As a nail specialist, you know that choosing the perfect nail shape for a client can make all the difference. With so many different nail shapes to choose from, it’s not always easy to know which will suit each client best. While personal style plays a big part, the ideal nail shape also depends on the client’s unique hand shape. ✋
Page Contents
- Understanding Your Client's Hand Shape
- 12 Different Nail Shapes to Offer Clients
- Matching Different Nail Shapes to Hand Shapes - Quick Guide
Understanding Your Client’s Hand Shape
When it comes to nail design, hand shape can make all the difference! It’s like choosing the perfect outfit — just as certain styles suit different body shapes, certain nail shapes for different hands can work wonders too. By understanding your client’s hand shape, you can suggest the perfect nail style that will keep them smiling from one appointment to the next. 😇
Here’s a quick guide to recognising different hand shapes and how to spot them in your clients:
- Long, Slim Hands - These hands have long fingers and narrow palms and can look delicate and elegant. Pianists often have hands in this shape, so ask your client if they play any instruments!
- Short, Wide Hands - Hands with shorter fingers and wider palms. If your client struggles to find rings that don’t feel tight or mentions that gloves can feel a bit snug, they might have this hand shape.
- Square Hands - The palms and fingers here are about the same width, creating a more boxy look. If your client’s fingers seem to form straight lines from base to tip, they likely have square hands.
- Oval Hands - These hands have tapered fingers and a rounded, oval-shaped palm. A simple way to spot this is to look for hands that seem naturally soft and smooth, without sharp angles.
- Large Hands - Larger in size, these hands can have either long or broader fingers. If your client sometimes jokes that their hands are bigger than their partner’s, they probably have large hands.
- Small Hands - Compact with shorter fingers, small hands are easy to spot because of their petite proportions. Think of a client whose hands you could almost describe as “cute”.
With a better understanding of these hand shapes, you’ll be able to match your clients with the best nail shapes for hand shapes, making sure they leave your salon feeling fabulous and ready to show off their nails!
12 Different Nail Shapes to Offer Clients
From timeless classics to eye-catching trends, there’s a nail shape out there for every client. This list of 12 different nail shapes has options for every style, hand shape and maintenance level.
Nail Shape #1 - Round Nails
Round nails are a classic choice, featuring a gently curved tip that follows the natural shape of the fingertip. They are easy to maintain and have a soft, understated appearance that’s perfect for everyday wear. This shape is a popular choice among clients who prefer a natural and low-maintenance style, as its rounded edges are less likely to snag or chip.
Round nails are best suited to clients with shorter fingers or wider hands, as the rounded shape helps create the illusion of long slender fingers.
For a soft natural look, try Halo Gel Polish in “Bare” from the Natural World Collection. Its warm, neutral tone compliments the simplicity of round nails.
Nail Shape #2 - Square Nails
Square shaped nails are a classic clean-girl aesthetic. With a straight-across tip and defined corners, they give off a modern, edgy vibe that’s perfect for clients who want their nails to stand out. This shape looks great with bold nail polish colours and eye-catching nail art. While it’s a popular nail shape, it can be a bit more prone to snagging with those sharp corners!
Square nails are best suited for clients with long slim fingers, as the flat edge adds a bit of width, making everything look more balanced.
Add depth to classic square nails with Dream Goddess Gel Polish in “Coco” from the Autumn Sunset Collection. Its rich, milk chocolate brown suits the structured edges of square nails.
Nail Shape #3 - Squoval Nails
Squoval nails are like the cool, laid-back cousin of square nails — they keep the straight edge but smooth out the corners for a softer finish. Think of them as a happy middle ground between square and oval, offering the neat lines of a square shape without those sharp corners. Clients love squoval nails because they’re stylish yet practical.
Squoval nails are best suited for clients with long fingers or wide palms, as the softened corners balance out the hand's proportions without looking too harsh.
Create squoval nails with Halo Gel Polish in “Sand” from the Natural World Collection. This warm, earthy tone matches the subtlety of the square-oval nail shape.
Nail Shape #4 - Almond Nails
Almond nails have a slim, tapered shape that narrows to a rounded point — just like the nut they’re named after! This shape is all about elegance, giving fingers a longer more graceful appearance. It’s one of the most popular nail shapes for clients of all ages. Shaping almond nails takes a bit of finesse to get that perfect taper so brush up on your nail file grit numbers!
Almond nails are best suited for clients with shorter or wider fingers, as the tapered style creates the illusion of length. In saying this, their elegant style is ideal for all hand types!
For a touch of luxury on almond nails, Dream Goddess Gel Polish in “Merlot” from the Autumn Sunset Collection is ideal. Its deep red wine shade with a hint of shimmer adds sophistication to this classic shape.
Nail Shape #5 - Oval Nails
Oval nails are all about that classic, smooth curve — like an upgrade from your natural nail shape! They taper gently at the tips without coming to a point, giving a soft, timeless look that doesn’t go out of style. They’re super popular with clients who want a natural style that still feels a little fancy, which makes them perfect for wedding guests or those attending formal events.
Oval nails are best suited for clients with larger hands, as the gentle curves add a touch of softness that balances everything out beautifully.
Oval nails look stunning with a natural finish like Halo Gel Polish in “Moss” from the Natural World Collection. This muted green brings a fresh feel that pairs perfectly with the soft curves of oval nails.
Nail Shape #6 - Coffin/Ballerina Nails
Coffin or Ballerina nails are long and tapered, ending with a flat, squared-off tip — like a coffin or a ballerina’s slipper! Coffin nails are perfect for showing off intricate nail art designs and work best with a bit of extra length, making them ideal for acrylics or gel extensions. They’re sturdy but can be prone to chipping, so they’re a better match for clients who don’t use their hands for tough tasks.
Coffin/Ballerina nails are best suited for clients with wide nail beds that can support the longer length of coffin nails!
For sleek coffin nails, use Dream Goddess Gel Polish in “Amber” from the Autumn Sunset Collection. The smoky burnt orange with a hint of glitter works wonders on this elongated shape.
Nail Shape #7 - Stiletto Nails
Stiletto nails are all about turning heads! With their long, sharply tapered shape that ends in a fierce point, they’re the ultimate nail shape for clients who want a bold look. This shape pairs perfectly with dark, moody colours like deep reds and blacks, or high-shine metallics for an extra striking look. They’re also a great canvas for creative nail art gems and studs, making every manicure a mini masterpiece!
Stiletto nails are best suited for clients with long fingers or larger hands, as the pointed shape adds extra flair without feeling too extreme.
Create the perfect stiletto nails with Dream Goddess Gel Polish in “Iris” from the Autumn Sunset Collection. This violet shade pairs perfectly with the sharp style of stiletto nails.
Nail Shape #8 - Lipstick Nails
Lipstick nails are a quirky and playful shape, named for their resemblance to the slanted tip of a lipstick. The angled edge gives these nails a unique, asymmetrical look. While they can be created with natural nails, they really shine with nails extensions, so it's best to use acrylic nail kit to out this shape. Lipstick nails are still a niche trend but are gaining popularity, thanks to trendsetters like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner!
Lipstick nails are best suited to clients with slender fingers or small hands, as the angled tip adds a bit of width without looking too bulky.
For a playful contrast to the angled edges of lipstick nails, try Dream Goddess Gel Polish in “Pearl” from the Autumn Sunset Collection. This creamy white shade adds a fresh twist to this unique shape.
Nail Shape #9 - Flare Nails
Flare nails, sometimes called "duck nails" because of their wide, flared-out tips, are the rebellious choice in the nail world! They start narrow at the base and dramatically fan out, creating a silhouette that’s anything but subtle. Flare nails require extra precision when shaping and can be more high maintenance for your client too. While they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, flare nails have a devoted following among those who embrace unconventional looks.
Flare nails are best suited to clients who want their nails to be a conversation starter — or if they’re inspired by vintage Y2K style.
Highlight the dramatic flare shape with Dream Goddess Gel Polish in “Maroon” from the Autumn Sunset Collection. The deep, brown-based red adds intensity that perfectly suits the bold nature of flare nails.
Nail Shape #10 - Edge Nails
Edge nails are the rebels of the nail world, with their sharp, angular peak running straight down the middle. They give off an almost architectural or futuristic vibe. They’re a bit of a challenge to master, as they need precise angles and extra care with acrylics or hard gels to keep that peak looking sharp. But for clients who want a nail shape that feels like wearable art, edge nails are the perfect choice.
Edge nails are best suited to clients with strong, longer nail beds or those who prefer using extensions, as the shape needs a bit of length to show off its angular peak.
Edge nails pair well with Halo Gel Polish in “Glacier” from the Natural World Collection. The cool, icy blue adds a sleek, modern touch to this geometric style.
Nail Shape #11 - Mountain Peak Nails
Mountain peak nails bring a playful twist to pointy nails, with their slightly tapered shape that forms a petite, triangular tip—like the top of a mountain. They offer a stylish look that’s sharp but not too intense, making them a great choice for clients who want a touch of edge without the commitment of longer shapes like stilettos. To get that precise shape, a medium-grit nail file (around 180 grit) is perfect for shaping the sides and refining the tip.
Mountain peak nails are best suited to clients with chubby hands or short fingers, as the pointed tip can create the illusion of length without needing extra-long nails.
Bring out the edginess of mountain peak nails with Halo Gel Polish in “Mineral” from the Natural World Collection. This earthy grey adds a cool, rugged feel to the pointed shape.
Nail Shape #12 - Arrowhead Nails
Arrowhead nails have a sleek, pointed shape that resembles an arrow tip - but they’re shorter and way less extreme than stiletto nails, so they're better for everyday wear. To create arrowhead nails you don’t necessarily need extensions, but using nail tips or acrylics can help achieve a more precise shape, especially if your client’s natural nails are shorter or weaker. You might have seen celebs like Rihanna and Billie Eilish, rocking this cool but practical nail shape!
Arrowhead nails are best suited to clients with wider fingers, as the pointed design draws the eye upward, making the fingers appear more elongated.
For a refined look on arrowhead nails, Halo Gel Polish in “Clay” from the Natural World Collection is a great match. This is a very wearable tone that matches any outfit.
Matching Different Nail Shapes to Hand Shapes - Quick Guide
Now that we’ve discussed all the different shapes to offer clients, it’s time to get our recommendations together!
To recommend the perfect nail shape, we advise to start by assessing the client’s hand and finger shape. For shorter, wider fingers, opt for shapes that elongate; longer fingers can handle more dramatic styles.
Next, consult with your client about their lifestyle and style preferences. Do they need a low-maintenance option, or are they looking for something bold for an event? Practical shapes like round or squoval work well for active clients, while stiletto and coffin shapes suit those who love trendy, statement looks.
And last but not least, stay mindful of nail industry trends. Social media and celebrity influences often shape client preferences, so be ready to offer advice that blends both their personal style and current trends!
Here’s a quick guide to matching different nail shapes to different hand shapes, feel free to use this in your nail salon and share it with your nail technician family:
Nail Shapes | Best Suited Hand Shape |
Round | Short, wide hands; square hands |
Square | Long, slim hands; oval hands |
Squoval | Long, slim hands; wide palms |
Almond | Short, wide hands; small hands |
Oval | Short, wide hands; square hands |
Coffin | Long, slim hands; large hands |
Stiletto | Long, slim hands; large hands |
Lipstick | Slender fingers; oval hands |
Flare | Longer fingers; large hands |
Edge | Strong nail beds; large hands |
Mountain Peak | Short fingers; chubby hands; small hands |
Arrowhead | Petite hands; small hands; short fingers |
For professional tools and products to create these nail shapes, be sure to check out our full range of nail products and salon supplies! 💅