The best nail shapes: An expert guide to find your manicure match

If you get confused the minute you sit down in your manicurist’s chair – know that you’re not alone. From the different kinds of manicure available (what is BIAB anyway?!) to the best nail art inspiration – trying to decide what you want from your manicure has never been more confusing.

And that’s before we’ve even touched upon the best nail shape for your nails. From squoval to stiletto – nail shapes have taken on a whole new meaning, with a myriad of options now available. But if you find choosing your nail shape confusing, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve broken down the most popular nail shapes, so that you can decide which is right for you. Here’s what you need to know…

What’s the most popular nail shape?

‘Almond nails have surged in popularity on social media, becoming the new favourite,’ says Hannah Taylor, nail expert and brand ambassador at The GelBottle. ‘This shape has always had a timeless appeal, but its current resurgence is driven by the “clean girl aesthetic” with hues of blush pinks going viral on TikTok and “glazed donut” nudes popularised by Hailey Bieber.’

‘Almond-shaped nails are also a perfect canvas for the 3D nail art revival, a trend that hasn’t been this popular in the UK since the early 2000s.’

What are the best nail shapes:

Square Nails

‘Square nails are extremely popular and characterised by straight flat tips and sharp, precise corners. This shape, when short, is perfect for anyone wanting a clean, minimalist look or those in a profession that requires shorter length nails.’

Round Nails

If you’re after a natural look, round nails are the way to go. ‘Their chic and softly curved edges they are particularly well suited to those wanting a low maintenance style or anyone with an active lifestyle,’ says Taylor.

Squoval Nails

‘Squoval nails are a hybrid nail shape that combines the straight edges of square nails with natural and rounded edges. The rounded corners of squoval nails make them less prone to snagging or breaking compared to purely square nails. This makes them a practical choice for those who want a stylish yet functional nail shape.’

Oval Nails

‘Oval nails have curved edges that are slightly more tapered than round giving them a more elongated appearance. Popular in medium to longer styles, oval is a good choice for those who want to wear a longer length without compromising strength.’

Almond Shaped Nails

‘Almond shaped nails have a tapered sides that mimic the natural contours of an almond creating an elegant and slender appearance. They are highly versatile which makes this shape a trending choice on social media platforms, where aesthetics and practical beauty solutions are highly valued.’

Stiletto Nails

‘Stiletto nails are a striking nail shape comprised of a long tapered point that resembles the point of a stiletto heel. People who love to express themselves with nail art will find stiletto nails particularly appealing. The shape offers a great canvas for intricate designs, glitter, gems, and other embellishments. The shape however, can make them less practical and may require more maintenance and care to prevent breakage.’

Ballerina Nails

‘This nail shape is known for its tapered sides and flat tip resembling the shape of a ballerina’s slipper. Typically worn in medium to long lengths, ballerina nails provide a dramatic look and is another style that provides a great platform for nail art. This shape may not be suitable for everyone, with the combination of length and sharp edges being more of a risk to breakage.’

Choosing the right nail shape for you

When it comes to choosing the right nail shape, it’s important to consider both your favourite aesthetic and your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a practical shape like squoval or round nails, or something more dramatic like stiletto or ballerina nails, there’s a perfect nail shape for everyone. If you’re still unsure, ask your nail technician! They can help you decide which shape will best suit your nail health and aesthetic goals.