Nail Shapes 101: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Style for Your Hands

The shape of your nails is just as important as the colour and design you choose. Different nail shapes can enhance the overall appearance of your hands, complement your personal style, and even influence how durable your manicure will be. Whether you prefer a classic, rounded look or a daring, edgy shape, there’s an option for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular nail shapes, their history, and how to achieve them with products from LUX Nails.

1. Almond Nails

What Are They?
Almond nails are shaped to resemble the nut they're named after—slim on the sides and slightly pointed at the tip. This shape elongates the fingers, giving a classy and feminine look.

Origins:
The almond shape has been a beauty favourite since the mid-20th century, often associated with vintage glamour and Hollywood icons.

Best For:

  • Those looking to elongate their fingers
  • A natural yet stylish look
  • Medium to long nails

Achieve the Look with LUX Nails:
Use our premium false nail tips to create the perfect almond shape effortlessly, or shape your natural nails with our precision nail files.

2. Stiletto Nails

What Are They?
Named after the stiletto heel, these nails are long and sharply pointed for an ultra-glamorous, high-fashion look.

Origins:
Inspired by the sharp silhouette of stiletto shoes, this dramatic shape gained popularity in the early 2000s thanks to celebrities and nail influencers.

Best For:

  • Bold, statement looks
  • Nail art enthusiasts
  • Long, strong nails or nail extensions

Achieve the Look with LUX Nails:
Our durable false nail tips and gel nail extensions help create strong, statement stiletto nails that won’t break easily.

3. Coffin (or Ballerina) Nails

What Are They?
Coffin nails feature a squared-off tip and tapered sides, resembling a coffin or ballerina slipper. They’re sleek and modern, offering plenty of room for creative nail art.

Origins:
This shape became popular in the 2010s, with influencers and celebrities making it a must-have look for fashion-forward individuals.

Best For:

  • A trendy, edgy vibe
  • Long nails for a dramatic effect
  • Nail art designs that require more surface area

Achieve the Look with LUX Nails:
Our false nail tips and UV gel polishes allow you to create stylish coffin nails with ease.

4. Square Nails

What Are They?
Square nails are straight across at the tip with sharp corners, offering a classic and chic look.

Origins:
This shape has been a staple since the 1980s, often seen in professional settings and French manicures.

Best For:

  • Short to medium nails
  • A clean, professional appearance
  • Minimalist designs

Achieve the Look with LUX Nails:
Our range of nail files and shaping tools can help you achieve a crisp, square shape effortlessly.

5. Oval Nails

What Are They?
Oval nails have gently rounded tips and sides, offering a timeless and feminine style that works well with both short and long nails.

Origins:
A favourite in the 1960s and 1970s, oval nails were commonly seen in classic beauty advertisements.

Best For:

  • Those who want a natural look
  • Strength and durability
  • Any nail length

Achieve the Look with LUX Nails:
Shape your natural nails or extensions to perfection using our professional nail files and buffers.

6. Round Nails

What Are They?
A practical and low-maintenance choice, round nails follow the natural curve of the fingertip and are perfect for those who prefer a subtle, understated look.

Origins:
Round nails have been a go-to choice for decades, thanks to their simplicity and versatility.

Best For:

  • Short nails
  • Everyday wear
  • A classic, natural finish

Achieve the Look with LUX Nails:
Our nail shaping tools make it easy to achieve the perfect round shape at home.

How to Choose the Perfect Nail Shape for You

When selecting your ideal nail shape, consider the following factors:

  • Lifestyle: If you use your hands frequently for work or hobbies, opt for practical shapes like round or oval.
  • Finger Shape: Almond and oval shapes elongate shorter fingers, while square and coffin shapes complement longer fingers.
  • Personal Style: If you love bold looks, stiletto or coffin nails might be perfect for you, while oval or round nails suit those who prefer a classic touch.

Achieve Any Nail Shape with LUX Nails

No matter your preferred nail shape, LUX Nails has everything you need to achieve the perfect look. From high-quality false nail tips and shaping tools to premium gel polishes and nail art accessories, our products are designed to help you create flawless manicures with ease. Whether you’re a professional nail artist or a DIY enthusiast, LUX Nails makes it easy to experiment with different styles and express your creativity.

Explore our collection today and find the perfect products to shape your dream manicure!