How to Shape Coffin Nails? Tutorial + Tips

One of the most sought-after nail shapes out there is none other than the coffin shape.

There is just something so tantalizing about the shape, which closely resembles stiletto nails, yet aren’t so pointy or daring.

Surprisingly enough, this popular nail shape worn by celebrities and next-door neighbors alike can easily be done at home.

If you’re looking to create perfect coffin nails in your living room, I’ve got you covered.

The process for perfect coffin nails is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of precision.

And don’t worry - if you accidentally mess it up, your trusty nail technician can fix you up.

How to Create Coffin-Shaped Nails: Step by Step Guide

The one thing I recommend is using acrylic nails or polygel nails for the coffin nail shape.

That is simply because coffin nails (also referred to as ballerina nails) are notoriously long with a flat tip and can be prone to breakage.

So, I don’t recommend trying to style coffin nails on natural nails unless you’re confident that your natural nail is strong enough to handle it or create short coffin nails.

1. Prep and Apply Fake Nails

The first step (unless you’re working with short nails or natural nails) is to prep your natural nails. You can prep them by doing the following:

1. Trim them down to the desired length. Remember - you’re using false tips, so your natural nails do not need to be very long.
2. Buff the nail bed. Using a nail file or nail buffer, buff the surface to provide a slightly abrasive surface for adhesion.
3. Push the cuticles back. Do this gently using a cuticle pusher or orange stick.
4. Apply a dehydrator. There should be no traces of your natural oils or any artificial moisturizers.

Once your nails are properly prepped, you can apply an acrylic nail tip using glue and create the faux nail.

Using polygel, you can apply the gel and harden it using a UV light.

2. Create the Coffin Nail Shape

Now it’s time for the fun part: creating the perfect coffin nails that all of your besties will fawn over.

Wondering how to shape coffin nails? It’s not very hard, and all you need is a permanent marker, some polish, clippers, and a file.

My expert advice is to outline the shape on your nail using a permanent marker.

That way, you can ensure that the sides are even and that all of your nails end up with the same shape.

You can also place a small dot on the tip of your nail to know where you will cut straight across.

Once you have “outlined” the nail shapes, you can start to shape coffin nails:

1. Clip the nails using nail clippers. You want to cut on each side of the nail, but don’t go directly over your indicated line. Instead, opt for a rounded shape, so you don’t accidentally cut too much off. Be extra careful not to accidentally harm your nail, too.
2. Use a nail file to file down the sides to your liking. Now, you can use your handy nail file to create the perfect shape. File down each side until you’ve achieved a slight angle. Don’t overdo it, or you will end up with a stiletto shape.
3. Cut off the tip. While the stiletto nail has a notorious point, coffin nails have a flat end. So, use your clippers to cut the tip off and create a flat surface. Don’t cut too much off!
4. Buff any rough edges. The sides may have sharp edges, while the flat tip may have a blunt edge. Buff these harsh areas using an emery board and design a smooth surface.

3. Style!

One of the best things about eye-catching, elegant coffin nails is that they’re typically ultra-long, leaving plenty of room for styling.

You have two options for styling: regular nail polish or gel polish.

Some people may prefer gel polish as it is far more sturdy than the traditional kind, which can help extend the longevity of your coffin nails (and other fragile nail shapes, for that matter).

It really comes down to personal preference, though.

Feel free to use whatever type of polish you prefer on top of your gorgeous, brand-new nails with the perfect shape!

If you want to add some extra pizazz to your nails, don’t hesitate to add some nail art.

FAQs

How to shape coffin nails on short natural nails?

Shaping shorter nails into the coffin shape is a bit trickier since there is less nail to work with. However, it’s not impossible.

For shorter nails, consider starting by cutting off the tip to create “square nails.” Then, you can use your file to gently file down the sides to start shaping the ideal angle.

When you’re done shaping, use a buffer or emery board to avoid sharp corners on your coffin-shaped nails.

Those with shorter nails might consider adding glitter or a matte look to their nails.

These styles tend to look particularly stunning on shorter nails. You can also go with a classic French manicure.

How do you turn a square nail into a coffin?

Shaping a square nail into a coffin nail is actually quite simple, considering both have a flat top.

You will need to focus on getting rid of the straight sides. So, use your file and start filing straight up and down at an angle to create the desired shape.

Is ballerina and coffin nails the same?

If you hear the terms “ballerina’’ and “coffin” nails, the person is talking about the same exact style.

These nails were given two terms because the style represents the structure of both a coffin and a ballerina pointe shoe.