The Guide to Acrylic Nail Shapes & Styles

The great thing about acrylic nails is they open up a wide range of customization (just look at all of the beautiful acrylic nails on Pinterest!).

You can stick to a classic nail shape, such as round, or step out of the box with a set of striking stiletto nails.

Regardless of which nail shapes are the “norm” for you, it’s essential to know the different nail shapes in case you want to shake things up a bit.

Or it’s your first time, and have zero ideas about what nail shapes are available and want to find the perfect nail shape at your upcoming nail appointment.

This article teaches you some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes and styles so you can step out of the nail salon feeling gorg.

Top 9 Nail Shape and Style Options

As I said, there are so many different kinds of nail shapes for acrylic nails.

Which one is right for you will depend on many factors, such as the shape of your natural nails, how much length you want to add, and whether you want classic or over-the-top shaping.

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide of the top nine different nail shapes and find out which shape you’ll ask for at your next manicure.

Round Nails

Round nails are the best nail shapes for newbies or those who just want a sophisticated look that mimics the natural shape of the nail bed.

Round nails are typically kept on the shorter side, providing a more natural soft, and feminine appearance.

image source （@calmly_nail）

Oval Nails

If you like the shape of round nails but want a medium to long shape instead, oval nails are the better option.

Oval nails are rounded but slightly longer. That said, oval nails tend to have a slightly pointier tip structure.

Still, oval nails remain beautifully delicate and dainty, regardless of nail art applied on top.

image source （@nailist_dahye）

Almond Nails

Looking for a set of nails with a more refined point but not overtly sharp?

Consider almond nails.

Almond nails tend to be on the longer side and work best with thin nail beds.

However, it doesn’t matter if you have narrow nail beds or wide nail beds.

Almond-shaped nails will work well with your nail bed regardless of size.

The almond shape always looks chic and stylish and is particularly enchanting with an ombre hue.

image source （@nailroomarudy）

Square Nails

If you’re on the hunt for a shape with defined edges and a fierce attitude without being too risky, the square nail shape is right up your alley.

Square nails are typically designed with white tips for a classic French manicure, but they can be styled any way you please.

The square nail shape is incredibly flattering on women with long and slim fingers, as they will elongate further for a genuinely mesmerizing pair of hands.

Square-shaped nails also work like magic to widen narrow nail beds.

image source （@by.charl_）

Squoval Nails

Can’t decide between the oval shape and square nails? Why not have the best of both worlds?

Squoval nails come with the classic oval structure we all know and love, yet with a slight straight edge on either side of the nail.

The result? A step towards prowess while remaining effortlessly dainty.

The best part is, this nail shape tends to be flattering on all different nail shapes and fingers, whether you have notoriously short fingers or long fingers.

image source （@__minznail）

Stiletto Nails

If you want your nails to be the talk of the party, look no further than stiletto nails.

Stiletto nails are not for the faint of heart. They’re reserved for the gals that want a dangerously sharp point with plenty of attitude.

Stilettos are notoriously long nails that aren’t afraid to make a statement. That said, they’re often designed with stunning colors and patterns. No need to hold back with these babies!

Thanks to their impressive length, stiletto nails are great for those with short fingers that want to make their fingers appear longer and leaner.

image source （@thenailstory.thestory）

Coffin Nails

Love the idea of powerful, look-at-me nails but don’t want the obnoxious point? Coffin nails are right up your alley.

Coffin nails (also referred to as balle

ina nails) are similar to stiletto nails in terms of length; they will be long.

However, ballerina nails have a squared-off tip and sharp corners to create a boxed-off appearance.

Due to the coffin length and unique nail shape, they are best suited for strong natural nails that can handle it.

image source （@thenailstory.thestory）

Flare Nails

Flare nails are definitely one of the more “quirky” nail shapes you don’t often see, making it the best nail shape for those that don’t like to follow the pack.

Artsy and fashion-forward divas will appreciate this nail shape’s intricate “fan” design.

Fan-shaped nails start by following the edges of the base of your nail, while the ends extend straight out on either side, creating a “fan” or “duckbill” appearance.

Cool? Definitely. For everyone? Not really.

Those with short fingers should avoid this style, making the fingertip and finger appear even shorter.

image source (Pinterest)

Lipstick Nails

Last but not least, we have lipstick nails. These attractive nails are unlike anything else in the nail game. They’re even more daring than the coffin shape!

Lipstick nails are exactly how they sound - the fingertip is cut at an angle to achieve that “lipstick case” appearance.

The extra length that lipstick nails provide makes them the perfect canvas for nail art, from subtle detailing and color to more extravagant designs.

The longer lengths also make them the perfect choice for thinner fingers and those with bigger palms.

image source （pinterest）

FAQs

What is the most popular acrylic nail shape?

The most popular acrylics nail shape is round. Rounded nails are the best nail shape because they’re genuinely the classic pick that works well on all types of fingers and fingertips.

What is the easiest acrylic nail shape?

The most straightforward shape to achieve is square. Since the square nail follows a simple boxy design, it’s easy for newbies and professionals to create this gorgeous and stylish silhouette.

What nail shape is the strongest?

Round takes the grand prize for being the strongest, too.