How to Shape Almond Nails

If you want a delicate and classy nail shape, there is no better option than almond-shaped nails.

They’re the perfect “in-between” for women who don’t want too much rounding like oval nails but don’t want the sharp edges that square nails present, either.

The best part is that almond nails are surprisingly easy to do at home - no appointment at the local nail salon is required.

As long as you have nail clippers, a nail file, and some nail polish, you can create stunning almond nails using your natural nails in no time.

Who’s ready for an impressive at-home nail makeover?

Let’s dive in and learn how to shape almond nails together!

How to Shape Natural Nails Into Almond Nails: Five Simple Steps

If you have the proper equipment and about 20 minutes on your hands (get it - hands), you can craft gorgeous, look-at-me almond-shaped nails from home.

The whole process only requires six simple steps. Even beginners will find this nail shape a cinch to create.

Here’s how to do it, ladies:

1. Prep the Nails

The first step in any manicure is to prep the nails.

Begin by removing any leftover nail polish using your favored nail polish remover.

Then, file down the nail to your desired length.

The almond nail is not typically absurdly long, but there should be enough length to create the almond shape.

Wash off any hand creams or cuticle oils, too. The last thing you want is your file or cutters to be slipping and sliding across a silky (albeit highly moisturized) surface.

If you plan to paint your fingernails when you’re done, push the cuticles back with a cuticle pusher. This will allow you more space to place the nail polish.

It will also look far more professional and glamorous, too.

2. Mark the Nails

Marking your nails is essential. It will act as a guide when it comes to shaping.

But where should you mark? Try to get in the dead center of your fingernails.

Consider the fact that each nail will have a different “middle,” and that’s okay.

Use a permanent marker with a bright or cold color, so it isn’t challenging to see.

3. Start Cutting the Almond Shape

Next, grab your nail clippers (or trim with scissors if you have longer nails) and start shaping the nail into an almond shape.

Yes, the tip will be a little pointy, and the edge might be sharp - and that’s okay. We will file the tip and edge down in a bit.

The goal is to make sure you’re leaving the nail bed intact, focusing on creating a narrower tip with a point.

To do this, cut your nails at an angle in one direction on each side.

Angling the tip is imperative, as you don’t want to end up with square nails instead.

Be careful not to nip your nail bed accidentally. This can be pretty painful!

4. File Nails Into the Almond Shape

The last step is filing down the sharp edges and creating a smooth, sleek, and desirable set of nails.

Don’t overdo it with the filing, though, or you could quickly end up with oval nails you’re not happy with.

Make sure your nails have the desired length and shape before moving on to the final step.

If you think your nails have an oval shape or square shape rather than an almond, you can trim or file some of the extra edges to create a more noticeable tip with rounded edges.

5. Style Them

This last step isn’t exactly critical. You can leave your natural nails as-is and enjoy a classic blank slate on your new nail shape.

However, most women will want to add some pizzazz to the ends of their fingers.

You have several options here. Depending on your skill level and equipment on hand, you might consider doing a gel manicure.

Gel manicures are best used to strengthen the fingernails, so they don’t break.

If you want something a bit easier, you can also paint regular nail polish on your nails.

I suggest adding a strengthening, protecting base coat before applying color. This base coat will create a seal that ensures your nails don’t accidentally break, even with wear and tear.

(Honestly, a strengthening coat is helpful for all types of nails - oval nails, square nails, etc.).

If you really want to add some zhuzh to your tips, consider nail art. Nail art can be as straightforward or as dramatic as you’d like.

FAQs

How do you shape almond short nails?

This particular style is better suited for those with longer fingernails.

If you prefer your fingers to wear a shorter length, you can still rock the almond shape. Yes, they will be slightly less noticeable than longer nails, but that doesn’t mean they won’t look fab.

To shape almond-style nails on short nails, follow the same steps as above.

You might want to nix the cutters, though. Since you have less room to work with, you have a higher chance of a clipped nail bed.

Stick to a nail file for creating shapes on short nails.

How do you shape rounded almond nails?

You can rely on your trusty nail file if you want round shapes on your almond nails.

Again, I would ditch the nail cutters if you’re looking for more round tips.

A file will work just fine.

How do you shape almonds for acrylic nails?

Acrylics will require a lot more work, from start to finish.

For example, nails will need to be prepped with buffing, pushing the cuticles back, etc., before the fake nails can even be glued.

After gluing, the nail tech will need to use an electronic filer to create the desired shapes.