Your personal style doesn’t stop at the clothes you wear; the right manicure can make all the difference when it comes to bringing an outfit together and expressing yourself. And when it comes to acrylic nails, the opportunities for a fresh, bold look are practically endless. From Kylie Jenner’s go-to coffin shape to Cardi B’s sharp stilettos, there are so many acrylic nail shapes to choose from—and finding the right one for you can be a tricky process. Luckily, we put this guide together to help you out.
Below, we’ve outlined 11 popular acrylic nail shapes, and included tips for determining whether or not they’re right for you. Whether you like to keep things short and sweet or want to go big and bold, there’s something for everyone!
11 types of acrylic nail shapes
There’s a whole myriad of fun acrylic nail shapes out there, but the following 11 are among the most common.
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1. Round
If you prefer a natural, classic look or like to keep your nails short, you may want to stick to a tried and true round shape. This shape is simple, understated, but still totally chic—plus, the toned-down nature of a rounded nail allows you to experiment with a whole range of bold colors without getting too dramatic. Additionally, round acrylics are an especially great option for anyone with shorter fingers, as they have an elongating effect.
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2. Oval
For a rounded nail that’s a bit longer, oval acrylics are your best bet. Compared to round nails, oval ones are filed slightly around the tips and down the sides, making for a more dramatic shape to help elongate your fingers even more. They’re the perfect option for anyone who wants to add just a little more oomph, and they work great with some fun nail art.
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3. Almond
For another step up on the drama scale, opt for a pointier almond shape. These nails are tapered to a rounded point, just like the shape of almond. They make for the perfect glam look for special occasions—or just for any time you’re really feeling yourself.
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4. Square
This shape shouldn’t take too much explanation if you passed elementary school geometry; square nails are in the shape of (you guessed it) a square, which means they’re flat at the top with 90 degree angles rather than rounded sides. Although they may not be the most dramatic look, they’re still a great, stylish shape that works for just about everyone. Plus, they’re super easy to maintain.
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5. Squoval
Squoval nails give you the best of both worlds with the lovechild of square and oval shapes. These acrylics are practically square, but have slightly rounded edges, causing them to veer into oval territory. They’re not quite square… they’re not quite oval… they’re squoval! Ultra-flattering, versatile, and simple, this shape will never do you wrong.
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6. Stiletto
If you really want to make the boldest statement possible, you may want to consider stiletto nails. These are as pointy as they get, with a dramatic taper that will turn your nails into claws. They work best for the most daring of people who consider their nails an accessory and want to stand out. You can have so much fun with these—they’re perfect for out-there colors and bold nail art.
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7. Coffin
Also known as ballerina nails (because their shape mimics a pointe shoe), coffin acrylics are long and flat at the top with tapered sides. Think stiletto, but with a flat top rather than a pointed one. Just as with their pointier counterpart, coffin nails present a perfect opportunity for fun nail art and a bold fashion statement.
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8. Flare
Flare nails, or duck bill nails, are another outrageous nail shape that anyone looking to draw some attention might want to consider. Rather than tapering like most shapes, flare nails flare out to a wider shape and are flat on top. Although they may not be the best idea when it comes to practicality (they can make it difficult to work with your hands), they’re definitely a fun look for a night out.
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9. Lipstick
Just as the name suggests, the lipstick nail shape mimics the silhouette of a tube of lipstick: squared with a diagonal slant. This asymmetrical look is a great option for anyone who wants to go with something a little funky, but perhaps not as dramatic as stilettos or flares.
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10. Arrowhead
Arrowhead nails are very similar to stiletto nails in that they come to a point. However, they’re slightly less dramatic due to the fact that they’re shorter, which allows for a less severe taper. If you want to get a little bold with a claw-like point but aren’t sure if you can pull off long stiletto talons, arrowheads are a great starting point.
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11. Edge
Edge acrylics offer another super-unique, exciting, sharp shape. These form a point just like stilettos and arrowheads. However, they mix it up with extended straight sides rather than a smooth taper, making for an angled, edgy, triangular top. Additionally, this shape comes with a ridge down the middle of your nail to create a pointed edge.
Tips on picking the perfect shape
While you should feel free to choose any acrylic shape your heart desires, it can be hard to narrow down your options. If you're struggling to decide which shape is most flattering for your fingers, you may want to consider the following factors:
For short nails
While long nails may be in vogue lately, some of us still prefer to keep things short and sweet. If you fall into that category, consider going with a classic shape like a simple rounded or square acrylic.
For medium or long nails
If you're ready to get bold with some length, lean into the drama! Shapes like oval, almond, and coffin work best when they're longer, so experimenting with these is a perfect choice for anyone who's sick of short nails.
To lengthen and slenderize fingers
If you want to elongate and slenderize fingers that are naturally short or wide, choosing longer nails is a great option. Long, tapered shapes like almond, coffin, and oval will help create the illusion of sleek, slender fingers and hands.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, your nails are just one more way you can express yourself and your personal sense of style. Whether you want to be bold with a sharp stiletto and crazy nail art, or you want to keep things classic with a rounded red look, the possibilities are practically endless—and with so many to choose from, why not take the opportunity to experiment?
