Between lashes and waxing and laser treatments, there’s only so many beauty appointments that one calendar can handle. To minimize the time that you’re spending at the salon, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you want done ahead of time. This is especially true for nails, because they require you to pick a shape in addition to a color and design. One of the go-to, sure-to-remain-classic nail shape options? Almond-shaped nails. The slightly rounded tip is popular as it works well with most nail designs and elongates the fingers.
Plus, kind of like a stiletto shape adds edge (literally and figuratively) to other looks, an almond shape brings its own vibes. “I’ve always loved almond-shaped nails, as they suit most nail beds,” says Chloe Corbishley-Bull, manicurist and owner of The Gel Club. “It’s one of the most natural-looking shapes, and always adds a touch of elegance.” All in all, the shape also lends more room for fun designs and art.
Whether you want to experiment with color, design, or both, keep scrolling for 18 timeless almond-shaped nail ideas.
Blueberry Glaze
@gossipandgloss/Instagram
Chrome and almond-shaped nails are quite literally a perfect match. While a glazed, neutral chrome color is always a sound choice, this blueberry glazed combo provides such a stunning pop of color. A glazed lavender or jade green are two additional pretty options to consider.
Floral Tips
@heygreatnails/Instagram
Who said nail tips couldn’t be art? Here, the surface area of the nail remains nude and allows the surrounding nail to be the star with a beautiful purple painted floral design. It’s a reimagined take on French tips perfect for spring.
Everything’s Vine
@melanated.mani/Instagram
For nail art that’s more muted but still packs a small surprise, opt for earthy green nails. The green is beautiful as is, but it’s elevated with the delicate white vines on the middle and ring fingers. Plus, there are subtle, darker green dots at the tips of each leaf for added interest.
Pink French Manicure
@gelclubchloe/Instagram
An almond-shaped nail couldn’t be more perfect for this elegant French manicure. “I’m obsessed with a cute French manicure, so this is a little twist on the traditional design,” says Corbishley-Bull.
“Start from the free edge of the nail and drag your brush [around] from one end to the other, then go back in and tidy up your lines,” she explains.
Strawberry Fields
@thegelclubchloe/Instagram
These short, almond, strawberry field nails are a fun, fruity design. The shape of the individual strawberries complements the almond shape, while the bold red color adds a subtle contrast to the nude base polish. Trying to recreate this mani at home? Consider this pro tip from Corbishley-Bull: After painting your nude base color, use a nail art line brush to create upside-down egg shapes.
“Once the egg shapes are dry, add little white seeds using the very tip of your art brush and let that dry,” says Corbishley-Bull. “Finally, add a little green top to the strawberries by painting one green line in the middle and two on either side. Finish off with a top coat.”
Abstract Nail Art
@madnails/Instagram
Abstract nail designs are a great way to experiment with your artistic side because, quite frankly, anything goes. Think swirly lines, bold dots, and triangular shapes. The designs are unique to you, and the almond shape provides a soft finish. “Abstract nail art on almond-shaped nails is one of my [favorites]…there’s literally inspiration everywhere,” says Corbishley-Bull.
Pretty Pastels
@thegelclubchloe/Instagram
These pastel tips add a twist to the traditional French manicure, and the gold and white dotted border enhances the almond-shaped nail.
“Start by applying a nude base. Next, paint the French tips using the Brillbird 0 Brush,” says Corbishley-Bull. “Dip the brush in the polish you wish to start with and drag it from one corner of the nail to the next, using acetone to neaten the lines.” The manicurist lets the tips dry and uses a dotting tool to add white dots, making sure to leave a space between each dot. “Once the white dots have dried, I add gold dots in the spaces and finish with a top coat,” she says.
Sheer Sparkle
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram
Many people have been embracing the design of “your nails, but better” for times when they want a little something more than a clear or neutral polish. A little sheer sparkle polish goes a long way to create a beautiful look that’s perfect year-round. Plus, as your nails grow, your manicure will still look fresh.
Aura Vibes
@disseynails/Instagram
Aura nails are a trendy, colorful design you can sport without having to spend hours at the nail salon. The long almond shape is the perfect canvas for the color-burst design. Pink and orange are complementary colors, but this nail art is completely customizable. Feel free to choose your two favorite shades—and it’ll likely look just as good.
Ombré
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram
An ombré manicure brings all the interest in a very subtle way. The benefit of an almond shape is that it allows for more design, like this tricolor ombré that fades from light pink to hot pink and then red at the tip.
Happy Faces
@thegelclubchloe/Instagram
Who doesn’t love a happy face? For this look, Corbishley-Bull starts off with a nude base and uses a dotting tool to create circular shapes.
“I neaten up the lines of the circles with the Brillbird 0 Brush,” she says. “Allow the circles to dry before drawing the details with [the] Brillbird 0 Brush and Barry M Hi Shine polish in Black Forest. Next, create two oval eyes by pressing your brush down gently on the nail.” For the smile, the manicurist uses the tip of the brush to draw a fine line. Finish off by applying a high-gloss topcoat.
Something Blue
@melanated.mani/Instagram
If you’re looking for a design that will pop on your almond nails, try these monochrome French tips with chunky shimmer polish. The blue version is gorgeous, but shades of pink or red would look just as good.
Creamy Mother of Pearl
@disseynails/Instagram
Sure, this manicure is neutral, but don’t mistake it for boring. The mother of pearl detailing adds gorgeous texture to the iridescent pink base. And the long almond nail shape is the perfect canvas for the elegant design.
Stripes and Swirls
@klawsbysonia/Instagram
Stripes help elongate a short almond nail bed, and this combination with dainty swirls has us smitten. With a detailed brush, you can easily recreate this design at home with white nail polish and your favorite shimmery polish.
Seeing Spots
@madsnails/Instagram
Pastel French tips are brought to life with tiny black dots in this mani. The long almond shape of these nails is a great canvas for the eye-catching design. Plus, the circular design rounds out the gorgeous shape. It’s synergy at its finest.
Galaxy Nails
@heygreatnails/Instagram
Excuse our pun, but these nails are out of this world. To recreate the look, consider using cat eye nail polish—which will provide a reflective glow. Plus, a bigger nail shape allows for a design such as this galaxy-inspired one to really shine.
In the Nude
@lolo.nailedit/Instagram
Just because you can go over the top with your design on almond nails doesn’t mean you have to. This ultra-light, nude-inspired beige proves that the shape stays elegant even if you “leave it blank.” Plus, the neutral tone will be a breeze to match with any outfit.
Go for the Gold
@klawsbysonia/Instagram
To bring all the luxurious vibes to almond-shaped nails, try getting gold embellishments layered on top of a sheer base. Light colors are perfect for the delicate shape, while the hardware add-ons serve as excellent focal points. It’s not exactly “quiet,” but it’s luxury nonetheless.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
