Nail shapes reflect the style and personality of any manicure. Some people prefer to keep things classic with an almond nail, while others like to try something new and experimental. In case you need a refresher, these are the most common nail shapes your manicurist will be a pro at recreating:
The choice is completely yours, but the length of your nails plays a big part in what natural shape looks best. It's also worth considering the visual effect: Stiletto nails visually lengthen the fingers, while shorter square nails can look a little wider.
To help you nail the perfect manicure, these are the nail shapes we predict will be huge for winter 2025.
From almond to squoval, and some you may not know, too.
3 nail shapes that are hot right now
As the name implies, stiletto nails are designed to look like the heel of a stiletto shoe – hence the tip is filed into a sharp tapered point. You'll need some length for the base – whether that's a strong natural nail or extensions – but stiletto nails are ideal for nail art as they offer plenty of space to get creative, but they work equally as well for rosewater and soap nails, too.
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2025 has been a year when short nail designs have taken centre stage. Short squoval nails – a hybrid of square and oval – are especially popular right now with their distinctive straight edges at the top and slightly rounded corners. Marrying this nail shape with minimalist milk and BB cream shades, as well as chocolate cherry hues, keeps your manicure chic yet practical.
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Almond nails are a classic that will never be out of fashion. Their distinctive shape is filed along the sides and tapered to end in a round peak, similar to the shape of an actual almond. No nail shape is as versatile and easy to create as almond nails – plus, as they have no sharp corners, they are more durable and less likely to break. Better still, they suit all finger shapes and work with any nail style and length – from simple to very glamorous. In winter 2025, we're wearing them with cat-eye and chrome designs.
