Your Nail Shape Is More Important Than You Think

Whether I go to a salon or plan to pull off a DIY manicure session, having my nails done is a non-negotiable part of my self-care routine. Not only does a fresh manicure make me feel instantly more put together, but it's also one of the easiest ways to care for the health of my cuticles and nail beds—and play around with fun and exciting new nail trends.

That said, as relaxing as manicures can be, they also come with a hefty dose of decision paralysis. Do I go for a gel mani or an acrylic set? Chrome or classic? Suddenly, something that's supposed to be low-stakes feels weirdly overwhelming. But choosing my signature nail shape—one that flatters the length of my nails, the shape of my fingers, and the width of my nail beds—is always the easiest choice.

Once I found mine, trips to the salon became a lot easier, and the fun stuff—like the color and design—became more enjoyable. So, to help you navigate the world of nail shapes, from almond to square, I tapped New York and New Jersey-based nail artist Elissa Schell to break down everything you need to know—from how to tell different styles apart to how to choose the right style for the shape of your fingers. Keep reading below to find the look that most resonates with you.

Square Nail Shape

This style features a clean, straight across tip with sharp corners and no rounded edges. "This style is great for people with short nails and narrow nail beds," Schell says. "The straight edges are a lot more durable than other shape options and less likely to break."

That said, square nails can sometimes make fingers appear a bit shorter, depending on your hand shape. But if you're after a classic, no-fuss look that holds up and grows out well between appointments, this is easily one of the most practical (and low-maintenance) shape options.

Squoval or Soft Square Nail Shape

A hybrid of square and oval, squoval nails have the same flat tip as a square shape but with gently rounded edges. "These are a good compromise between square and oval," Schell says. "So you get the best of both worlds."

The soft square is easy to maintain on shorter nails and tends to look flattering on just about every finger shape, making it a versatile go-to if you're not sure where to start but want to try something different from a classic square.

Round Nail Shape

Schell often recommends round nails for clients who feel like their fingers are shorter or fuller and want to add an illusion of length. "Similar to a square-shaped nail, round nails have straight sides but are rounded off at the edges," she says, adding that round and almond shapes elongate nail beds to make them appear wider and more slender.

Almond Nail Shape

An almond-shaped nail tapers along the sides and widens at the base, coming to a soft peak reminiscent of an actual almond. "This slimming silhouette works best on medium to long nails and creates the illusion of extra length," Schell says. Although it's a very flattering shape, natural nails tend to break more easily."

To help prevent breakage and keep your almond nails intact, try using a nail hardener or opting for gel, dip, or builder gel to reinforce your nail bed.

Oval Nail Shape

Oval is very similar to almond-shaped nails, but the tip is soft and much more blunt. "Oval and almond shapes only work with longer nails," Schell says. She explains that the oval shape looks most appealing on wider nail beds and serves as the perfect base for nail art.

Stiletto Nail Shape

One of the biggest misconceptions in the nail world is that almond and stiletto shapes are the same, but they're not. While they may look similar at first glance, stiletto nails are far more dramatic, with a much sharper, more exaggerated point.

"The stiletto is typically not possible on natural nails because they don't have enough strength to hold the shape," Schell says. "Your nails might break off in a couple of hours if you try to get the look. It's best to work with nail enhancements when choosing this shape."

Coffin Nail Shape

Coffin-shaped nails are reminiscent of stiletto nails, but they're squared off instead of a sharp point. "This is a favorite amongst those that prefer long nails, and it's a cool shape if you want to try something different," Schell says.

You can certainly pull off the coffin look if your natural nails are long and sturdy, but given Schell's previous warnings, I'd be remiss not to mention that it's likely better to opt for press-ons or artificial tips to preserve the health of your nail.

How Do I Grow My Nails Longer?

If your nails are on the shorter or more fragile side—whether due to genetics, vitamin deficiencies, or habits like nail biting—longer styles like almond, stiletto, or coffin likely won't be doable on their own. To achieve those shapes, you'll need to add length with an artificial tip or extension.

That said, if you're looking to grow your nails longer naturally, there are a few key ways to create the most optimal environment for nail growth.

• Use Cuticle Oil

Many of these formulas flood your nail beds with moisture, allowing them the optimal environment to grow and stay strong. Schell likes the Hydrating Cuticle Treatment by Deborah Lippman. I also love the L'huile Camélia hydrating and Fortifying Oil from Chanel.

• Try Gel Nail Polish

Gel manicures help nails grow out because they provide reinforcement that prevents nails from breaking as easily. "If you're going to go this route, just make sure to never peel it off yourself," Schell says. It's also a good rule of thumb to get the color replaced every two weeks to keep them in the best shape possible, she adds.

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