The 8 most popular acrylic nail shapes and how to choose one that suits you

Nails are one of the most important aspects of a woman's beauty routine. It's important to find the right nail shape and color to match your style.

But - there are so many nail shapes to choose from! How do you know which one is right for you? Are you a classic square shape girl, or do you like the more dramatic almond nails?

In this post, we'll explore the most popular nail shapes and help you decide which one is perfect for your style. So whether you're looking for a new shape to try or just curious about what's out there, keep reading!

What are the nail shapes?

Before we get into how to best choose the nail shape that suits you best, let's take a deep dive into the most popular nail shapes and what they look like.

Natural

As the name suggests, this nail shape is what your nails look like in their natural state - no acrylics or anything extra. If you're someone who likes to keep their nails short, this might be the shape for you.

It's great for those who have strong and healthy nails, as it's a very low-maintenance shape. Those who use their hands often to type or do other manual labor might also prefer this shape, as it's less likely to break.

Oval

Oval-shaped nails are one of the most popular choices for women. They are classic and timeless, and they are also low-maintenance and easy to take care of. If you have short nails, oval is a great shape to choose. Oval nails can be filed down to your desired length, and they look great with any colour or style.

The only downside to oval nails is that they require regular upkeep. If you neglect to file them, they can become ragged and uneven. But if you take care of them, oval nails will serve you well!

Square

There's something about square-shaped nails that just screams "I'm put together and I know it."

Maybe it's because they're the perfect blend of edgy and classic, or maybe it's because they always look so polished. If you have wide nail beds, this is a great shape for you as it will make your nails look thinner. It's also a good choice if you want your nails to look longer. Regardless, square nails are a popular choice for those who want to make a statement.

Of course, with any style, there are pros and cons to consider: on the plus side, square nails tend to be more forgiving than other shapes when it comes to nail care. They're also less likely to break or chip, which is always a bonus. On the downside, square nails tend to be a bit more high-maintenance than other shapes since they require regular filing to maintain their crisp corners.

Related Read: Top 10 Tips for A Long-Lasting Acrylic Manicure 

Almond

Almond-shaped nails are a type of nail shape that is narrower at the top than it is at the bottom, giving it an almond-like appearance. This shape is popular among those who want their nails to look long and slender, as it can make the nails appear to be longer than they actually are.

However, almond-shaped nails can be more difficult to maintain than other shapes, as they are more likely to break or chip. In addition, this shape can also make it more difficult to apply nail polish evenly. Despite these challenges, almond-shaped nails remain a popular choice among many women.

Square round

The square-round shape is a happy medium between the square and round shapes. It's a popular choice for those who want the best of both worlds - the polished look of a square nail with the ease of care that comes with a round nail.

This shape is also great for those who have wide nail beds, as it can help to make the nails appear thinner. It takes the same basic shape as the square nail, but the tips are filed down to give a more subtle look.

Squoval

Very similar to the shape of a natural nail, the squoval nail is a happy middle ground between a square and oval nail. A squoval nail is filed into more of a square shape at the corners, but then the rest of the nail is shaped into an oval. The result is a sleek, sophisticated look that is perfect for those who want something that is both stylish and easy to take care of.

Like oval nails, squoval nails are low-maintenance and easy to care for. However, they are also less likely to break or chip than other nail shapes. This makes them a great choice for those who want the best of both worlds!

Related Read: 12 Stunning Summer Ombré Nail Designs to Try This Year

Coffin or Ballerina

These nails are long and tapered, similar to the shape of a ballerina's slipper. They're also sometimes called coffin nails because of their resemblance to coffins (yikes!). Coffin nails are dramatic and make a serious statement, so they're perfect for special occasions or nights out.

Coffin nails can be tricky to DIY, so it's best to leave them to the professionals. The shape of these nails can be quite difficult to master if you're doing your nails yourself. Also, due to their length, they are more susceptible to breaking.

If you're looking for a dramatic nail shape that will turn heads, coffin nails are the way to go. Just be prepared for a little extra upkeep.

Stiletto

This is probably the most dramatic and daring of all the nail shapes! Similar to the ballerina shape, stiletto nails are long and tapered but are more thin and pointy. They are also much sharper at the tip, giving them a dangerous look (think witch fingers).

This nail shape has become more and more trendy in recent years thanks to many A-list celebrities sporting this iconic nail style, including Kylie Jenner and Khloe Kardashian.

The disadvantage of this style is that they're not the most practical. They can be quite delicate and require extra care to avoid breaking. They're also not the best choice if you're someone who uses your hands a lot, as they can get in the way. If you're someone who has to type often for work or school, stiletto nails may not be the best choice.

How to choose the best nail shape for you

Now that you know all about the different types of nail shapes, it's time to learn how to choose the best one for you. Before you decide on the perfect shape, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding on a nail shape:

- Consider the shape of your nail bed. If you have wide nail beds, you may want to choose a narrower shape like oval or almond to make your nails appear thinner.

- Think about how much time you're willing to spend on your nails. Some shapes, like stiletto and coffin, require more upkeep and are more susceptible to breaking. If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, oval or squoval may be the best choice for you.

- Decide what kind of look you're going for. Are you looking for something dramatic and eye-catching? Coffin or stiletto nails may be the way to go. Or do you want something more subtle and sophisticated? In that case, oval or almond may be the best shape for you.

- Keep your lifestyle in mind. If you're someone who uses their hands a lot, stiletto nails may not be the most practical choice. Consider how the shape of your nails will impact your everyday life before making a decision.

So there you have it! These are the most popular nail shapes that you can choose from when you're getting a manicure. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and decide which shape is right for you.

Need more advice? Call on a nail professional

When in doubt, you can always consult a beauty professional or manicurist who can help you choose the best shape for your nails. And don't forget to have fun with it! After all, it's just nail polish. :)