Buzz
The shape you choose for your nails is a personal choice, though some styles are more popular than others.
Hemera/ThinkstockA visit to the nail salon is a quick, affordable way to treat yourself. Just like your hair or clothing, nails reflect your personal style. They're also an easy and fun way to explore fashion without committing too much.
Nail trends are mostly influenced by runway shows and the styles worn by famous celebrities. Some current trends offer a fresh new vibe, while others revisit timeless mid-20th-century styles. Whether your nails are part of your overall outfit or simply useful for everyday tasks like removing a splinter, here are five nail shapes to consider for your next manicure.
5: Stiletto
Much like a stiletto heel, the stiletto nail shape is long, pointed, and creates an elongating effect on the fingers. It's a look often associated with confidence and allure. Celebrities such as Fergie and Rihanna often wear a softer, more feminine version with rounded corners and pastel shades. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga favors a bolder, fiercer style with sharp tips in bold hues like bright orange or red. No matter how you choose to wear them, stiletto nails are guaranteed to catch attention.
The term 'stiletto heel' was inspired by the stiletto dagger, which originated in the 1930s.
4: Almond
These elegant nails feature an almond shape.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockThe almond shape is a variation of the stiletto, with a longer, softer tip that's more rounded than pointed. It’s a timeless design known for its sleek and sophisticated appearance, especially popular among starlets in the 1950s. To achieve the classic almond look, the nail is kept long and filed at the sides to form a smooth oval, but it can be prone to breakage on weaker nails. This shape is perfect for nights out, though it’s not ideal for typing or for people who work with their hands frequently.
3: Sharp-corner Square
Square nails with sharp corners are a bold and trendy nail shape right now. This strong design highlights your hands by maintaining the full width of the nail, making a bold statement. Typically chosen for a French manicure, this shape also offers ample space for creative designs, painted patterns, and nail jewelry. However, the sharp corners can catch on fabrics, so it’s best suited for strong nails that aren’t prone to breaking. The style looks most flattering on longer nails, as shorter nails may give the hands a heavier, chunkier appearance.
Fingernails are composed of keratin, the same protein that forms animal hooves and horns.
2: Square Oval
This style offers the best of both worlds.
Comstock/ThinkstockThe square oval, also called the squoval, is a softer version of the square nail. It has remained popular due to its versatility and flattering appearance on most fingers. Unlike the sharply square shape, squoval nails are less likely to snag on fabric and tend to handle wear and tear better. This feminine shape looks great on both long and short nails, though it’s particularly flattering on longer fingers with narrower nails. It also provides a fantastic base for nail art and jewelry.
1: Rounded and Short
Short and rounded nails are the ultimate choice for women who prefer a low-maintenance, fuss-free manicure that keeps them on the go. This classic style never goes out of fashion. These nails look just as chic with the latest nail polish shades as they do without any polish at all, provided the cuticles are neat and the nails are well-buffed. Perfect for active women seeking a practical, easy-to-care-for look.
The white crescent shape at the base of our nails, often referred to as the "moon," is technically known as the lunula.
