in 2022, and continue to be so three years on in 2025. 'Almond nails are timeless, the shape never looks outdated. They’re practical enough for daily wear, but also feel sophisticated and luxe. Almond nails flatter most hands and nail bed shapes - and they elongate your fingers. It also makes a versatile canvas for so many different nail looks from sheer nudes to nail art,' notes celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey. When it comes to trendy designs, Humphrey's anticipates floral nails will reign supreme thanks to the likes of Dua Lipa, as will jelly cat eye nails, micro starburst made up of mini stars, and princess nails coated in sheer pink coverage.
How long do nails need to be for an almond shape?
While short almond nails are possible, ensuring that your nails have a bit of length will allow the shape to look more obviously almond. A top tip? Aiming for the whites to be visible when you turn your hands backwards.
How to file almond nails?
If you’re wondering how to shape almond nails, then you’ve come to the right place. Expert manicurists usually suggest using a nail clipper to cut the sides of the nail, before filing the sides in motion towards the middle of the nail. It’s always important to file in a one direction to avoid fraying or splitting. Take your time to ensure an even finish.
Are coffin or almond nails better?
When it comes to nail shapes, it’s a ‘you do you,’ situation. Coffin nails are more angular than almond nails which err on the rounder side of nail shapes.
What designs looks best on almond nails?
Professional manicurists can all agree that the possibilities are endless. Humphreys adds,' almond nails are great for the nail art lovers as you have the real estate for designs. Try French with a twist, as the free edge makes for an easy French polish application. Ombre looks great when you have room to blend the colour - try a DIY ombre with ease using matte top coat and eyeshadows. My go-to products are Essie gel couture Matte top coat and the NYX cosmetics eyeshadows. 3D - leave this to the nail pros, but the trend has been taking over of late. And the possibilities are endless, from encapsulated stones and gems.'
Main image credit: Instagram @thehotblend
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
