If you have short palms and short fingers. it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles.
Oval nails are the ideal shape for short fingers as they provide a slim, elongated look that softens and enhances wide nail beds. The shape of oval nails helps create a beautiful line along the length of short fingers, giving them more volume and making them appear longer.
We know you love square-shaped nails a lot, but if you're trying to make your nails look longer, then this may not be the best shape for you. Square nails tend to make your nails look shorter than they actually are. Therefore, you should opt for round or almond shape to make your nails appear longer.
If your fingers are short, round nails should be your go-to shape. "It softens and slims the look of wide nail beds and helps shorter fingers look elongated," says Amy Lin founder of sundays, a nail care brand inspired by wellness.
It doesn't get much more universally flattering than an oval nail shape. “Oval nails give an elegant look if you have long nails and lengthens if you have wide nail beds,” says Lee. The rounded shape features corners that curve inward into a semicircle.
Nuances from the nude range such as cream or beige are considered particularly attractive. Well-kept nails with transparent polish or in light shades of pink are also particularly appealing to men.
Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone. If you have short palms and short fingers. it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles.
# 1: Nails should always be longer than they are wide In order to make your fingers appear longer/slimmer you have to stretch them visually. Square or round nails (as or less long than wide), do the opposite and will make pretty much everyone's fingers look a lot shorter.
Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”
Darker polish highlights the actual length of your nail, so to make nails look longer, lighter shades are always best, says Sarah Gibson Tuttle, CEO & Founder of Olive & June.
Nude and pastel colors are a great choice for short nails, as they actively make them look longer. Because they visually appear like they're continuing your finger line, they make your fingers look thinner and slimmer. For best results, use a color that's a shade lighter than your skin tone.
"The squoval shape perfectly suits both long and shorter nails," explains Juanita, which means it'll grow out nicely if you start with shorter nails. Square and oval (or rounded) equally work well for short nails, while almond, stiletto and ballerina (or coffin) are better for longer nails.
Almond/Point
And while it's not favored for the everyday look, this extreme shape can actually slenderize and lengthen the fingers.
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. Usually long, they are filed and shaped with a sharp or almond-shaped point at the tip.
Squoval is one of the most natural nail shapes. Which nail shape is more feminine? Oval nails are known to be the most feminine.
“An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer, and in turn, makes hands look younger,” she explains. Another grooming tip from the pro: pay attention to your cuticles! “Be sure to keep your fingers well-manicured,” she says.
One of the most natural looking shapes, the squoval mimics the shape of your cuticle: flat, but with slightly rounded edges. It's easy to maintain at home too, and great if you're leaving your nails naked.
Red is the most youthful colour and an anti-ageing staple to add in your arsenal. Go for orange-based reds and true tomato reds to make your hands look lively and young.
“(Short nails) can help you rejuvenate the nail to promote strength and length, especially if you've been having regular (manicure) appointments without giving your nails a break,” Natalie says.
If you look at your fingers from the side, the whites of the nails shouldn't be so long that they start to divorce the rounded shape of the finger. If the nail is so long that it extends past the fingertips, you're due for a trim.
Coffin Nails
Also commonly seen worn by celebrities, the coffin nail shape has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Known for its tapered sides that come together in a blunt square edge, this often edgy shape is also widely associated with length and drama (we see you, Kylie!).
Square is particularly popular because it has the most natural feel and as it grows, the corners start to round beautifully. “Many celebs also love rounded because the shape is naturally thinning and very feminine. The shape is pretty neutral and can pull off a number of shades,” she also says.
As one of the most conservative shapes of the bunch, the round shape is ideal for men and those who like to maintain short nails. This shape is flattering for wide nails, and gives the illusion of a thinner nail bed. File the side walls straight like a square, then round the free edge into that perfect swooping circle.
Yep, believe it or not, men do tend to notice your nails. If you've got prim and clean nails it shows that you take care of yourself and your personal hygiene. And on the contrary, if they're not in good condition then he knows you need to up your game about this.