Family Encyclopedia >> Beauty & Style

How do you choose the right nail shape?

Nail shape inspiration can be found everywhere. Whether you're checking out your girlfriends' nails, those of celebrities, or scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, you're sure to find a myriad of styles you'd like to try out. Perhaps you should look closer to home, though. Your best inspiration in the form of your nails has to be your own fingers. So, what works for which fingers? Below are some tips.

Round nails
This shape is perfect for short nails, whether they just reach the tip of your finger or slightly surpass it.

Square nails Filed flat on top and sides to create a square, this shape works best with medium-length nails. They should be long enough to show the square part above your fingertip, but not really long, because then they just look like blunt claws… which probably isn't quite the look you're after.

Oval nails
This look will suit any nail length and is a really good shape for creating classic nail art.

Square/Oval nails
Rounded sides and a flat top make this nail shape quite striking and a perfect fit for long nails.

Almond nails
This shape is also another great look for long nails. Filled in a slightly rounded shape on the sides, almond nails form a small point at the top of the nail, hence their name.

Stiletto nails
These are only really doable with nails that are very long and very pointed, just like a stiletto heel. Stiletto nails are not for the faint of heart, this look has an edgy edge!