17 Best Nail Shapes for 2024 to Inspire

The almond nail shape features a gently tapered, curved silhouette that lengthens and slims the appearance of the fingers. This versatile shape complements a wide range of hand types and personal styles, making it a perennial favorite.

How to create: To achieve the almond look, file the nails in a soft, rounded point, ensuring a seamless, natural-looking transition from the nail bed to the tip.

It is also known as the ballerina shape, the coffin nail features a square, straight-edged tip that narrows slightly towards the end. This bold, geometric style lends an edgy, modern aesthetic that commands attention.

How to create:  To create the coffin shape, file the nails into a square, then taper the tips slightly inward for a tapered, ballerina-inspired look.

A hybrid between a square and an oval, the squoval nail shape offers the best of both worlds. With gently rounded edges and a slightly squared-off tip, this shape flatters a variety of hand types and nail beds. 

How to create: To achieve the squoval look, file the nails into a soft square shape, then round the corners for a polished, feminine finish.

For the bold and daring, the stiletto nail shape is a show-stopping choice. Featuring a sharp, pointed tip that tapers to a dramatic point, this shape channels a fierce, vampy vibe. 

How to create: To create the stiletto look, file the nails into a narrow, triangular point, ensuring the tips are perfectly symmetrical and uniform.

The classic round nail shape is a timeless choice that exudes elegance and femininity. With a gently curved, soft edge, this shape is universally flattering and easy to maintain. 

How to create: To achieve the round look, file the nails in a smooth, circular motion, ensuring the edges are perfectly symmetrical.

The oval nail shape offers a sophisticated, elongated silhouette that can make fingers appear longer and more slender. This shape is particularly flattering for those with wider nail beds, as the tapered tips create the illusion of length.

How to create: To create the oval look, file the nails in a gentle, oval-shaped curve, tapering the tips slightly.

For those seeking a sharp, dramatic nail shape, the pointed style is a bold choice. With its triangular, tapered tip, the pointed nail elongates the fingers and creates a fierce, edgy aesthetic. 

How to create: To achieve the pointed look, file the nails into a sharp, triangular point, ensuring the tips are perfectly symmetrical.

The square nail shape features a straight, blunt edge that lends a clean, modern look. This shape is particularly flattering for those with short, wide nail beds, as the squared-off tips create the illusion of length. 

How to create: To create the square look, file the nails into a straight, rectangular shape, ensuring the edges are perfectly aligned.

The lipstick nail shape, also known as the arrowhead or lipstick tip, features a gently tapered, pointed tip that narrows to a slight point. This style combines the elegance of the almond shape with the drama of the pointed nail, creating a unique, eye-catching look. 

How to create: To achieve the lipstick shape, file the nails into a soft, tapered point, ensuring the tips are symmetrical and well-defined.

The flare nail shape, also called the mermaid or trumpet shape, features a gently flared, rounded silhouette that widens towards the tip. This shape can create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers, making it a flattering choice for those with shorter nail beds. 

How to create: To create the flare look, file the nails into a soft, rounded shape that gradually widens towards the tip.

A spin on the classic square shape, the tapered square nail features a slightly narrower, more elongated tip. This shape offers the clean, geometric lines of the square style with a touch of refinement and elegance. 

How to create: To achieve the tapered square look, file the nails into a square shape, then gently taper the tips inward for a more slender, tapered appearance.

The squircle nail shape blends the soft, rounded edges of the oval with the structured lines of the square. This unique shape offers a modern, on-trend aesthetic that flatters a variety of hand types.

How to create:  To create the squircle look, file the nails into a soft, rounded square shape, with slightly squared-off tips.

This shape is similar to stiletto nails but shorter, with a less extreme point. It’s a subtle way to wear pointed nails, making them a great choice for everyday glam.

How to create: File the sides into a subtle point, keeping the nails short to medium in length to achieve a mountain peak effect.

Pipe nails are a hybrid between almond and stiletto shapes, featuring a soft point at the tip with a cylindrical arch. This shape is sophisticated and less aggressive than true stiletto nails.

How to create: File the nail into a soft point, maintaining a rounded edge for a more wearable, refined look.

Inspired by the shape of an arrowhead, these nails feature a sharp point with angled edges, perfect for geometric or tribal-inspired nail art. They offer a modern twist on traditional pointed nails.

How to create: Shape the sides inward to form sharp edges, creating a defined point at the tip for a distinct arrowhead style.

The hexagon nail shape features six angular sides, giving a modern and edgy vibe. This shape is bold and highly unique, perfect for people who love intricate, futuristic designs.

How to create: File the nail edges in angled sections to create six distinct, geometric sides for a hexagonal effect.

Blade nails are ultra-thin and flat along the top with a taper toward the tip, giving a sleek, “blade-like” look. They’re ideal for high-fashion styles and avant-garde nail art.

How to create: Shape the nails into a narrow, flat tip by filing both sides straight with minimal width, keeping the top flat and streamlined.