Round

According to Kandalec, a round nail is a circular nail that is wider on the sides. The shape follows the contour of your fingertip, which Choi says makes it work on everyone. “Rounded nails are perfect for anyone who loves a natural, effortless look—especially those with shorter, wider nail beds, as the shape can make fingers appear longer,” Choi says.

Round is generally considered the most convenient shape for everyday life. Since the shape is short and lacks pointed edges, it’s still easy to type, pick up items, and button garments. “[To get the look,] file each side a little at a time to make sure they’re balanced,” Kandalec explains.

Oval

Choi suggests thinking of oval nails as a blend between round and almond shapes. “The side walls are straight before gently sloping to the rounded shape,” Kandalec explains. The shape elongates the hand but can take some time to adjust to, as it can introduce difficulties with getting dressed, typing, and picking things up.

Square

Square nails feature a precise, boxy shape and can easily be worn short or long. Kandalec says precision with the hard, sharp edges is important. “I think this shape is rather tricky,” she explains. “It’s pretty but has to be done or styled correctly.”

To achieve the sharp shape, Kandalec says to file each nail straight across. “Check it both ways (‘client view’ and flip to ‘nail tech view’) to see that both ways are straight,” she suggests, noting that the tips should be slightly narrower than the cuticle area. 

Squoval

Squoval nails are a mix of square and oval nails—though Kandelac prefers to call them “soft square nails.” This shape features square tips with softened, rounded corners.

The rounded edges make this another great option for those who often use their hands. “Squoval nails are a safe bet for almost everyone, offering a balanced look that complements most nail lengths and finger shapes,” Choi explains. “They’re versatile and easy to maintain, offering a softer alternative to sharp, angular shapes.”

Almond

One of the more popular nail shapes, almond nails feature a curved apex. “The free edge should be close to or more than the same length as the nail bed (a 50/50 split),” Kandalec explains. “Too short, and the shape looks off balance.”

Nail extensions are usually needed to achieve this style. “Almond is generally done on medium lengths, but it cannot be too short,” Kandalec adds. “There’s just not enough space to allow the curve of the tip shape to be present.”

Since almond nails are tapered and have softer edges, they’re easier to manage than coffin and stiletto nails (more on those ahead).

Duck

Duck nails flare outwards at the tips, just like the bills of their namesake animal. Also known as flared nails, this divisive, Y2K-inspired category instantly stands out from the pack, so choose it when you want a manicure that makes a decisive statement. The gem-encrusted red here oozes unapologetic glamour, but you also might consider this nail shape for a unique take on aura nails or a bold and bright French manicure.

Stiletto

Consider the ultra-pointy stiletto if you’re looking for a nail shape that makes a statement. Mimicking the structure of stiletto heels, this shape has an extra-long base and a super pointy tip. “It is one of the shapes that relies on length, so it can only be achieved with a press-on or enhancements,” Kandalec shares. “It looks best if the nail is very long.”

Almondetto

The “almondetto” is a cross between almond and stiletto. It’s still very narrow and long like the stiletto, but it has the more rounded tip you usually see with almond-shaped nails.

“Almondetto nails offer a modern, edgy aesthetic that stands out,” Choi explains. “The slightly pointed tip gives the illusion of longer fingers, and the shape is versatile for various nail art designs.”

Arrowhead

If you reverse the almondetto, you get arrowhead nails, which have the sharpness of a stiletto at the length of a shorter almond shape. The slant is a bit more dramatic, but the shorter length makes this style a more wearable take on bolder nail shapes for the everyday. Lean into the eye-catching nature of the arrowhead with a shimmery polish or a bold, vampy hue.

Edge

The edge nail is for anyone who finds that stiletto shapes aren’t quite sharp enough and wants to go to the extreme. This longer manicure starts with the sides extending straight out, then filed to a sharper point at the tip. If you’re using acrylics or extensions, the design can also slope towards a central ridge for maximum drama.

Coffin

Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, have a narrow, square tip and tapered sides. “The free edge must be significantly longer than the nail bed, and the arch (apex) must be placed in the proper area to give the nail the proper appearance and strength,” Kandalec explains.

“Ballerina nails are a go-to for those who crave a bold, contemporary look,” Choi adds. “The tapered sides add a touch of sophistication to any look.”

Lipstick

Lipstick nails look just like a fresh lipstick bullet. That means they have that iconic slanted top: shorter on one side and longer on the other. Per Choi, the style is great for those who love to push the boundaries and experiment with bold, avant-garde nail looks. It’s worth noting that the shape requires serious skill and precision, so it might be best to leave this style to the professionals.