An Expert Guide to the 10 Most Popular Nail Shapes

For the indecisive, having many different nail shapes can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand (pardon the pun), it can be an easy way to lengthen your fingers or take the intricate nail art you want to wear to the next level. But how can you ever make a final decision on a shape without having regrets? For that you need all the facts in front of you. Consider this the ultimate guide to every nail shape.

The list is not as overwhelming as you might think. Famous nail artist Holly Falcone says the most common shapes are the classics: round, square, oval and almond-shaped. After that, you’ll find some kind of variation that combines two classic shapes into one, like the squoval, or longer nails that lend themselves to intricate designs like the stiletto or ballerina. There are also a few new designs appearing and gracing our social feeds with their abstract shapes and cuts. But no matter which nail shape you choose, the good news is that you can wear just about any art or color you want.

“I don’t really let the shape dictate the design because I think it’s more of a personal preference,” says Tom Bachik, famous nail artist and Tweezerman Pro Artist. “Whatever the design, I love to create looks that make the nail appear longer and narrower and add a bit of elegance and softness to the hands.”

And to file your own nails into the desired shape, you need a number of tools. Falcone says we have to search a nail file with 180 grit to shape the nail. To smooth the edges, she recommends something with 220 grit, like our personal choice: the Deborah Lippmann Eco-file nail set. Bachik likes his Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Setwhich comes with a double-sided file, buffer and fingernail clippers for when you need to cut.

Expressing your creativity on your nails can go beyond the intricate art or bold shade you decide to paint on. It turns out that your nail shape can be just a little tweak to take your mani to the next level. Below, Falcone and Bachik list the 10 most common ones to help you. Make sure you bookmark this for your next nail appointment.

Square