When it comes to nail designs, almond shaped nails remain a total classic. One of 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.
As social media is brimming with an abundance of nail trends, it can be tricky to know which nail polish colour 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.
Take Alyx Lippiatt’s work for example - it boasts everything from almond micro-French manicures that would make for the perfect bridal nail design, to stunning almond lip gloss nails that nod to Hailey Bieber's favourite nail look. Julia Diogo, resident manicurist at Liberty London often creates deep, forest tones suited to autumn – her dark brown and bottle green almond nails certainly pack a punch.
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.
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Are almond nails still in for 2023?
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 in 2023.
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.
Here's The Best Almond Nail Designs to Inspire Your Next Salon Visit
Best Almond Nail Designs for 2023
Brown Almond Nails
Coffee toned almond nails are having a moment right now – 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 big for spring and summer 2023. Choose sweet pastel tones like yellows, lilacs and pinks. This look works particularly well on almond shaped acrylic nails.
Image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_
Pink and Red 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 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_
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
Simple 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
Now that you've got all of the almond shape nail design inspiration for 2023, 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.
Main image credit: Instagram @charsgelnails_