The 8 Most Flattering Nail Shapes for Every Length

It's no secret that we're nail fanatics here at Who What Wear HQ. We're always investigating the trending polish colours, learning how to grow healthier nails, and even identifying the coolest nail art before it takes off. Not to mention our obsession with stalking the best celebrity manicurists online.

One area that always trips us up a little bit, though, is nail shape. It doesn't sound like a confusing topic, but when it comes to selecting the perfect shape to complement any length, there seem to be some questions. So we took to Instagram, the #nailfie mecca, to find out exactly which shapes look best on which lengths. It wasn't easy, but someone had to do it. As usual, we volunteered as tribute.

Here, we've outlined eight of the most popular nail shapes worn by cool girls everywhere and which ones look best according to length. Scroll through to find which one works for you, and don't forget to screenshot your faves to bring to your next salon visit.

If you have short nails, try…

Round nails are a classic style characterised by a soft, rainbow-like curve at the tip.

Squoval nails are exactly what they sound like: a cross between square and oval. You can identify them by the straight top edge coupled with softly curved sides.

If you have medium-length nails, try…

Similar to round nails, oval nails are softly curved at the tip. Said curve will be a touch more dramatic than a round nail, more closely mimicking the shape of the cuticle.

Square nails are flat on top and straight on the sides with no curve or tapering. 

Mountain peaks are great for creating the look of longer nails without actually requiring tremendous length. They can be characterised by the marked taper culminating in a sharp pinnacle. 

Care for your short nails:

If you have long nails, try…

Almond-shaped nails are similar to oval with more tapering at the ends. The result is a long, elegant nail that's not too sharp.

This elongated square shape takes great lengths to achieve, but the payoff is a long, sophisticated-looking nail that definitely leaves an impression. It narrows slightly toward the top, creating a shape similar to its namesake ballerina slipper.

These fierce, talon-like nails feature an undoubtedly pointed tip atop the long nail shaft. No subtlety here!

Care for your long nails: