In our Holt Salon Nails to transform your personality.
Not sure which nail shape to go with? Screenshot the below graphic for your next nail appointment. Our technician Lan, can help you decide which one works best on your fingers and with the nail art you’re hoping to get.
Our Holt Salon Nails and their shapes explained
The square nail shape explains itself. Square nails have a flat top with straight, sharp corners. They don’t flare out or taper in, making them a popular choice for people with short nails or long, narrow nail beds. This shape, known for its stylish and clean appearance, requires little maintenance and looks great with bold, block colors.
Our Holt Salon Nails team loves the classic round shape for clients who prefer to keep their nails clipped short. If you have shorter fingers, you might opt for round nails because they can create the illusion of longer fingers. Like square nails, round nails begin with straight sides but then curve at the edges to follow the fingertip’s natural contour.
If you want to go bold with color but aren’t sure about the shape, you can’t go wrong with round nails. “They look fantastic with any shade of polish you choose,”
If you like the flat edge of square nails but dislike sharp corners, you’ll love square oval (squoval) nails. They combine the best features of square and oval shapes. This classic hybrid design is a universal favorite and looks great on everyone.
However, those with wider or longer nail beds may find squoval nails particularly appealing because they balance out the appearance of wide nails.
Yes, round nails are different from oval ones. Here’s how: Oval nails are filed down on the sides in addition to the tips. The curvature is more extreme, so it tends to make fingers look a little longer.
Known to be a classic choice, an oval shape will also elongate the nail to give the illusion of length, . Oval nail shape is especially great if you want to do a bit of nail art.
More nail shapes from our Holt Salon
Looking for a super glamorous nail shape? Then the almond nail shape is for you. Like oval nails, almond nails are filed along the sides. The nail wall is tapered to end in a round peak, similar to the shape of an actual almond.
In our Holt Salon Nails that are Natural are often too weak to hold this structure on their own, so most almond manicures are reinforced with gel or acyclic.
Stiletto nails, possibly the most striking shape you can choose, bring all the drama. To create this spiked look, you start similarly to the almond shape but finish with a much sharper point and a broader base. This shape requires quite a bit of upkeep, “but it lets you unleash creativity with color, art, and texture.”
Ballerina nails, or coffin-shaped nails, are Kylie Jenner’s preferred nail shape. “There’s been a huge increase in demand for coffin-shaped nails,” “This trend reflects the resurgence of Y2K beauty and the comeback of retro styles.” The shape is essentially a stiletto nail with a square tip instead of a pointed one, resembling a coffin or a ballerina slipper. This shape provides the length of a stiletto nail without the dramatic sharp tip.
Lipstick nails, named for their resemblance to the cut angle of a fresh lipstick tube, offer a unique squared style with a diagonal slant at the tip. This shape works with any nail length and is sure to make you stand out. You can also experiment with geometric nail designs, like slanted lines and shapes, to accentuate this distinctive shape.
As the name implies, this nail shape flares upward and outward and is also called the duck bill shape. To fully embrace flared nails, focus on having fun with them. They should never be plain; go for bold colors, lively prints, and plenty of bling. You need to enjoy the spotlight to pull off these statement nails.
But if you use your hands a lot at work, this shape may not be the best choice. If you work at a bar, as a hairstylist, have a small child who needs diaper changes, or run a cleaning business, flared nails could get in the way compared to more traditional shapes.
Unique Look
Edge nails form a point that’s shorter than a stiletto shape and less aggressive than an arrowhead, but they offer a sharper angled tip than a mountain peak. The sides are filed straight before shaping the top edges into a distinctive edge. When created with acrylics, edge nails develop a central ridge, giving them a unique look.
If you’re considering this shape, you should be comfortable with its sharpness. These nails can be quite pointy and might interfere with daily activities. You will also need to get them filled in more often and reshaped to prevent damage.
Fun
Despite these considerations, edge nails can be a fun and exciting choice. If you’re looking to experiment with a new nail shape, this could be a great option. Trying out a new nail shape can be as enjoyable as experimenting with a new nail color.
Arrowhead nails offer a shorter, less severe point compared to stiletto nails, with more dramatic angles forming the tip. This design suits people who prefer shorter nails or aren’t fans of super-long styles. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to try out long, pointy nails before fully embracing the stiletto shape.
How do you decide your nail shape?
Nail shapes contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of manicured hands and play a crucial role in the world of manicures. Different shapes suit various styles and finger types, allowing for a personalized look.
When choosing a nail shape, consider your style, finger shape, and lifestyle. To achieve a flawless manicure, ensure you maintain healthy nails by grooming regularly, moisturizing, and minimizing the use of harsh chemicals.
