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10 Types of Nail Shapes
Your complete guide to finding the perfect nail shape — with 2,400+ design inspirations
Explore All Shapes ↓
Your complete guide to finding the perfect nail shape — with 2,400+ design inspirations
Explore All Shapes ↓Choosing the right nail shape is the foundation of any great manicure. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of oval nails, the bold drama of stiletto nails, or the trendy sophistication of coffin nails — understanding each shape helps you pick one that flatters your hand type, fits your lifestyle, and expresses your style.
Below, we cover all 10 nail shapes with design galleries, pros & cons, and recommendations for different hand types.
Tap any shape to see 240+ designs, tips, and styling ideas
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Trending
Slim sides tapering to a rounded peak — elegant and finger-elongating.
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Popular
Tapered sides with a flat, squared tip — the Instagram-famous statement shape.
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Bold
Dramatically pointed tip — fierce, fashion-forward, and runway-ready.
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Classic
Straight sides with a flat, even edge — timeless and easy to maintain.
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Natural
Following your natural cuticle line — the most practical and nail-friendly shape.
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Timeless
Egg-shaped with softly tapered sides — universally flattering and feminine.
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Best Seller
Square shape with rounded corners — the best of both worlds for any lifestyle.
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Unique
Angled tip resembling a lipstick bullet — an asymmetric conversation starter.
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Edgy
Wide base with a sharp triangular tip — short yet strikingly dramatic.
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Retro
Tip wider than the base, flaring outward — a playful, retro-inspired shape.
Find the right shape for your lifestyle and hand type
Almond, Oval, and Stiletto shapes create a slimming illusion that balances wider nail beds and fingers.
Square, Squoval, and Round shapes add width and make slender fingers appear more proportional.
Round and Squoval work beautifully on short nail beds. Mountain Peak adds drama even at shorter lengths.
Round, Squoval, and Square distribute stress evenly and resist breakage — ideal for active lifestyles.
Almond and Coffin continue to dominate social media, with Lipstick emerging as the new It-shape.
Coffin and Square offer the most surface area, making them ideal for intricate designs, French tips, and ombre effects.
| Shape | Length | Durability | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond | Medium–Long | ⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Elongating fingers |
| Coffin | Long | ⭐⭐⭐ | High | Statement & nail art |
| Stiletto | Long | ⭐⭐ | High | Drama & runway |
| Square | Any | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low | French tips & classic looks |
| Round | Short | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low | Natural nails & busy lifestyles |
| Oval | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low | Universally flattering |
| Squoval | Any | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low | Everyday wear |
| Lipstick | Medium–Long | ⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Unique style |
| Mountain Peak | Short–Medium | ⭐⭐ | Medium | Edgy & bold looks |
| Flare / Duck | Medium–Long | ⭐⭐⭐ | High | Retro & playful vibes |
A taste of our collection — every shape, every style
The most popular nail shapes in 2026 are almond, coffin (ballerina), oval, and squoval. Almond and coffin shapes dominate social media, while oval and squoval are preferred for everyday wear due to their practical yet elegant look.
Round and squoval shapes are the best options for short nails. They follow the natural nail curvature, making short nails look wider and more proportional. Square nails also work well on shorter nail beds.
Almond, oval, and stiletto nail shapes create a visual elongation effect that makes fingers look longer and slimmer. The tapered tips draw the eye outward, creating an illusion of length.
They are the same shape — tapered sides with a flat, squared-off tip. The name "coffin" refers to the shape's resemblance to a casket, while "ballerina" compares it to the flat toe of a ballet slipper. Use whichever name you prefer!
Round and squoval nail shapes are the strongest and least prone to breakage. Their curved edges distribute stress evenly. Pointed shapes like stiletto and mountain peak are more fragile and typically require gel or acrylic reinforcement.
Consider three factors: finger width (wide fingers look great with almond/oval; narrow fingers suit square/round), nail bed length (long beds can pull off any shape; short beds benefit from round/squoval), and lifestyle (active lifestyles need durable shapes like round or squoval).
Expert guides for every need — all 10 shapes ranked