If your nails are prone to breakage, it's best to keep them short and round. “You still have options,” Tuttle says. “Think round, oval, squoval or even almond. Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”
Which nail shape breaks easily? While square and coffin shaped nails offer a wide canvas to create a beautiful nail art design, you will be surprised to know that they are the ones that are most prone to breakage.
A stylish and slightly different look, square nails have straight edges and are squared-off at the tip. They're also one of the most practical nail shapes out there and low-maintenance, however it's a look suited to longer nails – so if you've got short digits, we'd recommend nail extensions before trying this shape.
Squoval-shaped nails are the easiest to maintain because the shape is closest to how your nails grow naturally. Create the squoval by filing down the edges of the nails in a straight line. Flatten the free edge and slightly round the corners to soften the look.
Masonry and concrete nails use hardened steel, often with longitudinal grooves along the length of the nail's shaft to help them penetrate very hard materials by spiraling as they are driven. These nails are thick and very strong.
Of all of the shapes, round and square are best for nails that are sturdy and healthy. If you are on your way to achieving proper nail health with the help of one of our amazing technicians, or if you have “fake nails”, there is no reason to forgo your desires.
One of the biggest benefits of acrylic nails is that they are very durable. They can last up to six weeks without chipping or peeling, which is much longer than natural nails. Additionally, acrylic nails are less likely to break than natural nails, so they can be a good option for people who have weak or brittle nails.
Almond. "An almond-shaped nail is slim on the sides and wide on the base, coming to a rounded peak. This shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim," says Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist & brand founder. File the sides and make sure the tip is narrow, so the free edge mimics a peak shape.
Squoval nails flatter all fingers and because of this, they never go out of style. They also work with both short and long nails, and they help keep nails strong. Unlike squares, they don't have sharp edges that catch on things; like ovals, they're very durable.
The natural nail shape to rule them all. If your nail goals include low maintenance, natural nails, say hello to squoval nails. As you can guess from the name, the squoval shape is the lovechild of the square and oval nail shapes. They are best described as a square tip with gently rounded edges.
2023 is the year of the short stiletto nail. Stiletto nails are that girl; these nails are everyone's go-to if they want to make a bold statement.
Nail Shape Trends For 2023
“In addition to a shorter nail length, the trending shape is likely to be more square or squoval.” She even adds that we could see a resurgence in short French tip nail alongside the longer, oval- and almond-shapes so popular this year.
Shape Shift
While many of us don't give the shape of our nails a second thought, Lippmann says we might want to start. “An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer, and in turn, makes hands look younger,” she explains.
For chubby fingers, you can opt for these nail shapes: oval, round, almond, and coffin. These nail shapes will make your nails and fingers look longer as well as hide the chubby fingers underneath the tip of your nails.
Squoval nails are primed to be seen everywhere in 2023 and will take the throne from square nails, which have just returned to the trend radar. But what does “squoval” actually mean? As we mentioned, the trendy nail shape is a mixture of square and oval, but not as hard as the former and not as pointed as the latter.
Press-On Fake Nails
Another option is press-on nails which come in various shapes and sizes. These types of fake nails are great for those who need a fast manicure that won't damage their natural nails. Press them on, paint them to match your nail shape and colour, and you're good to go.
But, if you're someone who doesn't love the bulkiness and process of getting an acrylic set and you're worried about the chance of ruining your natural nails with a gel manicure, then polygel nails are your answer.
squoval. That is, a square tip with rounded edges (like an oval). What makes squoval shapes better for weak nails? A straighter edge across the top reinforces your nails (whereas a strictly pointy one is more likely to catch on things and break).
Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.
Square and oval nails are one of the most classic and timeless shapes in acrylic nails, square nails are a great choice if you want to opt for something that looks professional yet stylish. If you have long and slim fingers the square nail or square oval nails can give your hands an elegant look.
"A great way to freshen up your nails for summer is to ditch the matching mani/pedi duo for two different, but related, colors," says celebrity manicurist April Foreman. "I prefer the darker shade on the toes, but honestly, anything goes."
Your accent nail can be your ring finger (a popular choice), your thumbnail, or any nail you want to call attention to.