Nails come in ALL shapes and sizes. More often than not, it’s the luck of the genetic draw. Luckily, with the right enhancement and shape, we can help you nail down (pun intended) the most flattering solutions for your fingers.
But first… a quick anatomy lesson:
The part of your nail you file, buff and paint is the nail plate. It’s a hard structure, made up of many layers of keratin and sits atop the nail bed.
The uppermost, white part of the nail is the distal edge; it’s comprised of old, hardened cells.
The bottom most part of the nail is the matrix. This is the only living part of the nail and is where the keratin and cells are produced.
The cuticle (eponychium) protects the matrix.
The white, half-moon shape at the base is called the lunula. That’s the visible part of the matrix.
Fun fact: Fingernails grow three times faster than toenails, and those on your dominant hand outpace those on the non-dominant one.
Nail shape and size is determined by the shape and size of your nail matrix. The larger the matrix, the thicker and larger the nail. For the most part, the width and thickness of a typical nail, not to mention the growth pattern of the distal edge, is largely determined by genetics.
WHAT SHAPES ARE WE WORKING WITH THEN?
When selecting a nail shape, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the different options available. Although there are many silhouettes and variations on offer, there are six key shapes you should know. Square, round, oval, almond, coffin and squoval are essential forms. To precisely determine which style is best for you, you will need to take into consideration your finger shape, nail bed width, and nail length.
ALMOND
Although this chic form won’t work on short nails, it does look lovely on
longer lengths. The silhouette naturally suits long and thin nail beds thanks to its elongated shape. Almond nails are also ideal for slenderizing wide fingers to create the appearance of slim hands. On top of that, ladies with short fingers will also find this nail shape beneficial thanks to its ability to create the appearance of extra length.
ROUND SHAPED NAILS
If you want to create the appearance of longer fingers but like to keep your nails short, you should consider opting for a round shape. Round shaped nails, which feature of short length with a naturally curved edge, are perfect for subtly elongating short and wide fingers. The shape can also be used to make wide nails beds appear thinner and longer. If you have narrow nail beds, don’t rule out a round shape either. The simple silhouette is not only classic but versatile and fuss-free.
SQUARE SHAPED NAILS
Like round shapes, square styles are also perfect for shorter nails. Characterised by straight edges and squared-off tip, this nail shape appears neat and stylish. While ladies who prefer a longer nail should choose a shape that tapers more, those who like a short, edgy yet elegant look will love this style. Square shaped nails are particularly flattering for those with thin hands and long, slim fingers.
COFFIN/BALLERINA SHAPED NAILS
One of the best shapes for long nail lovers and those with narrow nail beds is the coffin shape. Also known as a ballerina shape, this nail style is named after its silhouette, which resembles both a coffin and ballet slipper. The stylish shape is characteristically long and narrow. It also dramatically tapers in towards the end before finishing with a square tip. While the sophisticated and edgy design attracts many women, ladies should only attempt it if their nails are long and sturdy. Short and brittle nails may not be able to handle this shape. Alternatively, you can try the look with acrylic nails.
OVAL SHAPED NAILS
Thanks to their elongating abilities, oval-shaped nails are ideal for both short and wide nail beds and fingers. The medium to long shape, which ends in a semi-circle, is similar to almond styles except blunter and more delicate in appearance. The result is a feminine nail shape that helps to make wide fingers appear slimmer and short fingers to look longer. While you won’t need seriously long nails to rock an oval shape, you will need a little length. A few millimetres of free edge extending past you fingertip should do the trick.
SQUOVAL SHAPED NAILS
The squoval shape perfectly suits both long and shorter nails, which means it’ll grow out nicely if you start with shorter nails. This shape is similar to square nails, but the edges are a lot softer. It’s a good compromise between square and oval, so you get the best of both worlds. The soft square is easy to maintain on shorter nails and looks universally flattering on every finger shape.
No matter what you’ve been issued with – we’ll most definitely advise you on the shape we believe is just right for you… ‘cause you’re your OWN kind of BEAUTIFUL!
#Chillove, Anrie 💛