Nail Care

How to Shape Nails

Pick your shape. Pick your personality.

Your nail shape says almost as much as your nail color. Almond? Effortlessly put together. Coffin? Main character. Round? Quiet confidence. Shape is the foundation of every good manicure. Consider this your guide to finding your signature silhouette.

Step 1: Collect Your Tools

First thing’s first, let’s get our tools. No matter what style you choose, you’ll need these basic essentials for properly shaped, healthy nails.

Nail clippers
Edge 240 nail file
Flex 220/280 nail buffer

Step 2: Pick Your Style

Check out our guide on how to find the best nail shapes for your hands.

READ THE BLOG

Step 3: Get Shaping!

For a quick overview, read our page on how to shape nails.

SEE THE TUTORIAL

How to Shape Almond Nails

The internet’s favorite. Effortless. Flattering. Amazing on everyone. Almond nails just get it. Ideal for: medium to long nails.

Step 1: File the sides of the nail at a 45-degree angle. If nails are long, clip the edges at a 45-degree angle, then file.
Step 2: Begin shaping the tip by narrowing and rounding the free edge to create a peak.
Step 3: Check your work and buff it out for a smooth finish.

How to Shape Squoval Nails

Can't pick? Don't. Squoval is where square meets oval, for the perfect happy medium. Call it the best of both worlds. Ideal for: short to medium nails.

Step 1: Trim nails, starting on the sides and moving to the center.
Step 2: File straight across, then round off the corners to connect the sides and the free edge.
Step 3: Check your work, then buff out to remove any sharp edges.

How to Shape Square Nails

A little preppy. A little retro. A lot underrated. Square nails are just the right balance of structured and fun. Ideal for: short to medium nails.

Step 1: Trim nails to their desired length.
Step 2: Use a file to refine the shape, going straight across the tip of the nail.
Step 3: Buff nails to remove any fraying from the free edge and under the nail.

How to Shape Round Nails

Round nails are like that friend everyone likes. Reliable. Low drama. Safe, but in a good way. The one we keep coming back to. Ideal for: short to medium nails.

Step 1: Trim nails to their desired length.
Step 2: File following the natural curve of the fingertip.
Step 3: Check that everything is symmetrical, then smooth things over with your nail buffer.

How to Shape Oval Nails

Chic without announcing it. Sophisticated, timeless, and quietly luxurious. Oval nails elongate the hands for an effortlessly refined look. Ideal for: medium to long nails.

Step 1: File each side of the nail, slightly curving at the end towards the center of the nail.
Step 2: Create an egg-like shape at the tip.
Step 3: Buff to smooth the nail and remove any fraying under the free edge.

How to Shape Stiletto Nails

Not for keeping a low profile. Stiletto nails are the conversation starter: confident, fashion-forward, bold by design. Ideal for: long nails.

For a true stiletto nail, you need long, strong nails. We recommend using our Soft Gel Tip extensions that are pre-shaped.

Step 1: Cut the sides at an angle, creating a broad triangle shape at the center of the nail.
Step 2: File straight against the sides to bring the very tip to a sharp pinpoint.
Step 3: Buff to smooth the nail and remove any fraying under the free edge.

How to Shape Coffin Nails

Edgy. Elongating. Not here to blend in. Also known as ballerina nails, but don’t let that fool you. They’re anything but soft. Ideal for: long nails.

Shaping perfect coffin (or ballerina) nails requires length for maximum impact. We recommend using our Soft Gel Tip extensions that are pre-shaped.

Step 1: File the sides of the nail at a 45-degree angle.
Step 2: Once your sides are tapered, file straight across to create a completely flat, squared-off tip.
Step 3: Check that your square tip is centered. Finish by buffing underneath to remove sharp edges.