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There are plenty of tough decisions to be made at the nail salon.
Collage: Channing Smith
Think about it: short, nude round nails and nude stiletto nails have a very different vibe.
Theyre also easy to maintain anddo yourself at home.
Its the strongest, and grows out well.
Round nails
Round nails also work best with wide-shaped nail beds and are the lowest maintenance nail shape, she says.
Lee likes a classicFrench manicureon rounder nails, but they also look great indeeper red shades.
Oval Nails
Oval nails
Think of an oval as an elongated round nail.
Round nails
Like round nails, theyre very easy to wear and maintain.
This shape is best for people with wider nail beds as it elongates in both nail width and length.
I find it looks best if your cuticle area is not super rounded, says Lee.
Oval nails
When it comes to square nails, length makes a huge difference.
Square nails feature straight edges and a flat tip, giving a bold and modern appearance.
Sharp corners can be prone to breaking so not advised for heavy-handed labored lifestyles.
Oval nails
It also requires weekly reshaping as nails grow out.
They are daring and edgy and a popular choice with celebrities like Cardi B and Rihanna.
Stiletto nails are sharply pointed at the tip, creating a dramatic and edgy look, Russell says.
Square nails
This shape requires long nails.
A statement-making nail shape.
Theyre high-maintenance but high fashion and great for special occasions for wearing bold nail art.
Square nails
Lee agrees, noting that this nail shape is best with long nails and narrow nail beds.
Rhinestone designs are great for this shape since you have a lot of space to work with.
Coffin Nails
Coffin nails
Another celeb favorite?
Stiletto nails
Coffin, which features angled sides and a squared-off tip to create the coffin shape.
Like stiletto, these require salon maintenance, so double-check to get your fills when needed, she says.
Also, dont use them as tools to help them last longer.
Stiletto nails
Coffin nails look cool with any color, but a subtle ombre or matte finish adds extra edge.
This nail shape will require salon maintenance but provides the perfect canvas for all nail art.
For a truly bold nail look, use the neon pink45 Second Speedy Shade in Blake.
Coffin nails
Its a perfect amalgamation of the square and oval nail shape, says Green.
Its also auniversal shape that looks good on all nails.
This shape is ideal for short, medium and long nails.
Coffin nails
That said, it does require weekly reshaping as nails grow out.
Choosing this shape will instantly give your mani a touch of glamour.
She adds that this shape works well at lengthening and creating the look of slimmer fingers.
Squoval nails
Lee notes that almond nails tend to work best with longer nails.
Its common with acrylic nails, so if you go that route, it will require salon maintenance.
This shape is great if you want something chic and modern, she says.
Squoval nails
Lee loves negative-space designs on this nail shape, while pastels look super ladylike.
Theyre best with long acrylic nails and will require salon maintenance, says Lee.
Rhinestones or glitter gradients look great with this shape.
Almond nails
Similar to stilleto, this shape requires long nails and is also a statement shape, adds Russell.
A lipstick tip has a straight-across square shape, with one angled side to create that cool lipstick shape.
It has to be done with acrylics, so be prepared for upkeep if youre after this look.
Almond nails
This shape suits those who are out to make a statement.
Theyre also fairly high-maintenance, because with this shape, you really have to commit to acrylics or tips.
The most common designs I see are French tips with some bling.
Ballerina nails
Which nail shape is best for your cuticle pop in?
I find that if its more rounded, then aroundorovalshape typically looks best.
And if its wider, then asquareorsquovalshape may work.
Ballerina nails
Square and stiletto, on the other hand, are ideal for those with long, narrow nail beds.
Which nail shape is right for your lifestyle?
Choosing the best nail shape involves considering both your personal style and daily activities, says Russell.
Lipstick nails
Ultimately, the best nail shape balances aesthetics with the functionality required by your routine.
“I would avoid extreme nails shapes if youre conservative with nail trends, adds Edwards.
These nail shapes definitely add a statement to your mani but can be harder to maintain, she says.
Lipstick nails
With the more angular shaping, snagging of the nail is more likely to occur.
And if you bang out a lot?
It is essential to choose a shape that allows comfort and functionality whilst typing, says Green.
Flare nails
I recommend either short oval nails, short squoval nails, or short almond nails.
Any of these will look sleek, whilst avoiding the risk of breaking.
Flare nails
