Almond-shaped nails are everywhere—and for good reason. They’re a perfect canvas for tons of different styles of nail art. “Almond nails are one of the most versatile shapes, and look great with all nail designs like ombré, French, intricate art, stonework, etc.,” says nail artist Fleury Rose. “This shape is a wonderful foundation for most nail art styles.” Almond nail tips are best achieved on mid to long nails, explains expert Mabelyn Alva. “It’s a nail shape that is tapered on the sides up to the free edge of the nail with a slightly rounded tip,” says Alva. They’re more tapered than a round nail, but not as sharp as a stiletto nail.
meet the expert
Whether you’ve been dying to try out almond nails or are already an almond devotee, scroll through these 30 designs for inspiration.
Geometric Tips
Paintbox
Hot pink and red are the stars of this graphic design. They serve almost as a tip, with lots of negative space left at the base of the nail.
Cherubs
Fleury Rose
Rose painted this gorgeous cherub nail design. “This hand-painted style has two cherubs, and is a slightly rounded almond for those who don’t like it too pointy,” says Rose.
Flow Blue
Paintbox
This simple blue and white design emulates the classic flow blue style of china. It features striking blue flowers over a white base.
Naked Center
Paintbox
This design is all about accentuating just the tips and the base of the nail—with a simple slate and pink design—and allowing the center of the nails to breathe.
Winter Wonderland
Fleury Rose
“This winter design is the perfect shape and canvas for tiny glitter snowflakes,” says Rose, who created this icy look.
Mix and Match
Instagram/@nails_and_beauty_by_daisy
Featuring polishes from Magpie Beauty, this look is fun and funky. It features cow print, florals, and swirls in poppy shades of pink, green, yellow, and more.
Chocolate Almond
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
If you’re like me, a chocolate-covered almond does wonders for your soul, so having a chocolate-brown design on an almond-shaped nail should have a similar effect, right?
Fairy Clouds
Instagram/@fleuryrosenails
This gorgeous iridescent set features a blend of pink, purple, and orange as a base topped with fluffy white clouds, emulating an ethereal sunset.
Fine Squiggles
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
Gucci Beauty polishes were used to create this tone-on-tone squiggle design. Each nail features a solid base with a fine squiggle created with a deeper polish shade than the base.
Gingham Tips
Instagram/@fleuryrosenails
Embody picnic energy with these blue gingham nail tips accented with red gems to create a 3D cherry design. This look is perfect for summer or anytime you’re craving weather that allows you to comfortably eat outside on a blanket.
Purple Aura
Instagram/@fleuryrosenails
Having a purple aura is associated with those who are highly sensitive and intuitive. Embrace this state of being with a purple aura nail design.
Fruit Jelly
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
This look uses a few different translucent jelly polishes from Cirque Colors to create this fun and fresh fruit-inspired look that’s perfect for the warmer months of the year.
Abstract Shapes
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
Simple yet graphic, this design features a blend of crimson red, peach, and gold. It adds a bit of edge to the soft lines of an almond-shaped nail.
Matte Almond
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
This purple-y pewter shade is gorgeous on its own, but the matte topcoat takes it to the next level. It’s cool-toned without being sterile—a combo that’s difficult to find.
Bondage
Instagram/@nailsbymaki.nyc
This bondage-inspired nail design is sick. Thick black lines and gold metallic dots come together to create this simple yet impactful design.
Comic Book
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit
Using polishes from UN/DN LAQR, this manicure looks like it’s straight from the pages of a comic book. The black outline grounds the look while white and tonal strokes create that cartoonish effect.
Matte Florals
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
This bright and happy design features soft shades of pink, peach, blue, and green to create a gorgeous joy-inducing look. The matte top coat on the floral accent nails keeps the look from being too saccharine.
Down the Middle
Paintbox
With beige on one side and white down the other, this nail design is split right down the middle. Flecks of gold shimmer add some added interest to an otherwise plain design.
Chromy Clovers
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
No Saint Patrick’s Day design has ever looked luckier than this reflective chrome look. It features multiple shades of green including his gorgeous chrome that takes the look to the next level.
Nude Chrome
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
Embodying the omnipresent glazed donut nail, this look is perfect if you want something interesting that’s not distracting. It features a nude, reflective chrome.
Sprouting
Instagram/@gossipandgloss
A milky white sheet base serves as a subtle base for this simple design that features tiny sprouts of greenery on a few nails. It’s perfect for spring or anytime you’re looking to step into a growth mindset.
Ho Ho Ho
Instagram/@nails_and_beauty_by_daisy
Christmas is the perfect time to get super extra with your nails, and this set—which uses colors from The Gel Bottle Inc is so cute. The beige base allows the reindeer, gingerbread person, snowflakes, and more to really pop.
Retro Tropical
Instagram/@nails_and_beauty_by_daisy
These hues of hot pink, peach, cerulean, mint blue, black, and white scream vintage, tropical Miami vibes. It’s super fun and vibrant.
Christmas Almonds
Instagram/@onenailtorulethemall
Go full-blow Christmas with this almond nail design that features sparkly red tips and green leafy accents at the base of each nail. As far as hardcore Christmas designs go, this one is pretty clean.
Cuffing Season
Instagram/@nails_and_beauty_by_daisy
Created with brown, tan, and cream polishes from Madam Glam, this heart-embellished look is perfect for the coziest time of year.
Groovy Neutrals
Instagram/@disseynails
Although this fun look has a lot going on, it was created using just two shades from Lights Lacquer: Dream St ($11) and Espresso ($11). Having just two shades keeps this design from being too overwhelming.
