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When choosing a nail shape, everyone pays attention to different aspects: someone puts fashion trends “at the forefront”, someone’s finger size, someone’s lifestyle and practicality. But, one way or another, subject to certain rules, you can make yourself almost any manicure. In our article, we talk about what forms are, how to choose the most suitable for your image and about the main trends of 2022 with photos.
What are the forms of nails
With the help of a manicure, you can visually adjust the shape of the hands and fingers. But before choosing the ideal shape for yourself, it is important to understand what they are like.
Square
The classic square shape is straight lines and clear angles. It is on her that the French manicure looks best. Square nails are ideal for women with thin and graceful fingers. The most advantageous length for this form is the average, since the “square” is not very strong and is more prone to breaking off than other forms.
Soft “square”
The soft “square” is much more practical than the classic one, because it does not have hard lines and sharp corners. With proper selection of length, this form suits almost everyone. On the soft “square” shaped nails, any shades of varnishes and various designs look beautiful.
Oval
“Oval” is universal in everything. It adorns any fingers, fits any color and design, and is also quite simple in execution. And yet, the oval shape is a great option for growing nails. Subsequently, it is easy to make “almond”, “stiletto” and “ballerina” out of it.
Squoval
A squoval is a square-oval shape of the free edge. In fact – a compromise between a square and an oval. With this shape, the end of the nail looks like an oval, but with corners that are visible only from the side. Thus, this form is more stable in the process of wearing. Squoval looks good on short and medium lengths. Nails look expensive, reliable and neat.
Round
The round shape of the nails resembles an oval, but with more rounded tips. It is performed strictly for a short length, and when an oval shape is not possible due to the width of the nail bed. Round manicure is neutral and concise. It harmoniously looks on different fingers and fits into any dress code.
Almond
“Almond” is one of the most popular forms in recent times. Its main feature is an oval and slightly elongated shape. In this case, the length of the nails can be different: short with a small protruding edge or long. The almond shape is the best solution for those who want to visually lengthen their fingers. But it is important to understand that it requires careful attitude and proper care.
Trapezoidal
The most difficult form to process and design is the “trapezium”. These are nails that are narrow at the base and widen towards the edge. The ideal option for this form is a minimalist manicure of medium length. Too short nails will make the fingers visually wider and shorter, very long ones will further emphasize the non-standard shape.
pointed
Pointy long nails have many fans. They give the fingers elegance and length, and the image – showiness and brightness. But such a manicure has an obvious minus – impracticality. Due to the sharp tapered edge, this shape of nails may not be very comfortable to wear. In addition, any mechanical pressure on the free edge can lead to breakage.
“Ballerina”
“Ballerina” is a cross between “square” and “almond”. It is impossible to create this shape on short nails, but despite this, it is quite practical and convenient. “Ballerina” in itself looks very interesting and self-sufficient, so it is important not to overdo it with decor and designs.
“Stiletto”
“Stiletto” is a pointed and narrowed shape of the nail plate. It visually lengthens and stretches the fingers, and also gives the image of audacity and sexuality. Due to its length, this form is not very comfortable to wear, so it is not suitable for everyone. Manicure in the form of “stiletto” is performed using gel or acrylic.
“pipe”
“Pipe” is a combination of square and almond shapes. Its peculiarity lies in the design of the tip: from the outer edges it is sharpened at an angle of 45 degrees, from which the nails become like tubes. Due to the deep bending of the arch and strengthening along the entire length of the nail, this form is quite resistant to damage. Typically, the “pipe” is performed using nail extensions with artificial materials.
“Age”
The word edge is translated from English as a blade or a point, respectively, a manicure of this form corresponds to the name: a clear edge with a sharp end is “molded” in the middle of the nail, which makes the plate voluminous and angular. It is possible to create this form only with the help of extension using a special technology. “Age” is suitable for lovers of unusual manicures and experiments.
“Lipstick”
“Lipstick” is another unusual and original version of manicure. Nails of this shape resemble the beveled edge of fresh lipstick. Due to the fact that the sides of each nail are different lengths, the illusion of wider fingers is created. Therefore, “lipstick” is well suited to narrow nail plates.
How to choose a nail shape
To choose the right nail shape, it is important to consider several factors: the size of the fingers, the condition of the nail plate and lifestyle.
For long fingers
It would seem that any shape suits long and thin fingers. But not everything is so simple. Too elongated shape of the nails will stretch the fingers even more, so it is important to observe the measure. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but a pointed manicure will always give the image a predatory and slightly aggressive look.
On such fingers, a square shape looks good. You can also choose rounded shapes, but you need to pay attention to the nail bed. If it is short and wide, it is better to give preference to the “oval”. Almond and ballerina shapes are also suitable for thin fingers, as long as the free edge does not protrude too much.
For short fingers
A well-chosen manicure is a great way to visually lengthen short fingers. You can do this by growing your nails and giving them a beautiful shape. For example, an oval manicure makes the nail bed longer. This shape is ideal for short fingers, it adds femininity and fragility to them.
For fat fingers
You also want to stretch thick fingers, so the first thing that comes to mind is to grow nails. “Oval” and “almond” are great for making fingers more graceful. A soft square shape can also be made, but only if the nail plate is narrow.
Popular questions and answers
Questions are answered nail service expert, teacher Irina Vyazovetskaya and Maria Shekurova, nail service master of the Alexander Todchuk Studio network of salons.
For voluminous (wide, trapezoidal) nails, light shades of varnish are not desirable, as they visually expand the objects and make them more convex. Accordingly, the dark colors of varnishes, on the contrary, visually narrow and lengthen the nail plate. When choosing the color of varnish, in addition to the shape of the nails, it is necessary to take into account the color of the skin: warm or cold, as well as the type of activity (profession).
Maria Shekurova:
Now the natural shape of the nails is relevant: if it is a “square”, then it is quite soft and not very long; if “oval”, then again it is not long; if “almond”, then not bright shades. The length is also selected based on the fingers. Actual season ago, “stiletto” and long “almond” are already fading away. Trends have again turned towards naturalness, especially in autumn.
Regarding the varnish and its color: if the nails have the shape of a soft short “square”, then it can be absolutely any color based on the wishes of a particular woman. Regarding the “oval” and “almond” there are nuances: since such forms of nails are non-standard in themselves, it is better to choose nude shades of varnish with them. Classic colors (red or black) are better suited for bright looks rather than everyday ones. French on the “oval” and “almond” I would not recommend either, since they are classics, but these forms are not.
Designs are best done on oval or almond shapes, that is, on long nails. I would not recommend making a long “square”, as this is a dubious pleasure. Such nails break more often, and this form of nails often looks like “shovels” and rarely suits anyone. Although I want to note that all this is again very individual!
If you make a design on a short “square”, then at most some not very noticeable geometry. Active designs on short nails, I personally would not recommend.
On a short length, the oval shape looks best. “Square” is ideal for owners of graceful fingers. It is rare for any of the fair sex to have an ideal square shape. For lovers of long natural nails, it is better to give preference to the almond shape. It is very versatile and suits everyone.
Maria Shekurova:
When it comes to very short fingers, for their visual lengthening it is better to give preference to long nails. You can get extensions or grow your own nails.
There are nails that are quite convex by nature, that is, when the nail itself has an almond shape. The “square” shape is very suitable for this type, because it softens this bulge a little. If you give such nails an almond shape, the impression of “claws” will be created.
When a woman has a trapezoidal nail shape that expands to the free edge, neither “oval” nor “almond” is recommended. In this case, only a “square” is suitable, because it is very difficult to narrow the lateral parallels on such nails, and a good professional is needed. In general, if a woman has straight fingers, a healthy nail plate, then almost any form of nails suits her.
Sources of
- Krumkachev V. V., Kaleshuk N. S., Shikalov R. Yu. Nail injuries induced by nail service procedures. Clinical dermatology and venereology. 2018;17(4):135-141. https://doi.org/10.17116/klinderma201817041135