Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”
Stiletto nail shape is the weakest as it makes the long and slender nails more prone to breaking.
Square. Description: Strong, bold shape typically in short to medium length. Nail is straight and even across the tip; corners are crisp and sharp. Good for: An active client (short to medium length is great for them) with nails that are wider at the cuticle; this allows the shape to balance the nail.
After talking to several nail techs, the consensus is in: The best shape for those of us with weakened tips is... squoval. That is, a square tip with rounded edges (like an oval). What makes squoval shapes better for weak nails?
Best nail shape for your hands: Stiletto Nails. This is a shape made for long nails (we recommend with acrylics) that ends with a sharp statement point. This is like an almond shape, but more pointed. Find the center of the nail tip, then shape both sides by filing into a slight taper towards the nail tip.
Gel nails are generally more durable because they're more flexible and less brittle than acrylics. This means they're less likely to chip or break.
Almond/Point
And while it's not favored for the everyday look, this extreme shape can actually slenderize and lengthen the fingers.
Even though shellac is considered by some to be the safest of all gels, it still has its downfalls—namely, that it can damage the nails. “Any product that is cured onto your nail has the potential of nail damage in the removal process,” Lippmann explains.
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.
Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration. Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age.
Sexy claws and nail art: what do men like? According to the Jolie survey, women's nails that tend to be shorter (i.e. flush with the tip or only slightly beyond) are particularly popular among men. In addition, a slightly rounded almond shape is particularly popular because it looks natural and well-groomed.
Squoval Nails
The easy, super functional squoval nail shape is the easiest to maintain as it mimics the way most people's nails naturally grow—square-shaped nails that have been rounded at the corners.
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.
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.
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.
What Nail Shape Is The Easiest For Typing? Shorter length square and round nails are the easiest shape nails to use in typing. There are a lot less likely to hit the other keys and chip, and they won't make as much noise while you type, which can be great if you are in open-plan offices.
There is very little evidence that SNS is any better or worse for your nails than gel polish, hard gel or acrylic. What causes damage to your natural nails is not the product itself, but the application and removal process. This is why your technician will advise you not to pick at or peel off your gel or acrylic.
As mentioned above, gel nails are a healthier alternative for the nail than acrylic. They are less likely to cause damage to the natural nail or nail bed. Gel nails also feel more natural and less rigid than acrylic, so if you accidentally hit them against something they are less likely to snap!
Acrylic nails can also damage the nails in the longer term, as the surface of your natural nails is filed down for application, meaning the natural nail becomes weaker.
In our experience, SNS can last up to one week longer than Shellac nails without chipping, and SNS also creates a thicker-looking nail from all that powder getting added on. But we've found Shellac to be a little less damaging to our nails long-term than SNS nails.
Gel manicures benefit those with weaker nails and lasts just that little bit longer than Shellac. However, the removal process is quite lengthy. Shellac is a thinner polish, so if you want to give your nails more space to “breathe' and have sturdy natural nail beds, this one's for you.
For longer lasting, with more colour options, choose gel. For shine and ease, choose shellac. Talk to your nail technician and they may also have individual recommendations for you.
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!).
White nails truly go with everything and make any color pop. If you're silently questioning “does white nail polish look good?”, the answer is yes. In the summertime it can be paired beautifully with pastels or bright clothing in your wardrobe.
For long, tough, and strong nails that will last a long time, acrylic might be the better option. These nails can last up to one month after the initial set, and harden into a tough and rigid exterior. On the other hand, SNS nails are formed using a resin powder and will stay in place for two to three weeks.