The Ultimate Guide to Different Nail Shapes

By Dana Burke, Allure

Seconds after you sit down in the nail salon, you're forced to make a decision: square or round? While those are perfectly respectable options, your nail tech knows just as well as you do that it's not that simple anymore. The world has more different nail shapes than you have fingers, and it can be tough to keep track of all the nail shapes, let alone choose one! Read on for the ultimate guide to different nail shapes.

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12 Different Nail Shapes

1. Square Nails

A post shared by Pick & Polish Nail Salon (@pickandpolish) on Feb 11, 2016 at 12:08am PST

The square nail shape is pretty self-explanatory. Square nails are square—they're flat on top with straight, sharp corners. They neither flare out nor taper in and are a popular shape for those with short nails or long, narrow nail beds.

2. Round Nails

A post shared by Alicia Torello (@aliciatnails) on Jan 11, 2016 at 7:01pm PST

The classic round shape is another favorite for those who prefer to keep their nails clipped short. Like square nails, round nails start with straight sides but curve at the edges to follow the natural shape of the fingertip.
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3. Squoval Nails

A post shared by Lelde Zalkovska (@lllelde_gel) on Jul 6, 2017 at 11:41am PDT

Square oval or squoval nails are perfect if you're into the flat edge of the square but hate sharp corners. Squoval is your best option. This universally flattering shape has softened corners for the best of both worlds.

4. Oval Nails

A post shared by Nina👑 (@katerina.sakka.7) on Apr 22, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

Yes, round nails are different from oval ones. Here's how: Oval nails are filed down on the sides in addition to the tips. The curvature is more extreme, so it tends to make fingers look more slender.
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5. Almond Nails

A post shared by Lisa Petkin (@lisapetkin) on May 8, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

Like oval nails, almond nails are filed along the sides. The nail wall is tapered to end in a round peak, similar to the shape of an actual almond. Natural nails are often too weak to hold this structure on their own, so most almond manicures are reinforced with gel or acyclic.

6. Stiletto Nails

A post shared by ADORE DOLLS PARLOUR™ (@adoredollsparlour) on Jan 26, 2016 at 8:35pm PST

Stiletto nails are all about the drama. Shaping this spiked look starts off the same as it's nuttier counterpart, the almond, but ends at a much sharper point with a wider base. (Stiletto nails are also perfect for ice cream cone nail art, as seen below.)
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7. Lipstick Nails

A post shared by Blessed Hands Txt 313-980-2800 (@fabnaillifestyle) on Nov 19, 2015 at 8:28pm PST

The inspiration behind this one is the cut angle of a fresh tube of lipstick. Like your favorite shade, this squared nail style slants diagonally for a seriously unique nail shape.

8. Flare Nails

A post shared by jolgordons (@jolgordons) on Jun 18, 2016 at 7:39pm PDT

As their name suggests, this nail shape flares upward and out. This shape is also known as the duck bill shape, given that exceptionally wide flare nails can resemble a duck bill.
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9. Edge Nails

A post shared by Miss Vanity Nails (@missvanitynailsmelbourne) on Jul 1, 2017 at 2:28am PDT

Edge nails form a point, but the point is less aggressive than that of a stiletto, arrowhead or mountain peak nail shape, as it extends straight before the top edges are filed. When being created with acrylics, the edge nail also forms into a ridge through the center of a nail, mimicking an edge.

10. Arrowhead Nails

A post shared by BriggsNailz (@briggsnailz) on Jun 9, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT

Arrowhead nails are a less severe version of a stiletto nail. The point is shorter and softer.
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11. Mountain Peak Nails

A post shared by Teffi Nail&Beauty 2004 (@teffinailbeauty) on Apr 19, 2017 at 2:19am PDT

The mountain peak nail shape is just like a stiletto nail as well, except shorter and pointier. (Mountain peak nails are a favorite of Lady Gag

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