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With our obsession with nails reaching a zenith, when it comes to nails, there are myriad more exciting options than the same old round and square shapes of old. As our hands become part of our style wardrobe, embrace something new with our experts guide to nailing it.
We break down four of the most popular nail shapes of the moment with celebrity nail artist Britney Tokyo (who has worked with Kim Kardashian and Rita Ora), just in time for your next manicure.
“As the name suggestions, a coffin nail is shaped like a coffin, which means it’s rounded near the base and narrows to a flat tip. Another name for it is the ‘Ballerina Shape.’ It’s the go-to for the young and fashionable who often opt to pair this shape with one, bold colour and a matte finish. Thanks to Kylie Jenner and Khloe Kardashian, this shape has definitely skyrocketed in popularity lately.”
“With a tip sharpened to the likeness of a dagger, it’s not surprising that his shape is often considered quite aggressive, no matter what colour you choose to go with, and is often seen on those who frequent parties and have a vibrant nightlife. Your best bet is to use nudes and natural shades to tone down the sharpness. The razor-point shape might be a hazard to any pantyhose and knitwear but it suits those with small hands to help them look sleeker and longer. The shape counts Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Madonna amongst its fans.”
“Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears and Katy Perry’s favourite shape, the squoval nail has a rounded base with a square tip that’s more suited to smaller hands, as the square can seem quite loud on larger hands. Compared to other shapes, it provides the most room for creativity and bedazzlement so it’s also the most used to showcase nail art in magazines. It’s also the sturdiest of all shapes as any impact gets dispersed along the wider tip, though it also means it’s more difficult to pick up coins! It’s definitely one of the most pervasive shapes that’s become a staple around the world in the last few years, as it’s generally considered quite ‘safe.’”
“As the name suggests, the nail is shaped like an almond - rounded at the bottom and narrowing at the tip. It’s definitely the number one most common shape because of how natural and flattering it looks on most hands, no matter the person’s age or hand size. It’s also the most practical for daily life and can go with almost any colour or embellishment, but whites and pinks are used a lot. Ariana Grande, Rita Ora and Selena Gomez have given the shape a more youthful image although it’s been a popular shape since forever.”
