37 almond nails ideas that remind us why it's the most popular nail shape

We already knew that almond nails are the cool-girl shape that nail artists, celebrities and our besties can't get enough of. But, they've officially been crowned the most popular way to wear our mani, according to research by Open Study College, which compared Google searches across the UK.

With over 18,000 hits each month, the results showed that almond nails are 1.5 times more popular than the second favoured nail shape, natural nails (which brought in 12,100 clicks), and over 2.5 times more popular than the third most favoured nail shape, square nails (which was searched 6,600 times). In fact, across England, Scotland and Wales, it ranked in the number one spot in every major city other than Birmingham, which favoured “natural nails”.

While there's a world of nail shapes to choose from – including squoval, rounded, stiletto and coffin – there's no denying that almond shaped nails have been headlining for the majority of the 2020's.

But, for the uninitiated, we have everything you need to know about the shape below. And, for the already besotted, we've got all the inspo you could possibly need.

What is an almond shaped nail?

This one is pretty self explanatory. The nail takes its shape from the tip of an almond nut which falls somewhere between being pointed and rounded. It should created an elongated softly rounded and tapered tip that's pointed, but not sharply so. For those familiar with other nail shapes, almond nails are less pointed than stiletto nails, but more tapered than round or oval nails.

Why choose almond shaped nails?

Over the past few years, the almond nail has become the undisputed queen of trending manis, with celebrity fans like Hailey Bieber, J.Lo, Jasmine Tookes and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley putting the shape even more firmly on the map. Hailey Bieber's nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt told GLAMOUR: “almond shape is the most feminine nail shape in my opinion, and it makes the nail bed look longer and narrower. It's also easy to work with since it doesn’t have any sharp edges.”

Meanwhile nail tech professional and Open Study College learner, Chloe Marie, explained: “almond nails are a a big hit with my clients It’s a really versatile shape that’s perfect for a classic polished look or as a base for more playful nail art.”

The gentle point helps to elongate fingers to create a really elegant and graceful shape. As for length, it tends to work best on mid to longer length nails to give the nail enough room to achieve that tapered shape.

Nail art for almond nails

Sound like your kind of party? Here are some of our favourite ways to wear almond shape nails…

Elegant and futuristic, this 3D floral mani is classic and futuristic at the same time.

Thanks to advancements in nail tech (talking about you, blooming gels) you can now easily achieve this snake print pattern at the salon.

Squeaky-clean soap nails are perfect if you want that fresh mani feeling and an almond shape helps to keep it feeling extra elegnt..

This gorgeous cinnamon velvet almond nail is rich – and a perfect one for autumn time.

Almond nail art for the win! Elongated tips can create a beautiful canvas for some seriously inspirational designs, like this assorted 3D mani.

One of the most iconic mani combinations of the 2020s is a glazed donut almond nail.

This cute cherry and checks design is adorable, but the almond shape keeps it feeling a little more grown up.

Burgundy and tortoiseshell with almond tips, this is cosy, stylish and elegant in one hit.

If your stuck for ideas for nail designs for almond nails, this neon and negative space design blends impact with minimalism. We love.

Celebrity nail artist, Tom Bachik, recommends creating nude nails one shade lighter than your natural skin tone.

For added drama, extend the almond shape. This sheer milky pink rendition is stunning.

Remix silky pink glazed donut nails with deeper nudes and milk chocolates while still maintaining that chrome sheen.

Nearly naked milky nails will never not look classic and this almond shape keeps the mani feeling extra graceful.

Tropical flower nails were a huge hit over summer and this lemon-toned, almond-shaped version is beautiful.

Tap into your energy with an aura inspired almond mani. We love this purple and pink combo.

Highlight the softly-pointed almond shape with black tips.

Or take things a step further with black tips and an extra bow detail.

These ombre chrome flames work beautifully with the elongated almond tip for something fierce but graceful.

We've always thought our nails are tiny canvases for beautiful artwork and this picasso inspired mani is extra proof.

All over metallic silver makes an impact.

Coquette-core remains a hugely trending aesthetic and these soft sparkle nails with a dainty bow are getting saved for later.

Play up the immaculate almond shape with a tripled-up Frenchie in black and silver chrome.

This all-over chrome in a purple-bronze looks expensive.

Bows are one of this year's biggest nail art trends, and this crimson almond rendition is everything.

Incorporate the almond tip into your nail design with pretty pink chrome heart-tip Frenchies.

If you can't choose one design, mix and match, but keep the colour scheme cohesive, like this nature inspired palette of greens and browns.

This is equal parts spooky and chic, but we'd wear it year-round.

These rose quartz-inspired almond nails are beautiful and they keep things interesting.

A simple dinky heart detail can level-up your mani. This one is adorable, but the almond tips still feel elegant.

This has pearl Frenchies, pearl cuffs and dainty bow accents in the most immaculate almond shape. She's perfect.

Blend two major trends, chrome and Frenchies, with our favourite headlining nail shape (and throw in hot pink for good measure).

Play with dimension and texture with this glossy, matte, embossed black heart design.

This pretty red chrome Frenchie mani would be perfect for Christmas or Valentines.

The elongated almond shape leaves plenty of room for this zesty lemon artwork.

This rust chrome Frenchie has autumn written all over it.

More of a minimal bbz? Keep it simple with a nearly naked mani.

Give us pink, give us chrome, give us sparkle.

Almond nails make the best canvas for some serious 3D artwork, like this next-level pink grapefruit.

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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