Different Nail Shapes With Pictures

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Square or round? You're asked this every time you get a manicure—but have you ever thought your nails might possess even greater ambitions? Yea, probs not, right? "For some, introducing a new shape is something they've never considered," says Marlene Vanderhoef, nail technician at Haven Spa in New York City. Turns out, it's one of the easiest ways to freshen up your style.

Before we dive in, we wouldn't be Prevention.com if we didn't throw in a few quick ways to keep your nails healthy, like removing your polish once it really starts to wear down. If you don't, "white patches can develop when the nail polish is taken off with the superficial portion of the nail," says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City.

And if your nails become dry, rough, or develop ridging or discoloration, take a lil break from polish. You can still file your nails to maintain a pretty shape (and apply hand cream to keep things moisturized). Then, when you're ready to get your nails done again (or do your own mani), avoid cutting or trimming your cuticles, says Dr. Garshick. "Cuticles are there for a reason and provide a layer of protection from the nail fold. When it is cut or removed, it increases the chance for bacteria to get in and the risk of infection," she says.

Now that you know what to do to keep your nails looking fab, here are 10 shapes worth considering:

Round Nails

Shape specs: These nails feature a gently curved tip, but keep things short for easy maintenance.

Go round if: Your nails are brittle. "In general, shorter nails with a rounded edge tend to be better for maintaining strong nails," says Dr. Garshick. "When nails are shorter, they're less likely to be affected by daily activities and wear and tear that can occur." If you're doing them at home, just remember not to clip them too short, as this can cause damage.

Oval Nails

Shape specs: These are similar to round nails, but longer with sides and edges that curve in more.

Go oval if: You want the illusion of longer fingers, as this slim style is elongating. It's also a great everyday nail shape that looks good with both neutral and brighter polishes.

Square Nails

Shape specs: These nails maintain the same thickness from base to tip, which is filed across straight with more pronounced edges.

Go square if: You like a more traditional look. If you're in a more conservative career, then short and square is a good option for you, says Vanderhoef.

Squoval Nails

Shape specs: It's a combo, square and oval. The shape is square but the edges are slightly rounded.

Go squoval if: You have weaker nails. This is a sturdy nail shape, says Dr. Garshick. And if you work in a physically demanding job—like in the food industry or in a medical profession—long nails can get in the way (and pose a sanitary risk), adds Vanderhoef. You can still choose a bold shade to spice things up.

Almond Nails

Shape specs: This nail shape looks just like its name—an almond. It's rounded at the edges and tapers into a slight point at the top.

Go almond if: You've got strong nails. Longer nails have to withstand more stress, so yours will need to step up to the plate here. And if you like the look of peaks, this is definitely the shape for you, says Vanderhoef.

Flare Nails

Shape specs: The nail flares outward so that it's wider at the top than your nail bed. The edge is filed across, similar to a square nail.

Go flare if: You love the appearance of long nails but worry yours are too weak. "For weaker nails, a broader tip is better because it distributes physical stress across the tip rather than focusing it on one point," says Vanderhoef. This is also a great style for nail art, as there's simply more room for a design, she adds.

Mountain Peak Nails

Shape specs: It's a long nail that tapers up to the tip and is filed into a point. (The tips look triangular.)

Go mountain peak if: You have bigger nail beds and want a statement style. "Wide fingers have a harder time with slim nail styles. That's where mountain peak comes in, as it's much better for larger nail beds," says Venderhoef.

Lipstick Nails

Shape specs: This long shape is wide (or square) throughout the base and then filed at a dramatic angle, kind of like a new lipstick as it comes out of the tube.

Go lipstick if: You love more unique looks. "We haven't had anyone ask for this style yet, but it's a fantastic shape and really avante garde," says Vanderhoef. Just remember—as Dr. Garshick warns—sometimes trendy shapes require excessive filing and cutting, which can also damage the nail.

Ballerina Nails

Shape specs: This shape is long, rounded at the edges, slightly tapers, and is squared off at the top. Some people also refer to it as "coffin" nails, Vanderhoef says.

Go ballerina if: You've got extra-long nail beds, Vanderhoef says, as this "takes pressure off the edge of the nail, making it easier to wear long nails," she says.

Stiletto Nails

Shape specs: This shape is similar to almond but far more intense (and not totally practical, if we're being honest). Rounded at the sides and long, they taper into a dramatically pointed tip.

Go stiletto if: You love a little drama in your mani. "True stiletto nails are difficult to maintain for most natural nails," says Vanderhoef. "Most of the time, acrylic or permanent UV gel is necessary to withstand the added stress of length and tip," she says. This style also looks nice for people who have slender fingers, she adds.

Jessica Migala Jessica Migala is a health writer specializing in general wellness, fitness, nutrition, and skincare, with work published in Women's Health, Glamour, Health, Men's Health, and more.

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Different Nail Shapes With Pictures

Source: https://www.prevention.com/beauty/g30768810/different-nail-shapes/

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