Which nail shape is right for you - trends for 2022

Which nail shape suits you? (photo: @misspopnails) When coming for a manicure, not every girl thinks about what nail shape is right for her hands; she chooses the one that she likes visually and the choice does not always turn out to be optimal. Or he trusts the choice of a master who can work automatically and file all clients’ nails the same way, saying that this is 100% their shape. And it seems that short, rounded nails can look luxurious, but for some reason they are not suitable for some, they only create a dubious impression of the entire manicure. To prevent this from ever happening, we’ll tell you what nail shapes there are, who they’re suitable for, and what shade of polish they look cool with.

Natural nail shape

The body of a human nail consists of several parts:

• nail plate;
• side rollers;
• cuticles;
• smile lines;
• free edge.

The smile line is where the edge and bed of the nail meet.

The natural shape of nails varies depending on how the following lines are positioned:

• lateral (located between the rollers and the plate);
• nail plate;
• cuticles (located between the cuticle and the plate).

Basic 4 nail shapes:

• square;
• trapezoidal;
• rectangular;
• oval.

When doing a manicure, you need to take into account the natural shape of an overgrown nail, and also take into account the parameters of the hand, fingers, and nail bed. The most harmonious shape of the nail looks, which is a reflection of the bend of the cuticle.

Types of nails from nature

There are 4 main types of natural forms:

• square;
• oval;
• trapezoid;
• rectangle.

Nails by nature cannot have a sharp tip, but they are often rounded. Outwardly, they most closely resemble almonds, hence the corresponding name - almond-shaped. It is worth noting that natural and salon almond-shaped nails are very different from each other. The former have a less sharp tip.

Trapezoid-shaped nail plates are also called spade-shaped because they widen at the top. Rectangular nails do not have sharp transitions, just like square ones. They differ only in width.

There are different square types, soft and hard stand out. Soft square nails with slightly rounded sides, making them look neater and more feminine. By nature, fingernails are only rigidly square, so if necessary, they are refined using cosmetic procedures (haircuts, manicures).

Nail shapes: 1. Oblong nails, 2. Wide nails, 3. Round nails, 4. Oval nails, 5. Square shape, 6. Triangular shape, 7. Almond shape, 8. Sword shape

Geometric names are not accidental, because they perfectly reflect the appearance of a particular shape. You can determine the type of marigold at home. To do this, you need to carefully look at the nail plates and compare them with a specific geometric figure. You can also find photos that show all the natural types of marigolds to help you navigate.

Nail shapes with grown edges

Taking into account the above data, with a grown nail, you can make a wide variety of shapes.

Square

This is one of the popular forms. A clear square has straight lines and sharp corners.

In a soft square, the corners are slightly rounded, but the lines remain straight. This form of nails is more practical and convenient, although it looks no less impressive.

Oval

The oval shape is made with parallel side lines. It masks imperfections of the nail plate and looks good with a round cuticle line. The oval is great for further modeling of the nail as it grows.

Square oval

This form is made with a wide nail plate. It looks like an oval, but has sawn edges with slightly rounded tips.

Almond

A very popular nail shape at all times. The pointed end of the free edge with soft lines makes the nails graceful.

Stylet

This shape cannot be made from a natural nail plate. It is constructed using gel or acrylic extensions. What form this design has is clear from the name. The nail has a very sharp edge.

Ballerina

Another name for the form is pointe shoes. This is a telling name. The nail plate at the end has the same shape as a ballerina's pointe shoes. The almond-shaped shape is taken as the basis here, but its edge is filed like a square shape, i.e. straight and sharp. The pointe shoes look great and are quite comfortable. This is a universal shape that fits any look. The ballerina is very popular among secular people.

Pipe

The pipe is made on artificial nails: helium or acrylic. The shape fully corresponds to its translation “tube”. In this case, the own nail is filed down into an oval square, and artificial material is applied on top to form an arch. It lasts well and looks perfect on any nails. However, it is not recommended to make a pipe all the time; you can ruin your own plate.

"Ballerina"

Ballerina nail shape (photo: @kuypernailart) This shape is reminiscent of a ballerina's pointe shoes: the nail tapers on the sides, from base to tip, with straight or slightly rounded edges.
The fashion for this shape was introduced several years ago by Kylie Jenner, who practically never changes it. “Ballerina” is also often used for extensions, as it looks beautiful on long nails and the nail artist can show imagination in the coating. Suitable for: those with narrow nails.

Which polish to choose: nude, neon or dark with a matte finish.

Manicure and pedicure: the most fashionable options for nail polish combinations Read

How to choose a nail shape

In addition to the fact that when manicure you need to take into account the natural shape, you should not forget about the structure of your fingers and hands. It is also worth understanding that not every form can be used to. The nail design is selected so that it meets all the above parameters and is comfortable to wear.

For long fingers

Long fingers look good with any manicure. Almond-shaped nails look perfect on them. A square, both sharp and soft, works well for long fingers. Its length does not play a big role. Elegant and daring pipe and pointe shoes highlight the grace of long fingers.

For short fingers

But for women with short fingers, the round shape is ideal. She will stretch out her fingers, adding grace to them. Having an elongated plate, you can make pointe shoes of medium length.

For thick fingers

Oval and round shapes are ideal for thick fingers. With this manicure they will appear thinner and longer.

A square is absolutely not suitable for thick fingers. Visually they will become even thicker and shorter.

What nail shape do you prefer?

Nail care at home and in the salon

Beautiful nails are healthy nails; you can take care of them both in beauty salons and every day at home. One of the most useful and simple care procedures is salt and oil baths, which saturate the nails with vitamins and minerals and give them strength (you can also use special wax for this). It is advisable to use any moisturizer once a day.

Baths are one of the important nail care procedures.

To get perfect looking fingers, you also need to take care of your cuticles. This can be done with a moisturizer and oil massage; to correct the shape, use orange tree sticks.

It is recommended to perform a home manicure with good quality tools (scissors, cuticle nippers, nail files), using strengthening or protective varnishes and bases.

Important! Particular attention should be paid to the choice of nail file: glass, cardboard, ceramic tools have different degrees of grain size and are selected individually. It is undesirable to use metal files, which can damage the structure of the nail.

If a woman cannot or does not want to do a manicure at home, you can always find a suitable beauty salon. Paraffin therapy (hands and nails are covered with a layer of heated paraffin with substances useful for strength), sealing the nail plate with vitamin cream or gel (allows you to strengthen thin and fragile nails) and manicures performed by specialists using various techniques and special tools are very popular among salon care procedures.

How to choose the length for a manicure

When choosing the length you need to take into account some details:

• nail strength;
• nature of work, hobby;
• length and shape of fingers.

Manicurists suggest using a length classification from 1 to 5:

• 1 – the shortest, suitable for those who work with small children and who have very fragile nails.
• 2-3 will be convenient for those who type on a keyboard or have thin fingers.
• 4-5 can be afforded by secular people. This length is suitable for complex designs, but is difficult to do any work with.

For ladies with thick or short fingers, you should not choose a length that is too short or too long.

Trends 2022

Changing fashion never affects classic nail shapes. This happened this year too.

Nail shapes

Circle

The round shape is always in trend. It goes perfectly with short nails. This is a great option to be on trend for those with brittle nails.

Oval

The second classic option in 2022 is the oval, which also remains on the pedestal. A neat oval looks elegant at any age and with any type of design.

Square

A square with sharp corners is also a classic, so you can’t do without it in 2022. Sharp angles can be used to create an interesting design that will highlight the elegance of your hands and fingers.

Soft square

Of course, soft squares will remain trendy. This universal nail shape looks laconic and feminine, perfect for the office dress code. The soft square is very practical, it does not break off and does not catch clothes.

Almond

Stylish and elegant almonds will allow you to create a catchy look in 2021. For more effective solutions, it can be done on extended nails.

Stylet

The fashionable shape of the stiletto can hardly be called practical, but it can be called eccentric without a stretch. This form is suitable for creating an evening look, but working on a computer with it will be problematic.

Ballerina

The shape of a ballerina will give an immense flight of fantasy to the design. Elegant and sophisticated, it will decorate an evening look if it is successfully decorated.

Pipe

Pipe has not come into fashion very long ago and is not used often. To create a “tube”, fashionistas will have to extend their nails, because natural plates cannot take the shape of an arch.

Design

Fashion for nail design dictates a trend towards composite types. As the name suggests, the manicure will be a mixture of different styles, types of coatings, and colors.

Matte finish

One type of this trend is the combination of a matte finish with a glossy one. The matte finish of the nails itself will be at its peak, both when performed solo and with different designs:

• ombre;
• abstraction;
• geometry;
• floristics;
• foil;
• rhinestones;
• cobweb;
• minimalism.

Any of these designs can be used on one or more nails.

Matte manicure will suit any shape and length.

Different hands

In 2022, “wearing different hands” is very fashionable. There are several trend options here.

• Nails painted in different colors on one and the other hand;
• A repeating pattern on the hands, but in different tones, looks very extraordinary;
• You can paint the nails on one hand a single color, and apply designs on the nails of the other.
• You can make a jacket in different colors for each hand.

The imagination for the “different hands” design is simply limitless.

Nude

For many years now, nude manicure has been in the TOP of fashionable designs. It looks irresistible in any design:

• plain;
• different hands;
• foil;
• rhinestones;
• glitter.

Nude design suits all nail shapes. It can be made for every day and for going out.

In addition, among the fashionable designs for 2022, the following types of designs can be distinguished:

• marble;
• with foil;
• minimalism;
• rubbing;
• quail egg;
• abstraction;
• inscriptions;
• glitter;
• drawings;
• rhinestones;
• French;
• geometry;
• ombre;
• animal prints.

For long fingers

Long fingers look perfect with any nail shape. To be on trend, women with long fingers should try on the stiletto and square with sharp or soft corners, which are fashionable in 2022.

For short fingers

Short-fingered ladies need to be more decisive this year and try a ballerina this year, which will visually lengthen their fingers. On short fingers, almonds look good and will also add the missing length.

For thick fingers

Women with thick fingers, in order to keep up with fashion, should stick to a rounded nail shape: oval or circle.

Technicians

Manicures for thick fingers are usually performed using the classic technique - the cuticles are removed or pushed back from the nails, after which they are covered with a single-color varnish. This coating is left on its own or nail art is created on top of it using various decorative elements.

Manicure for thick fingers

A little less often, the French or moonlight manicure technique is used on wide nails. Usually this nail art is done on natural long nails of a square or oval shape. For very long or extended nails, regardless of shape, some decorative techniques can be used: marble or watercolor coating, or “broken glass”.

How to choose a shape if the nail bed is short or trapezoidal

When the plate is short and has practically no free edge, but its shape is beautiful, then you can make a round shape. As the nail grows, it will only need to be slightly adjusted without radically changing its shape.

In the future, you can make an almond shape on your nails, but not too long, otherwise there is a risk of breaking the nail, because a short stock will not be able to support a longer length.

It is more difficult to choose the shape of nails with a wide and trapezoidal bed. As an option, you can try an oval-square shape, which will slightly smooth out the imperfections of the nail plate.

There is another option to model the plate with gel or acrylic. Perhaps gradually its shape will smooth out a little and will not be so wide.

Stilettos

Stiletto nail shape (photo: @kyliejenner) Stiletto nails are very long, pointed nails that resemble a cat's claws.
It is very difficult to grow your nails to such a length that they are still strong and do not break; this option is more suitable for those who love extensions. And remember that with stilettos you will attract several thousand times more attention to yourself - get ready for this. Another advantage of this shape is that it visually lengthens the nails and fingers. Suitable for: those with naturally short and round nails.

Which polish to choose: pastel, if you want to lower the intensity of your manicure a little, or in general any polish you want.

Gone trends

To follow fashion, you must always keep your finger on the pulse and follow not only new products, but also monitor anti-trends.

Design not relevant in 2022:

• multi-colored bright nails;
• large glitter;
• a lot of rhinestones;
• stencil designs;
• gradient;
• moon manicure;
• French manicure with dark edge;
• matte black design;
• design overloaded with voluminous patterns;
• extended nails.

What to choose: acrylic or gel?

The selection of materials and artificial coating is an important point when planning a manicure with a short length. Traditionally, gel or acrylic extensions are used. Some characteristics of these materials are the same, but each of them also has important distinctive features.

Advantages of acrylic extensions:

• high strength of the created artificial tips;
• when removing overgrown edges, there is no need to cut down, just use a special solution;
• The acrylic coating becomes perfectly smooth when hardened;
• easy to correct for single injuries;
• no UV lamp required;
• the extended ends are practically indistinguishable from natural plates.

Disadvantages of modeling with acrylic:

• a sharp, strongly noticeable odor that is present not only during the procedure, but also after the extension;
• hardens longer than gel polish;
• may cause allergies.

@sabina0409
Many nail artists prefer gel coatings due to the following advantages:

• the procedure is quick in time due to the instant hardening of the gel tips under the lamp;
• the material is non-toxic and odorless;
• short nails extended with gel look more natural than acrylic ones;
• long-lasting results if the correction terms are followed.

Cons of gel nails:

• artificial plates are more susceptible to damage;
• Removing gel-extended ends takes a long time by filing;
• Regular correction or updating of manicure is necessary.

@malvina__nails
Any of the materials can be used to model short plates. I usually advise professionals to try both coatings to understand which one is more convenient to use and subsequently wear.

How to do your own manicure

Without visiting a salon, you can do almost any of the proposed nail shapes yourself. It’s better to start with simple types, and then, after gaining experience, move on to more complex ones.

Square

A square cannot be made on a nail without a free edge. Its length must be at least 3 mm.

To obtain a square, the sides are processed first. To do this, place the file parallel to the right side roller and file it a little until a smooth wall is obtained. Then the same operation is performed on the left side.

After this, placing the file perpendicular to the free edge, file the nail to the desired length. When working, you need to ensure that:

• the file did not fall over;
• do not touch the growth points.

After finishing the work, you can check the correctness of the shape by applying the tool to the free edge. If there are no gaps between them, then the shape is perfect.

Oval

To obtain an oval, you need to mentally draw a line of symmetry, and then use a medium-grain file to file the corners on both sides towards the center, simulating a smile line.

Almond, triangle, stiletto

To work, you will need a file with a large grain.

If before this there was a square, then to get almonds you just need to file the corners; if there was an oval, the side walls are slightly narrowed.

Once sawing is complete, the sharp edge softens slightly. When working, you must ensure that all nails are the same length and do not differ in shape.

To obtain a stiletto or triangle, an almond shape is cut out, but the edge is left sharp.

Ballerina

The ballerina is modeled from an almond shape, only the sharp tip is filed off perpendicularly, as in a square.

Pipe

To get the pipe form you need:

• Set the shape correctly under the nail bed.
• Make a bend in the arch.
• File the sides.

After setting the shape, the nails are dried in a lamp for 45-60 seconds, and then the clips are installed and dried for another minute.

Then they file it like this: parallel to the sides, slightly narrow and round the edge to a semi-oval. When the nails are ready, you need to check the bend of the arch.

When making any form, you must follow the following recommendations:

• The abrasive coating of the file must not be damaged;
• The file is held strictly perpendicular to the plate;
• All lines are symmetrical;
• All 10 nails are the same length;
• After filing, shake off the dust and moisten the nail;
• To make the varnish lay more evenly, it must be applied after the base.

How to check that your nails are the same length

A manicure looks perfect when the nails have not only an ideal shape, but also the same length. The free edge is checked as follows.

• The nails of the index and ring fingers should be at the same level;
• The nail on the middle finger should be the same length as the index finger;
• The nail on the little finger is 1 mm smaller than on the ring finger
• The thumbnail is also 1 mm longer than the index fingernail.

Only by following these recommendations can you create the nails of your dreams.