How to choose the best shape for your nails

“My hands are so big, how should I shape my nails?” or “What’s the best shape for short nails?” Questions like these are those most asked at the manicurist table. When it comes to shaping your nails the best answer is “What do you like and feel comfortable wearing?”

If you have large hands squaring off your nails will make them look shorter and bigger so round them slightly at the ends to give the illusion of longer fingers. For shorter nails square works well to give them a fresh look. If you have really long nail beds (the pink part of the nail) then you can get away with almost any shape or length. However, nails that are too long tend to look fake and a bit tacky.

Square is the overall best shape for strength and preventing breakage.

Never file your nails oval, here’s why. Back in the ‘50s, or even earlier, oval nails were the style. They looked elegant filed almost to a sharp point with an almond shape but this put your nails at a very vulnerable state because all the strength is on the sides of the nail plate and if they are filed in too narrow your nails will break quite easily. If you wish to wear oval shaped nails then start the inward filing slightly beyond the nail bed to preserve some strength on the sides.