Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”
Stiletto nail shape is the weakest as it makes the long and slender nails more prone to breaking.
Stiletto. Stiletto nails are dramatic, long, and filed to a pointed tip, which is the toughest to maintain since it's the most susceptible to breakage, says Lennon. This shape looks best on long nails but to maintain this shape, you'll need gels or acrylics to reinforce the nails.
Best nail shape: Almond and Oval. Tapered shapes like almond elongate shorter or wider fingers. We recommend that you opt for rounded shapes in general, especially if you have a wide nail bed.
One of the most natural looking shapes, the squoval mimics the shape of your cuticle: flat, but with slightly rounded edges.
Squoval Nails
The easy, super functional squoval nail shape is the easiest to maintain as it mimics the way most people's nails naturally grow—square-shaped nails that have been rounded at the corners.
Although it might seem like one of the most simple shapes, round nails are universal, they suit anyone as they follow the natural shape of the fingertip. They can also elongate your fingers subtly, so can work on both long and short nails.
2023 is the year of the short stiletto nail. Stiletto nails are that girl; these nails are everyone's go-to if they want to make a bold statement. Usually long, they are filed and shaped with a sharp or almond-shaped point at the tip.
The best nail shape for every finger type is squoval nails. A squoval shape is the easiest shape to maintain. For most people, it's how their nails grow. This nail shape is also great for those who have weak or brittle nails, as it helps to prevent breakage.
“Classic nail shapes, like round and oval, are especially flattering for aging hands,” says Tom Bachik, celebrity manicurist and global nail designer for L'Oréal Paris, whose client list includes Jennifer Lopez and Julianne Moore.
Almond/Point
And while it's not favored for the everyday look, this extreme shape can actually slenderize and lengthen the fingers.
“An oval-shaped nail helps fingers look longer, and in turn, makes hands look younger,” she explains. Another grooming tip from the pro: pay attention to your cuticles! “Be sure to keep your fingers well-manicured,” she says.
Sexy claws and nail art: what do men like? According to the Jolie survey, women's nails that tend to be shorter (i.e. flush with the tip or only slightly beyond) are particularly popular among men. In addition, a slightly rounded almond shape is particularly popular because it looks natural and well-groomed.
Square is particularly popular because it has the most natural feel and as it grows, the corners start to round beautifully. “Many celebs also love rounded because the shape is naturally thinning and very feminine. The shape is pretty neutral and can pull off a number of shades,” she also says.
Oval Nails
"Known to be a classic choice, an oval shape will also elongate the nail to give the illusion of length," says Knight. She also points out that an oval nail shape is especially great if you want to do a bit of nail art.
Should Your Manicure and Pedicure Match? Simply put, no – you mani and pedi doesn't have to match. Back in the day, it used to be mandatory to match the colour on your fingernails to your toes but, over the years this trend has become predictable and a little boring too.
Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.
White nails truly go with everything and make any color pop. If you're silently questioning “does white nail polish look good?”, the answer is yes. In the summertime it can be paired beautifully with pastels or bright clothing in your wardrobe.
After talking to several nail techs, the consensus is in: The best shape for those of us with weakened tips is... squoval. That is, a square tip with rounded edges (like an oval). What makes squoval shapes better for weak nails?
What is a Russian manicure? For the uninitiated, a Russian manicure is a dry manicure, so no soaking in water is required. The technique consists of very precise cuticle work, often involving a nail drill and other special equipment to clean and remove excess skin around the nail bed.
KEEP YOUR FINGERNAILS SHORT & OVAL: Square cut fingernails are too harsh for aging hands, plus they're not feminine. Instead, slightly round the side edges of the square cut for a more modern look like in the photo above or below…
Red is the most youthful colour and an anti-ageing staple to add in your arsenal. Go for orange-based reds and true tomato reds to make your hands look lively and young.
It's a good idea to stick to classic nail shapes and avoid unusual ones. For example, the typically feminine rounded shape, as well as almond and oval, are perfectly suitable for women over 60. Sharp, long and square plates will look quite unattractive on mature hands.