Creating a successful nail style involves several elements. For a manicure to look beautiful, hands should be well-groomed, the colour applied evenly and precisely, and the nail shape should complement your hands. Both long and oval nails, as well as short, neatly trimmed nails, can look fantastic. Learn more about nail structure and discover the most popular nail shapes – you might decide to try something new!
The Structure of Our Nails
The primary component of human nails is keratin – a hard and fibrous protein made up of water, minerals (calcium and sulfur), and fatty acids. Each nail consists of the same parts, including:
- Nail Fold: The skin surrounding and covering the lower part and sides of the nail. This keeps the nails in place.
- Cuticle: A very thin layer of skin that grows over the nails, pushed back or carefully cut during a manicure.
- Nail Plate: The visible, hard, yet flexible part of the nail.
- Lunula: The lighter, whitish part visible at the nail base (usually most prominent on the thumbs).
- Nail Bed: Located directly under the nail plate, it nourishes the nail.
- Matrix: The living part of the nail, hidden under the skin.
The Most Popular Nail Shapes – Characteristics and How to Achieve Them
Our natural nail plates differ in shape; each of us has slightly different nails, and we can even see variations on different fingers of the same hand. Nails often grow in slightly different directions – this is completely normal.
When caring for nails, they should first be cut/filed, followed by pushing back/cutting the cuticles, and then painting the nail plate. During filing, you can shape the nail plate in virtually any way. Let’s look at the most popular nail shapes:
1. Almond
Almond Nails are loved by celebrities and influencers, and judging by your feedback – by you too! Almond-shaped nails are slightly pointed and subtly rounded at the tips. They have many advantages – they are very feminine and sexy, and they visually elongate the fingers. Unfortunately, not everyone can pull them off. This shape looks best on long nails and is suitable when you don't perform physical or many household tasks. Carrying heavy items or cleaning the shower might be inconvenient with this style. To create almond nails, file the sides at about a 45-degree angle. Ensure the tips are not too sharp and nicely rounded. This shape looks stunning with bold colours like red, burgundy, or plum. Ombre decorations, especially baby boomer, also look beautiful here!
2. Oval
Oval Nails are naturally rounded and are the most natural shape. This type gently slims the fingers and looks great on short nails. It works well even with relatively soft nails, and maintenance shouldn't pose significant issues. Any colour looks good with this shape, including neons, nudes, and glitters. To achieve an oval shape, gently round the white part of the nail with a file. Note: the curve should match the natural shape of the nail!
3. Square and Squoval
Square Nails look great even on short or medium-length nails. This style appears elegant and classy and doesn’t hinder household chores. The only drawback is that squares can make the fingers look wider and shorter, so they are recommended for those with slender hands. A softened version of this shape is the squoval (a blend of square and oval). To create square nails, file the nail plate straight across; squoval requires additionally rounding the sides slightly.
4. Stiletto
Stiletto Nails are an Instagram hit that shines at parties but may not be practical for everyday life. This nail shape is a more pointed and dramatic version of almond nails. It is recommended for those with slender fingers and long nails (although these can always be extended). Stiletto nails look phenomenal, especially in bold colours and with sparkling, daring decorations. After defining the tip, file the sides sharply – it’s better to leave this to professionals, such as our stylists.
5. Coffin/Ballerina
Coffin/Ballerina Nails are a variation of stiletto nails. Long nail plates are filed on the sides (not too sharply, in the shape of a stiletto or triangle) and then the edge is squared off. With rounder hands, the effect can be chunky, but with naturally narrow nail plates, it looks very neat despite the blunt ends.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nail shape can significantly enhance the beauty of your manicure and complement the natural aesthetics of your hands. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of oval nails, the bold statement of stiletto nails, or the modern chic of coffin nails, understanding the structure and variety of nail shapes allows you to tailor your manicure to your personal style and daily activities. Remember, experimentation is key to finding the perfect look that makes you feel confident and stylish. Don’t hesitate to try new shapes and consult with professionals to discover what suits you best. Embrace the creativity and fun in nail styling, and let your nails reflect your unique personality and flair.
