With nails being the next best accessory to an outfit or hairstyle, it's no wonder choosing a shape can often be, dare we say, a nail biting experience. Before the polish, stripes, dots, jewels, and glitter, the right nail silhouette can make or break a nail. Thankfully, there's no right or wrong team to be on, but before you choose the shape that's best for you, here are a few pointers (pun intended) that can help you 'nail' it down. Check out a few of our celebrity nail favorites in the slideshow above who all prove any nail shape can be just as fabulous as the next.
The bold and the beautiful- Nail art and designs run the creative gambit these days. But bold designs often call for a bold and sassy statement of a shape. If your looking to turn heads and stand out from the crowd, go the Rihanna route and choose a round nail shape with pointed tips, also known as 'almond.' These man-eater nails are not for the faint of heart. Stars like Lady Gaga also prove this edgy style requires confidence and swag. Almond-shaped nails also help to lengthen and slenderize nails and fingers. With this silhouette, all nail files point to sensational.
Elegantly Oval- The ladylike shape of oval nails are a dainty hybrid between almond, round, and square nails. This shape features a narrow square silhouette of sorts, rounded at the edges, yet maintaining straight walls on either side. Part sass and part classic, this modern nail shape allows for nails to look natural and still maintain a bit of length. Can't decide on whether your team almond or team square? Join the oval movement of nails alongside start Katy Perry and make the best of both worlds.
Classic and timeless- The saying goes, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' And the same goes for square shaped nails. Keeping nails on the straight and narrow with a beautiful French manicure looks perfect on a square nail silhouette. With either a sharp or beveled corners, the square nail shape works great for wider nail beds and looks good with either minimal or elaborate nail designs. Colors and styles may come and go, but a French manicure will always be in. If you're looking for a classic nail no-brainer, this is it.
Au Natural- There's a simple shape solution for those looking for low maintenance nails, and round nails round out the popular nail shape trends. This easy to maintain style is perfect for the busy multitasker with low patience for a lengthy manicure regimen. This unisex shape works great on men and women, and still affords room on your nail bed for cool nail designs. Of all the nail shape options out there, round nails are the most cost effective, with no real professional maintenance required. Simply file and round all edges in a half moon shape and you're done! Kim Kardashian and Anne Hathaway are both fans of this shape, so why not give it a try?
So what nail shape are you ready to 'file' into? Almond, square, oval, round? Share your thoughts on which shape comes in most handy for you in the comments section below.
