What to look for when choosing a nail shape for a manicure
Usually, when choosing a nail shape, it is advised to design the tips so that they mirror the outline of the cuticle. This is a good tip, but far from universal. To find the shape that's right for you, also consider other factors and how they relate to each other. Here are some of them.
Convenience
The rule that a manicure of extreme length is inconvenient in everyday life does not always work, because all people are different. But it may well turn out that long, oddly shaped nails will actually cause difficulties when playing sports (for example, volleyball). Or they will interfere with putting on tights and fastening small buttons.
Nail quality
As a rule, for strong nails there are no restrictions on the shape and length. But it happens that the plates are naturally thin, weak and often flake off. In these cases, artificial strengthening materials can be used to help. But it’s better not to experiment too much: the longer such a nail, the higher the likelihood that it will break very quickly. The same applies to pointed forms. So for fragile nails, short or medium length and a rounded shape are more suitable.
Desired length
The shorter your nails, the less likely you are to damage them. But the longer length looks very impressive and is perfect if you want to try a complex design.
Possibility to do your own manicure
Decide where you will get your manicure done - at home or in a salon. Unusual, complex shapes (almond-shaped, “ballerina”, “stiletto”) are best left to the master. This means that caring for them will require regular financial investments. If you are not ready to visit a beauty salon often, it is better to opt for an oval or “soft square”.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
Traditionally, it is believed that a short nail plate needs to be visually lengthened. This is where recommendations like “square nails suit only women with thin fingers” come from. If this is important to you, these kinds of tips are really worth listening to. If you like everything about yourself (and this is great), try any form.
Manicure design for wide nails
On wide nails, a French manicure looks very romantic and gentle, a manicure created with the help of dots looks mysterious, a small floral print looks amazing, and a manicure with graphic designs is original.
A very simple but effective manicure will visually narrow wide nails, in which the side parts of the nail are painted with dark varnish, and the middle with transparent or beige. This option is quite suitable for office style or for business meetings.
By painting wide nails with translucent or natural-colored varnishes, you can achieve a good result - well-groomed hands and non-standard shaped nail plates are not noticeable.
Fans of the “simple geometry” style can decorate their manicure with several thin vertical lines. Simple but tasteful!
Dark-colored coatings will visually narrow wide nails - blue, green, black, wine varnishes can become the first assistants in creating a stylish look.
Editor's choice: Fashionable shellac 2020: new items, trends, photos
A cat-eye manicure with a vertical stretch that visually lengthens the nail looks impressive.
The classic French manicure is as beautiful as always, even on a wide nail, especially when it is made in the form of a thin line.
A polish with shimmer will focus attention on the shine and distract the eye from the imperfect shape of the nails.
A selection of photos of manicure designs for wide nails will demonstrate its charm and originality.
When to choose a square nail shape
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Square nails not only look elegant and neat, they also give you the opportunity to experiment with the design. French and various geometric patterns look especially good with this shape.
Convenience
Let's immediately highlight the obvious disadvantage of this form: sharp edges can cling to everything around. They can also easily scratch your own or someone else’s skin, so you need to be extremely careful with square nails.
Nail quality
“Square” is suitable for any nails, even weak ones. Although if the length is long, too fragile and thin plates may break. So people with problem nails should choose a short or medium length.
Desired length
Square manicure goes well with any length. Most importantly, do not forget to take into account the quality of your nails. If the length is long, the plates can be strengthened with acrylic powder.
Possibility to do your own manicure
It is very easy to give your nails a square shape: you just need to file them in a straight line so that there are clear corners at the free edge. Moreover, as the plates grow, they will have to be trimmed from time to time in order to maintain the desired shape.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
This shape is most suitable for an elongated nail bed, but not too narrow. But with wide plates or trapezoidal nail shapes, the “square” will no longer look so elegant.
The square shape is very beautiful and is perfect for girls with elongated nail beds. Whatever the length of the free edge, the manicure will look good.
Alina Toropchenko, nail service master
Nail shapes: names and photos
As was already noted at the very beginning, the names of nail shapes for natural plates are not as diverse as for extended ones. However, there may be variations here too. Let's look at each one separately.
"Square"
The most popular nail shape. It consists of two parallel side lines of the nail and an absolutely even perpendicular cut from above. A characteristic feature is sharp right angles at the tip of the nail. Looks best on medium length nails. Suitable for those with long, thin fingers with an elongated nail bed. On the contrary, such a shape will make short, dense fingers with a wide plate even larger and more ridiculous. Unfortunately, the “square” is a very unstable shape. On natural nails there is often a risk of corners breaking off. And if the plates are also thin, then as they grow, the entire “square” effect will be lost, because the nails begin to curl inward or roll to the side.
Photo from the site: evagirl.ru
Photo from the site: womansecrets.
Photo from the site: 4allwomen.ru
As the natural nail grows, it loses its previous shape; it becomes uneven, beveled, and all due to the peculiarities of the direction of growth of the plate. Rarely does nature reward someone with an even nail growth line. Therefore, try to correct their shape in a timely manner.
"Soft Square"
This shape is a square at the base, but with smoothed corners. It will look great in both short and medium versions. Suitable for almost any hand. The only exception is for young ladies with overly wide nail plates. “Soft square” can be called a compromise solution for owners of problem plates. This shape is not so susceptible to deformation as it grows and does not so clearly indicate flaws in the manicure.
Photo from the site: nailspolishmania.blog
Photo from the site: womensterritory.ru
Photo from the site: weekend.rambler.r
"Oval"
Universal shape, suitable for any plate configuration and hand characteristics. Manicurists sometimes call this form the basic one. A characteristic feature is that the free edge completely follows the shape of the nail bed and the line of the base of the nail.
Photo from the site: lediina.pp.ua
Photo from the site: zamok-mchs.ru
Photo from website: uzbechka1.ru
"Square oval"
Another compromise shape for those young ladies who, due to the characteristics of their plates, cannot afford a square. It is an intermediate shape between a square and an oval. Its distinctive feature is a square base, but with an arched tip and sharp corners at the edges. Even girls with wide plates can afford this shape, because the oval shape of the tip will visually distract from the wide plates and help elongate their fingers.
Photo from the site: slanet.ru
Photo from the site: handicrafter.ru
Photo from the site: modwear.ru
Round form
It can only be short; it looks ridiculous on long nails. In fact, this form is the original one, i.e. if the nail has not grown enough to give it one shape or another, then a round one will do just fine. To create it, 1 mm is enough. regrown tip. It is very simple in execution - it follows the curve of the edge of the finger. However, as it grows, it requires significant adjustments due to the changing direction of nail growth.
Photo from the site: cdt-tristar.ru
Photo from: aroundnails.com
Photo from the site: qulady.ru
Almond shape
A characteristic feature is the absence of any corners. From the very growth line, the nail smoothly moves towards the center and curves at the tip. Suitable only for those with graceful long fingers and narrow plates. The length of the nail bed should be short. Because the tip of almond-shaped nails should always be longer than the nail bed. And an excessively long “tonsil” will look unnatural and bend to the sides.
Photo from the site: ss.kak-nay4utc9.ru
Photo from the site: cdt-tristar.ru
Photo from website: uzbechka1.ru
Triangular shape or "cat's claw"
Only suitable for narrow plates and thin fingers. On large nails it will look a little wild and scary, reminiscent of a witch’s nails. It is similar in nature to the almond shape - the same smooth rapid movement towards the center, but with the formation of an acute angle at the end. This form is extremely inconvenient and is at risk of breaking. Therefore, this option is better for young ladies with strong nail plates.
Photo from the site: dalaaadno.ru
Photo from the site: servicekrd.ru
Photo from the site: mywishlist.ru
"Pointe shoes", "ballerina", "coffin"
This season's favorite uniform. This is understandable. It fits almost any plate and arm configuration. The only “but” is that for wide plates the free edge should be of medium length; for the rest, you can “try on” both short and medium sizes. “Pointe shoes” are a mix between a square and a triangular shape. At the base it is precisely a triangular or almond-shaped shape (the edges of the nail plates tend to the center), but the tip of the nail has a perpendicular cut with sharp corners, forming a trapezoid at the tip. Just like a square, this shape is quite fragile and there is a risk of damaging the corners. And on overgrown and thin nails, they can completely curl into a cone, and the shape will simply be lost.
Photo from the site: lor-rb.ru
Photo from website: uzbechka1.ru
Photo from the site: wellnesso.ru
Beveled shape
It is a variation of the square. The base has the same straight side lines, but the tip has a straight oblique cut, thus forming two angles - acute and obtuse. The cut can have either the same or different directions. Looks better on long narrow plates. The optimal length is medium. Another condition for this form is a strong nail plate. Curved, deformed nails with this shape will look ridiculous.
Photo from the site: wellnesso.ru
Photo from the site: nogterai.ru
Photo from the site: nailsfoto.com
Note
Behind the scenes, among manicurists, a number of shapes for natural plates are classified as conditionally possible - square, triangle, pointe and beveled shapes. Similar configurations would be ideal for artificial nails. Natural plates, even if they are quite smooth and strong, with such forms quite often break off. To avoid such troubles, before creating one of these forms, you should additionally strengthen the plate with gel or acrylic.
When to choose a “soft square” nail shape?
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Perhaps there is simply no better canvas for experimenting with different geometric designs, stripes and holes than a “soft square”.
Convenience
A “soft square” is very similar to a regular one, only the edges are slightly rounded so that they are not so sharp. The manicure looks just as impressive, but wearing it on a daily basis is much more convenient.
Nail quality
Everything that has been said about a clear “square” also applies to the soft one: the shape can be worn on weakened nails, but at the same time give preference to a short length, which will be more difficult to damage.
Desired length
Choose any length you like. Although, with very long nails, you may have to use additional strengthening methods.
Possibility to do your own manicure
“Soft square” is one of the simplest shapes. You can make it yourself at home. As in the previous case, the nails are filed in a straight line, and then you need to slightly round the corners.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
The same rule applies here as with a clear “square”: if you want to visually correct a wide plate, it is better to choose a narrower, streamlined shape, such as oval.
Current nail polish colors for wide nails
Varnishes in dark, rich shades can visually reduce the area of the nail plate and distract attention from imperfections in shape.
You can very successfully use beige, light pink varnishes, as well as a transparent base, provided that the nail is accented with a bright or dark color varnish.
Editor's choice: How to do a manicure with hearts?
Varnishes of different colors, painted vertically, go perfectly together on a wide nail. The smooth flow of a light tone to a darker tone at the regrown end of the nail allows you to veil the not entirely successful shape of the nails.
A very good option for wide nails is the French classic diagonal manicure.
When to choose an oval nail shape
Convenience
The oval shape is suitable in most cases, even for those who lead a very active lifestyle.
In my opinion, the oval shape requires the least amount of maintenance. Such nails do not have corners, and in everyday life, when we are faced with household work (washing dishes, cleaning shoes, whatever), the likelihood of damaging the manicure is much less.
Alina Toropchenko
Nail quality
“Oval” is suitable for any nails, even the weakest ones. After all, it is difficult to break a smoothly shaped nail, even if the plate itself is fragile and thin.
Desired length
The length of the free edge can be any, even just half a millimeter.
Possibility to do your own manicure
Of all the shapes, oval is the most unpretentious: a few movements with a nail file are enough to maintain a neat appearance.
“Oval” is more versatile due to the fact that the nail looks like a natural extension of the finger, and the shape is easy to repeat at home.
Alina Toropchenko
Shape of fingers and nail bed
The oval shape is suitable for any fingers, it makes the hand graceful and even visually lengthens the short nail plate. Therefore, if you can’t decide on a manicure, start with the “oval” and you definitely won’t get into trouble.
Round nails
If you want to create the appearance of longer fingers but prefer short nails, you may want to choose a round shape. Round nails are short in length with a naturally rounded edge and are ideal for lengthening short and wide fingers. The shape can also be used to visually make wide nails look thin and long. At the same time, if you have narrow nails, don't rule out a round shape. The simple shape is not only classic, but also universal. Perfect for girls who don’t have time to go to the salon, because round nails are easy to maintain at home. Their soft, rounded appearance makes them ideal for any polish color. You can even switch between neutrals, bold and funky shades depending on your mood and outfit.
When to choose almond-shaped nails
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Convenience
The almond shape is quite convenient, since due to the lack of corners it almost does not break.
Nail quality
You can give the almond shape only to medium and long nails. If they are too weak, it will be difficult to grow them back, so in this case you will definitely need artificial strengthening.
Desired length
As mentioned above, you won’t be able to make an “almond” look on short nails, and the free edge will first have to be grown out. But if you don’t want to wait, you can resort to extensions.
Possibility to do your own manicure
It’s practically impossible to do this without the help of a professional. The fact is that the smoothly tapered tip of the nail, reminiscent of an almond in outline, should not be oval or too sharp. And only experienced craftsmen can perform such delicate work.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
“Almond” is definitely worth a try if you want to visually lengthen a short nail plate. In this case, the nail will look like a natural extension of the finger, so the brush will also visually become more graceful.
Short wide nails
There is a certain category of women who, due to their occupation, cannot afford long nails. These are athletes, musicians, health workers, masseuses and some other professions. Among them there are definitely owners of wide nails.
Professionals offer many manicure designs for short wide nails so that this category of ladies can look charming. There are nuances verified by practice.
- Thin lines of the design visually make such nails longer and more graceful.
- It is not recommended to apply large designs and decor on nails of this shape. You will have to put a taboo on a large amount of small decor, acrylic modeling and limit the number of polish colors on one nail to a maximum of three.
- For a dark-colored French manicure, mark the end of the nail with a thin line.
- A manicure of the same tone, but in different shades with black inserts, looks beautiful.
Editor's choice: Everything for nail design: shape, colors, designs, techniques
The design should not be complicated, without excesses in the form of rhinestones or sparkles. Taking these nuances into account, you can create a beautiful manicure for wide nails and give your hands with a non-standard nail plate a sophisticated, flawless look.
When to choose a stiletto nail shape?
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Convenience
The stiletto resembles an almond shape, but ends with an even sharper tip. The main disadvantage is that it is very easy to break such a nail. Most likely, you will have to, for example, press the doorbell not with your fingernail, but with a bent finger. But this form won’t hurt when typing on the keyboard. On the contrary, it’s even convenient to do this with her, as well as to pick up small things.
Nail quality
This type of manicure is created, as a rule, by extensions. Natural nails are rarely so strong that the tip remains intact.
Desired length
There are simply no short stilettos. The free edge must be medium or even long.
Possibility to do it yourself
The “stiletto” shape is even more capricious than the almond-shaped one. To decorate your nails in such an extravagant way, it is better to immediately go to a salon, where they will give you special strengthening or even extensions.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
“Stilettos” are suitable for almost any hands and fingers and visually elongate the nail plate.
Almond shaped nails
Almond shaped nails have long sides that taper to form a rounded tip at the end. This luxurious shape won't suit short nails, but it looks great on longer ones. The shape is ideal for long and thin nails due to its elongated shape. Almond shaped nails are also suitable for short and wide fingers to give the appearance of a slimmer hand. In addition, this shape looks flattering on women with short fingers due to the extra length. If this shape suits you, try neutral and clear polishes, as well as glamorous and girly designs.
When should you choose a “ballerina” or “pointe” nail shape?
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Convenience
“Ballerina” is a cross between a “stiletto” and a clear “square”. But this form is a little more practical, since the corners are not as vulnerable as in the first and second cases.
Nail quality
This complex structural shape is only suitable for strong nails.
Desired length
“Pointe shoes” are performed only on nails of medium or long length and, as a rule, by extension. Although it is also quite possible to give natural plates this shape.
Possibility to do your own manicure
It is difficult to take care of such nails on your own, so it is better to have the desired shape maintained by a specialist. Yes, and most likely you will need to do strengthening and leveling, and you can only get a high-quality result in a salon.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
“Pointe shoes” are perfect for those who want to try “square”, but are afraid that it will visually widen their nails. At the same time, even large fingers will look elegant thanks to the tapering edges.
Rule two
It should also be noted that women whose nails are soft and thin have even less choice: only a short edge is available to them. The fact is that too thin nails, as they grow, begin to bend and curl, and therefore, even if you have the most neat shape of your nails, your manicure will look crooked and sloppy.
Square
Speaking about what shapes of nails there are, first of all it is worth noting the square. The fact is that it is one of the most popular for natural nails. As the name suggests, this form consists of two parallel side lines and a clear perpendicular cut. The main feature is the sharp right angles at the tip of the nail. Nail experts say that this shape looks best on medium-length nails and thin fingers. But those with a wide nail plate should abandon the square, because it will make the fingers even larger and even more ridiculous. The disadvantage of this fashionable form of nails for manicure, experts call its instability. The fact is that on natural nails the corners of the square often break off. In addition, if the nail plates are quite thin, as they grow, the square is lost, because the nails begin to curl inward or fall to the sides.
You may be interested in: Men's manicure: classic, hardware, unedged, technique, manicure features and appearance photos
By the way, to eliminate the possibility of nail splitting and various types of damage, you should file your nails in only one direction!
Round form
Experts say: the round shape looks good only on short nails. On long ones it looks ridiculous. In general, we can call the round shape the original one, because it is ideal if the nail has not grown enough to give it any other shape. To make a circle, a manicurist will only need one millimeter of the regrown tip. In addition, this shape is easy to repeat at home, because it simply follows the curve of the edge of the finger. The only drawback is the need for adjustments, because as the nail grows, the direction of growth of the nail changes.
Triangular shape
Manicurists call the triangular shape of nails “cat's claws.” “Triangles” are suitable only for those with narrow nail plates and thin fingers. The thing is that on large nails “cat’s claws” look terrifying, vaguely reminiscent of a witch’s claws. By its nature, the triangular shape resembles an “almond”: the same smooth movement towards the center, but there must certainly be an acute angle at the edge. Of course, this form is very uncomfortable, and it is also at risk of breaking. For this reason, only those young ladies who have fairly strong nails should choose “cat’s claws”.
