If you’re like me, you might scroll through Instagram, swooning over the many, many nail shapes and lengths that fill your feed. In a world where nail art is a prime way to showcase your personality and style, it’s hard not to. Of course, if you have trouble growing out your nails (hey, hi, same), you may feel like you can’t get in on the fun.
But, thanks to nail strengthening treatments, press-on nails, and enhancements, where there’s a will, there’s a way. So instead of sulking over not being able to participate in the mani moment, turn your attention to nail shapes. After all, not all nail shapes suit all nail beds, nor do they necessarily align with every nail art trend, let alone personal preference. As such, narrowing down your nail shape of choice is the first step to achieving an Insta-worthy mani in real life.
Not sure which nail shape is best for you and your lifestyle? We’re here to help. We chatted with celebrity manicurists Julie Kandalec and Tom Bachik to get the low-down on the most popular nail shapes, including who they’re best for and how they’re best filed into place. Keep reading to learn more.
Meet the Expert
- Julie Kandalec is a licensed nail artist based in New York City.
- Tom Bachik is a celebrity manicurist famous for his work with Jennifer Lopez.
The Science of Nail Shapes
While it’s common to assume that nail shape is largely based on personal preference and the ability to grow nails, Kandalec points out that physics plays a role, too. “Nail shapes have much more to do with the physics of the nail than just choosing a shape and trying to file it down [as desired],” she explains. “Several shapes, like stiletto and coffin styles, can only be achieved with a structured product, meaning hard gel or acrylic, or a press-on nail that has an arch (AKA curve).”
Alternative Solution: Press-On Nails
Whether you’re a fan of short, medium, or long nails filed round, oval, square, squoval, almond, coffin, or stiletto, press-ons exist to offer a quick and convenient solution to what can be a very time-consuming shaping and manicure process. Alternatively, if you’re unsure which shape and length you like, Bachik says that press-on nails can help in that department, too.
Luckily for us, press-ons have come a long way since the early ‘00s disasters you may be imagining. imPRESS's Press-On Manicure is sold in dozens of different colors, prints, lengths, and shapes, with each set costing under $10, while Sally Hansen recently debuted its Salon Effects Perfect Manicure Press on Nail Kits, which also cost less than $10. But that’s not all: Some of the most popular nail studios and artists in the country have released press-ons, too. Our favorites include the Chill Tips ($16) by Chillhouse and The Instant Mani ($10) by Olive & June.
