I Went Through Your Nail Shape History and Here’s What I Learned About You

Nails have always been one of the smallest yet one of the most common forms of self-expression, whether that be rocking a natural nail, painting them yourself, or getting a fabulous set of acrylics from the nail salon.  

Over the years, since getting my own set of square-tip nails, I have observed that the shape you get says a lot about who you are and what your style is. 

For those of you who might not know, there are a variety of types of shapes that someone can ask for when getting their nails done or doing them on their own. Some of the most common shapes include: Round, Oval, Square, Coffin, Stiletto, Almond, and Duck. 

Based on what I have noticed, here is what your preferred nail shape says about you. 

Almond 

You are going for a clean, simple look. Almond is a soft, everyday style often paired with neutral clothing or work attire. Almond is also the most common nail shape I’ve seen for those who follow the “clean girl” aesthetic or a classy vibe. 

Square

Square is a basic shape, and my favorite, that could fit any style. Keep it classy with a clean French Tip or take advantage of the canvas and add some flowers or rhinestones. Square-shaped nails are between almond and shapes like coffin and stiletto. They are bolder than almond but still a simple shape that can be rocked by any style. 

Coffin 

When I see someone with coffin nails, I always think “badass.” Coffin, like the name, lends to a darker aesthetic. Pairing well with those who like to wear darker clothes or textures such as leather or velvet. Not quite goth, but definitely for those who are looking for a bolder, more distinct nail shape than almond or round nails. 

Stiletto 

Stiletto = Fashion icon! Every time I have met someone whose favorite nail shape is stiletto, they are usually deep in the fashion world. Bold, experimental, and very much a statement, stiletto nails draw the eye and definitely have an air of warning when you look at the pointy tip. They go very well with those who dress goth. The pointy end fits the dark and gothic aesthetic perfectly. Stiletto nails are usually chosen by someone who is well-versed in getting their nails done and continues to function properly with them while doing mundane tasks. 

Duck

*Ring, ring* Snookie’s calling and it’s for you. Duck nails are a quintessential aspect of the early 2000s aesthetic. Though not as common as the others, when someone gets duck nails, they’re noticed. As they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, I have noticed that duck nails are worn by people who radiate confidence and deep knowledge of who they are. Paired with some low-rise shorts and fluffy leg warmers, you’ve got the perfect Snookie-esque nails, and I expect to see you in a Jersey Shore re-run. 

Do any of these nail shapes describe you? 

Of course, these are not all of the shapes out there. There are hundreds of ways to express your style through your nails. 

While it often correlates, I want to make it clear that nail shape does not determine who you have to be. Get the shape and designs that feel the most like you, and don’t be afraid to experiment! 

Strike Out, 

Madi Denizard 

Boca Raton 

Madi Denizard is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In typical Leo fashion, she is a social butterfly and loves self-expression of all kinds. When she’s not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book, mermaiding in the ocean or crocheting her newest masterpiece. You can reach her by email at madison.denizard@gmail.com or on Instagram @mpaigee_