Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (2024)

Our nails are not only functional, but are also an important fashion accessory. Whether it's adding a touch of colour or experimenting with different nail shapes, there are plenty of ways to style our nails and make them fit our personality. In this blog, you will read about some of the most popular nail shapes and their corresponding personalities.

What nail shapes are there?

Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (1)

Roundnail shape

Round nails are one of the most classic and popular nail shapes and suit almost all hand shapes. They are easy to maintain and suit any occasion. The round nail shape is the most natural shape and therefore the easiest to make. It requires little filing and is suitable for people who don't have time for extensive nail care. Round nails suit people who like a classic and a timeless look.

Oval nail shape

Oval nails have a rounded shape that is slightly more pointed than round nails. Oval nails are perfect if you have slightly smaller hands and wider nail beds. This nail shape is relatively easy to make and requires only a little filing to achieve the desired shape. This shape creates an elegant and feminine look and suits people who like to exude a groomed and stylish look.

Square nail shape

Square nails have a flat top and right angles. This nail shape suits a slightly larger hand with wide nail beds and is suitable for people who like a neat and businesslike look. This nail shape is also relatively easy to make. Square nails are also easy to maintain and are a good choice for people who don't have much time to take care of their nails.

Squoval nail shape

Squoval nails are a popular nail shape that is a combination of two different shapes: the square nail shape and the oval nail shape. As the name suggests, squoval nails have a square base with rounded corners, giving them an oval shape. This nail shape is popular because it combines the best features of both nail shapes. The square nail shape has a sleek, neat look, while the oval nail shape has a softer, more elegant look. The combination of these two shapes creates a nail shape that is both sleek and elegant. Suitable for people with short fingers, this shape is both professional and stylish. People who prefer squoval nails tend to be practical and have a penchant for simple things.

Almond nail shape

Almond nails have a pointed shape that resembles an almond. This nail shape suits a narrow hand with long fingers well and is popular among people who like a dramatic and striking look. This nail requires more filing than the round, oval or square nail shapes. It is important to follow the nail beds and gradually form a point at the top. Almond nails are ideal for people who like to experiment with different colours and nail designs.

Coffin nail shape

Coffin nails have a long, flattened shape that resembles the shape of an inverted ''V''. As with the Almond nail, it is important to follow the nail beds and file the top off straight. This nail shape is suitable for people who like a dramatic and edgy look. Coffin nails are popular among people who like to experiment with different nail polish colours and designs.

How to file your nails in the right way.

Some nail shapes are easier to make than others because of the way they are filed and shaped.

Easy to file:

Round nail shape

For this nail shape, file your nails in a semi-circle. Always make sure that you always file in one direction. This works best if you file from the outside to the centre.

Oval nail shape

For the oval nail shape, file the sides of your nails straight. File the top in the middle of the nail round.

Square nail shape

To get the angular shape, file the sides of the nail and the centre straight. Make sure the that all sides of the nail are filed equally straight.

A little bit more difficult to file:

Almond nails

This nail requires more filing than the round, oval or square nail shapes. File the nail edges straight and then subtly round off the tip of your nail to get an almond shape. This nail shape looks best with long nails.

Stiletto nails

For this shape, the nail corners are filed towards the centre of the nail and the top is straightened. This nail also looks best with a long nail.

What are the trends in nail shapes?

There are a few nail shapes that we see a lot of in 2023.

Almond nails remain a favourite because of their elegant shape. They are also versatile and can be both subtle and striking, depending on the length and colour.

Square nails are currently very popular for their sleek and neat look. This nail shape fits well with the current trend of minimalist and understated styles.

Squoval nails are a popular nail shape. This shape combines a square base with rounded corners. The result is a nail that looks natural, yet has a certain strength and durability.

Extreme nail shapes

Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (7)

If you want something different with your nails, the nail shapes below are a fun option to try out:

Stiletto nails

Stiletto nails are long nails that extend to a pointed tip. These are still in fashion for their dramatic and eye-catching look. Although they are not as practical as other nail shapes, this is a great option for special occasions.

Lipstick nails

Lipstick nails are shaped like an inverted U and resemble the shape of a lipstick. This nail shape is relatively new and trendy and is becoming increasingly popular for its unique and playful look.

Mountain Peak

The mountain peak looks a bit like the stilleto nail, but the tip is slightly less sharp and more rounded. A good choice if you want to stand out, but find the stiletto nail a little too extreme.

Ballerina

The ballerina nail shape is very similar to the almond shape, but has a sharper tip. The nail shape is inspired by a ballerina's pointe shoes.

Wide

This flared nail shape runs wide and gives you just a bit more space to get started with nail art.

To conclude there are several different nail shapes to suit different personalities. Whether you opt for a bold stiletto nail shape or a classic oval nail shape, the important thing is to choose a nail shape that suits your personality and style and makes you feel confident and comfortable.

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Nail shapes of 2023: Which One Is Best For You? (2024)

FAQs

What nail shape is most popular in 2023? ›

Nail shapes 2023: Almond nails

This shape is a favorite of the year for a feminine look, says Nguyen. “Although not too long, these give a little extra length to your nail base,” she says. Gerstein agrees: “Whether the almond comes to a point or is a little round — it's the most requested shape right now."

How do you know what nail shape is best for you? ›

When choosing a nail shape, it is important to consider your hand type and personal style. If you have short nails, you may want to choose a round or oval shape to help elongate your fingers. If you have wide nail beds, you may want to choose a round or squoval shape to help make them look narrower.

What nail shape is best for aging hands? ›

Opt for a slightly rounded or oval shape, as it can give the illusion of longer and more youthful-looking fingers.

What nail shape is in style right now? ›

Squoval nails

Squoval nails are arguably the most popular shape right now and it's not hard to see why. This style can be adapted to any nail length but is a staple look for those with shorter nails.

What nail shape is most attractive? ›

The Fan Favorites

Coming in as one of the most popular nail shapes out there is the squoval nail shape. A blend of the square and oval nail shapes, squoval nails make for an elegant look. Keeping the straight square edge with soft rounded edges, this balanced shape might be your new favorite staple.

What is the most attractive nail color in 2023? ›

One of 2023's biggest trends has been a version of classic ivory nails, known as pearl nails, which calls for a coat of pearlescent chrome on top of a traditional white nail color such as OPI Funny Bunny. French manicures have also reemerged in style to some people's happiness, and others' dismay.

What nail shape makes your fingers look slimmer? ›

Almond. "An almond-shaped nail is slim on the sides and wide on the base, coming to a rounded peak," says Deborah Lippmann. "This shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim." To get the look, file the sides and make sure the tip is narrow, so the free edge mimics a peak shape.

What nail shape is best to avoid breakage? ›

Having a longer or narrower point increases the chances of your client catching their nails on something and breaking it. The wider edges in square or natural-looking shapes offer more support for the nail, and rounded nails create a softer edge that is less likely to scratch and tear while doing everyday tasks.

What is the classiest nail color? ›

Nail polish popularity ebbs and flows with the tides of trends, but the most enduring shades are the classics: red, nude, pale pink, sheer white, and opaque white.

What is the best nail shape for over 50? ›

As a combination of square and oval shaped nails, squoval shaped nails are highly recommended for older women as they are an appealing of the classic oval and trendy square shapes that are both said to enhance the youthful and slender look of your hands.

What nail shape is best for generous hands? ›

Generous hands: long palm, long fingers

Best nail shape: Square, lucky you. You can get away with wearing this blunt look at any length. And they are one of the more practical, low-maintenance shapes to wear to work.

What makes hands look younger? ›

Some people may take steps to make their hands appear more youthful. These can include using hand cream, wearing hand protection, or making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. Skin aging is a natural and inevitable part of the aging process, and the hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging.

What is the nail shape trend in 2024? ›

Long nails are giving way to short, square shapes.

The favored nail shape has also shifted from rounded almond to short and square. "While the almond shape was widely popular this past year, I think we will see more short square-shape nails come into play," she said.

What is the rich girl nail trend? ›

"Rich girl" nails don't necessarily have to be nude in tone—they just have to be neutral to effortlessly go with everything. With this in mind, a subtle, shimmery white nail look can qualify as a "rich girl" manicure, too. This set was created with ILNP Nail Polish in the shades Keepsake and Free Spirit.

What is the new trend for nails? ›

“Many people are now embracing a sleek, minimalistic look for their nails, and we're seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin tone and nude shades trending for 2024.” This should come as no surprise, especially after a year filled with bright pink Barbie-inspired nail designs.

What are the new nails in 2023? ›

The 2023 Nail Trends That Are Taking Over, According to the Pros
  • Mermaid-Inspired Manis.
  • Reptile Prints.
  • Bold Aesthetics.
  • Natural Length.
  • Chrome Finishes.
  • DIY Dreams.
  • Seasonal Shades.
  • French Manicure Evolution.

What is a timeless nail shape? ›

The square shape is a classic and timeless nail shape characterized by straight, sharp edges and a flat, squared-off tip.

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