How to choose the shape of nails for manicure

What to focus on when choosing the shape of nails for manicure

Usually, when choosing the shape of the nails, it is advised to arrange the tips so that they mirror the outline of the cuticle. This is a good hint, but far from universal. Consider other factors and how they relate to find the shape that's right for you. Here is some of them.

Convenience

The rule that it is inconvenient at home with a manicure of extreme length does not always work, because all people are different. But it may well turn out that long, bizarre nails really make it difficult to play sports (for example, volleyball). Or they will interfere with putting on tights and fastening small buttons.

Nail quality

As a rule, there are no restrictions on the shape and length of strong nails. But it happens that the plates are naturally thin, weak and often exfoliate. In these cases, you can help with artificial materials for strengthening. But at the same time, it is better not to experiment too much: the longer such a nail, the higher the likelihood that it will break very quickly. The same applies to pointed forms. So for fragile nails, a short or medium length and a round shape are more suitable.

Desired length

The shorter the nails, the less likely it is to damage them. But the long length looks very impressive and is perfect if you want to try a complex design.

The ability to do a manicure yourself

Decide where you will do your manicure - at home or in the salon. Unusual, complex shapes (almond-shaped, "ballerina", "stiletto") are best left to the master. This means that caring for them will require regular financial investments. If you are not ready to visit a beauty salon often, it is better to choose an oval or “soft square”.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

Traditionally, it is believed that a short nail plate must be visually lengthened. From here, recommendations are taken in the spirit of "square nails are only for women with thin fingers." If that's important to you, these kinds of hints are really worth listening to. If you like everything about yourself (which is great), try any form.

When to choose a square nail shape

Square nails not only look elegant and neat, they also provide an opportunity to experiment with designs. Looks especially good with this shape french and various geometric patterns.

Convenience

Let's immediately highlight the obvious disadvantage of this shape: sharp edges can cling to everything around. It is also easy to scratch your own or someone else's skin with them, so you need to be extremely careful with square nails.

Nail quality

"Square" will suit any nails, even weak ones. Although over long lengths, too fragile and thin plates can break down. So people with problem nails are better off choosing a short or medium length.

Desired length

Square manicure gets along well with any length. Most importantly, do not forget to consider the quality of your nails. With a long length, you can strengthen the plates with acrylic powder.

The ability to do a manicure yourself

It is very easy to give your nails a square shape: you just need to file them in a straight line so that clear corners remain at the free edge. Moreover, as the plate grows back, it will have to be trimmed from time to time in order to maintain the desired shape.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

Most of all, this shape is suitable for an elongated nail bed, but not too narrow. But with wide plates or a trapezoidal shape of nails, the "square" will not look so elegant.

When to choose the shape of nails "soft square"

Perhaps, there is simply no better canvas for experimenting with various geometric designs, stripes and holes than a "soft square".

Convenience

The "soft square" is very similar to the usual one, only the edges are slightly rounded so that they are not so sharp. At the same time, a manicure looks just as impressive, but wearing it on a daily basis is much more convenient.

Nail quality

Everything said about a clear "square" applies to a soft one: the uniform can be worn on weakened nails, but at the same time give preference to a short length, which will be more difficult to damage.

Desired length

Choose whatever length you like best. Although, perhaps, with very long nails, you will have to use additional strengthening methods.

The ability to do a manicure yourself

"Soft square" is one of the simplest forms. You can do it yourself at home. As in the previous case, the nails are cut in a straight line, and then the corners need to be slightly rounded.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

Here, the same rule applies as with a clear "square": if you want to visually correct a wide plate, it is better to choose a more narrowed streamlined shape, for example, an oval one.

When to choose an oval nail shape

Convenience

The oval shape is suitable in most cases, even for those who lead a very active lifestyle.

Nail quality

"Oval" is indicated for any nails, even the weakest. After all, it is difficult to break a smoothly shaped nail, even if the plate itself is fragile and thin.

Desired length

The free edge can be any length, even only half a millimeter.

The ability to do a manicure yourself

Of all the shapes, the oval is the most unpretentious: to maintain a neat appearance, a few movements with a nail file are enough.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

The oval shape will suit any fingers, it makes the hand graceful and even visually lengthens the short nail plate. Therefore, if you are not sure about a manicure, start with the "oval" and you will definitely not get into a mess.

When to choose an almond-shaped nail

Convenience

The almond shape is quite convenient, since due to the lack of corners it hardly breaks.

Nail quality

Only medium and long nails can be shaped into almonds. If they are too weak, it will be difficult to grow them, so in this case you will definitely need artificial strengthening.

Desired length

As mentioned above, it will not work to make "almonds" on short nails, and the free edge will first have to grow. But if you don't want to wait, you can resort to building up.

The ability to do a manicure yourself

It is practically impossible to do without the help of a professional. The fact is that the smoothly tapered tip of the nail, resembling an almond in outline, should not be either oval or too sharp. And only experienced craftsmen can perform such a delicate work.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

Almond is definitely worth trying if you want to visually lengthen a short nail plate. In this case, the nail will look like a natural continuation of the finger, so the brush will also visually become more elegant.

When to choose the shape of nails "stiletto"

Convenience

The “stiletto” resembles an almond shape, but ends with an even sharper tip. The main disadvantage is that it is very easy to break such a nail. Most likely, you will have to, for example, press the doorbell not with your fingernail, but with your bent finger. But this form does not hurt to type on the keyboard. On the contrary, it is even convenient to do it with her, as well as to pick up small things.

Nail quality

This type of manicure is usually created by extension. Natural nails are rarely strong enough to keep the tip intact.

Desired length

Short "stilettos" simply do not happen. The free edge must be medium or even long.

The ability to do it yourself

"Stiletto" is even more capricious in shape than almond-shaped. To design your nails in such an extravagant way, it is better to immediately go to salon, where you will have a special strengthening or even a build-up.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

"Stilettos" will suit almost any hands and fingers and visually stretch the nail plate.

When to choose the shape of nails "ballerina" or "pointe"

Convenience

"Ballerina" is a cross between a "stiletto" and a clear "square". But this shape is a little more practical, since the corners are not as vulnerable as in the first and second cases.

Nail quality

Such a complex structural shape is only suitable for strong nails.

Desired length

Pointe shoes are made only on medium to long nails and, as a rule, by extension. Although natural plates can also be given such a shape.

The ability to do a manicure yourself

It is difficult to take care of such nails on your own, so it is better to maintain the desired shape with a master. And most likely, it will be necessary to strengthen and align, and you can get a high-quality result only in the salon.

Shape of fingers and nail bed

"Pointe shoes" are perfect for those who want to try the "square", but are afraid that it will visually expand the nails. With this, even large fingers will look graceful thanks to the tapered edges.