13 Nail Shapes and Styles Worth Trying Right TF Now

Just because you have shorter nails doesn't mean they need to be totally shapeless. This natural-looking shape features a somewhat angled tip and soft edges for a look that's equal parts delicate and pretty.

💫Who it's best for: Go for this shape when you need a break from your acrylics or dip powders, since it looks excellent on natural nails with minimal polish.

Try it with: Dior Nail Glow

The coolest thing about flare nails? You can make them as extreme or lowkey as you want. All you need is a sharp, flared edge (like this option here) and the rest is totally in your hands. Prepare to get festive with your nail art—the more abstract, the better.

💫Who it's best for: To get the sharpest, strongest edge possible, you’ll want to try out this nail shape with acrylics or gels (unless, like, your natural nails are made of steel).

Try it with: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Flash-Ionista

Named after a pair of sky-high heels, “this shape is a statement—it’s both dramatic and high maintenance,” says nail stylist Miss Pop. Because stiletto nails call for super-tapered sides, pointy centers, and hella length, you’ll need to commit to extensions.

💫Who it's best for: “There’s no such thing as a natural stiletto nail, since they’ll break too easily in this shape,” says Miss Pop. Choi recommends getting gel overlays versus acrylics to increase the length. “Acrylics can look thick, which is why I prefer using gel instead, since the shape will always look more elegant.”

Try it with: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Get Lucky

PSA: This nail shape is guaranteed to earn you a few compliments (I mean...look how unique it is). Lipstick nails are defined by their slanted and sharp tips, which make them especially perfect for dual-tone manicures.

💫Who it's best for: This shape requires a set of decently strong nails, so it’s best to try it out with acrylic or gel overlays if you want ’em to last (which, trust me, you do).

Try it with: Red Carpet Manicure LED Gel Nail Polish in Yacht Hoppin'

“This is a very soft, natural look that’s easy to maintain—even if you break a nail, you can sacrifice a little length and still keep the shape,” says Miss Pop. Move a nail file “side to side to create the gentle arc,” she says, almost like you’re mimicking the curve of your cuticles.

💫Who it's best for: “It works best on nails that are short or that have grown slightly over your fingertips,” she adds. Translation: This is a great go-to for people who can’t grow their nails super long.

Try it with: People of Color Nail Polish in Abuela

This nail shape is deceivingly difficult to execute, since the slightly tapered end can easily veer into almond or round territory if you file too heavily or not enough. “It takes patience to file this shape—so go slow,” says Miss Pop.

💫Who it's best for: Got short nails? This shape won’t work unless you add acrylics or gel overlays. “If you flip your hand palm side up and can still see the tips of your nails, then you can definitely create this shape,” says Miss Pop.

Try it with: Olive & June Nail Polish in BP

Unlike an oval nail, which has only slightly tapered sides, this nail shape is more extreme. “It’s very glamorous,” says nail pro Jin Soon Choi. “It gets its name because the entire nail looks like an almond in that it’s elongated at the tip with a round base.”

💫Who it's best for: The almond shape looks best on medium to long nails, since plenty of length is required for it to be noticeable, says Choi.

Try it with: PacificaBio Glitter Translucent Topper

Arguably the easiest shape to create, square edges are achieved by simply filing back and forth across the top of your nail. Keep in mind that the corners tend to get a little jagged though, so prepare for regular filing to keep them smooth. “When filing the sides, make sure to keep the file perpendicular to your nail, and be careful not to apply too much pressure or the edge will take on a concave U shape versus staying straight and boxy,” says Choi.

💫Who it's best for: Square edges work on both natural and fake nails, but “it tends to look best on those with long, narrow nail beds,” says Choi.

Try it with: Ciaté London The Cheat Sheets Nail Stickers

“This square-meets-oval hybrid is my favorite because anyone can wear it—whether you have short, medium, or long nails—plus, it’s modern and soft,” says Choi. The catch? It’s easy to mess up. “People make the mistake of filing straight across the top and then curving the corners, which is actually square with round edges, not a true oval,” she explains. Instead, create a subtle arc at your tips and then connect the sides so there’s a natural taper.

💫Who it's best for: Like Choi said, it suits any nail length, so get ready to give it a go ASAP.

Try it with: JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Verismo

Celebs like Kylie and Khloé, Ariel Winter, and Halsey have all made the coffin nail shape Insta famous. “It’s the new stiletto,” says Choi. As for the shape, because it looks like a coffin, it requires strongly tapered sides with a very straight edge across the top.

💫Who it's best for: Pros say it’s not for everyone, as it needs major upkeep and length (natural nails are typically not an option here unless you’re super blessed in the length department).

Try it with: Orly Breathable Treatment + Color in Cherry Bomb

Consider this nail shape the stiletto’s softer-edged cousin. It’s named after the top part of a ballerina’s pointe shoes, which have slightly convex sides and a straight tip. To copy this fresh look, Miss Pop recommends filing your nail in a perfect oval shape and then squaring off the tapered tip.

💫 Who it's best for: Unless you have rock-hard natural nails, you’ll likely need acrylic or gel overlays to get the strength needed to keep your tips from breaking. And it never hurts to throw in a cuticle oil every day.

Try it with: CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner