Top 7 Nail Shapes Every Pro Should Know

March 2, 2018

A comparison photo showing seven different acrylic nail shapes: coffin, almond, stiletto, oval, square, squoval, and round.

Acrylic nails have been a popular style for a long time. Today, there are many cool and different ways to shape them. If you work with nails, you need to know these popular shapes! Here are the 7 most popular nail shapes right now.

Coffin (or Ballerina) Nails

Long coffin acrylic nails painted in a nude or light pink color.

These nails are the most popular on the internet! They are long and get thinner on the sides, but the very tip is flat (squared-off). They look a bit like a coffin or a ballet dancer’s slipper. The shape makes your fingers look long and slender. They also give you a bigger space for cool nail art!

But watch out: If they are super long, everyday things like washing dishes or typing can be hard to do.

Almond Nails

A hand showing medium-length almond acrylic nails with a subtle, solid color manicure.

These look just like an almond nut! They get thinner on the sides and come to a soft, rounded point. They are usually shorter than coffin nails. Almond nails can make your fingers look thinner, especially if you have wider fingers. They need a little bit of length to be shaped correctly.

But watch out: It might be harder to open a soda can or quickly unbutton a shirt.

Stiletto Nails

Extremely long, dramatic stiletto acrylic nails with a sharp pointed tip and a bold design.

These are the boldest and sharpest nails! They are often very long and come to a very sharp point. They grab lots of attention!

But watch out: They are the hardest to use for daily tasks, like putting in contact lenses or getting coins out of your purse. They are also the easiest to break.

Oval Nails

Classic oval acrylic nails with a glossy finish, highlighting their natural and rounded appearance.

If a customer isn’t sure what they want, suggest Oval! This shape looks the most like a natural nail. It’s a great choice for almost any situation, especially for people who work in an office and want nice nails without being too flashy.

The good news: There are no real problems with oval nails. They feel natural and don’t get in the way of your daily life.

Square Nails

Short square acrylic nails with a crisp, squared-off tip, ideal for a traditional French manicure.

This is a good choice for people who work a lot with their hands or type all day. The nails have straight edges and a flat, square tip. When they are kept short, the straight shape makes them extra strong.

But watch out: The sharp corners can sometimes catch on clothes, especially thin, silky fabrics.

Squoval Nails

A hand showing off versatile squoval acrylic nails that combine square and oval shapes.

The name tells you what it is: a mix of Square and Oval! This shape looks good on all kinds of fingers and works whether they are short or a little longer. They are great for work, just like the oval shape.

The good news: Since the corners are soft (like an oval), they won’t snag on your clothes like the sharp square corners might. They are very tough.

Round Nails

Close-up of short, natural-looking round acrylic nails, emphasizing their smooth, break-resistant shape.

These look like oval nails but are more rounded and usually sit very close to your natural fingertip (very short). Because they are so short and smooth, they are the least likely to break. This is the perfect shape if you break your nails often or don’t want to worry about being careful.

But watch out: If you have a real itch, it’s hard to scratch it with these very smooth, short nails!