How to find the best nail shape for your hands?

 

The 4 traditional nail shapes

Square nail

The square shape is characterized by a straight nail with sharp angles at each end of the nail. It is perfect for people with long hands and slender fingers. Strong nails are especially suited to this shape, as it highlights their natural robustness.

👉 How to create square nails? When your natural nails are long enough, start by filing the sides of the nail straight with a white file, then finish by filing the tip of the nail to create a perfectly horizontal edge. To learn how to file your nails properly, check out our dedicated article here.

Rounded square nail (or squoval nail)

The rounded square shape, also known as squoval nails, combines the straight edge of a square shape with slightly rounded corners. This shape is particularly suitable for fragile or growing nails, as it reduces the risk of breakage. Rounded square nails are a gentler alternative to the classic square, while maintaining a neat and structured appearance.

👉 How to create squoval nails? Follow the same steps as for a square nail, but gently round the corners with a natural nail file. The result is as elegant as it is easy to maintain.

Round nail

If you have short fingers or brittle nails, the round shape is your best ally. It visually lengthens the fingers while preserving nail strength. Ideal for those with a shorter nail plate, the rounded nail is both practical and aesthetic. If you like this shape and your nails can handle a bit of length, opt for an oval nail shape, super elegant yet practical.

👉 How to create rounded or oval nails? It’s very easy! File the edges of the nails following their natural curve. Then, with a gentle motion, slightly round the tips to achieve a harmonious and soft finish.

Almond nail

The almond shape is timeless, ideal for those with long and healthy nails. This slender shape resembles an almond, with tapered edges converging to a slightly rounded tip. It’s an excellent choice to give the effect of lengthening the fingers and creating a proud, yet understated look.

👉 How to create almond-shaped nails? Start by filing the sides of the nail diagonally to create a soft point, then round the tip to avoid a too angular effect. Regular maintenance is essential to keep a clean nail shape.

Once you’ve found your ideal shape, it’s time for color: explore the full range of Green Flash™ semi-permanent polishes for a radiant and long-lasting manicure, whatever your nail shape.

Which colors to choose according to my nail shape?

Although you are free to try any whimsy, here are some color recommendations to enhance each shape:

Square nails, dark colors

For square nails, favor dark polish colors, deep and pigmented shades. The polishes Clove, Aubergine or Anthracite emphasize the clean structure of the square and give it a look full of character right to the fingertips.

Squoval nails, let it shine!

For rounded square nails, soft and luminous colors such as Active Shine, Satin or Lemonade add a touch of delicacy to your pretty nails. They brighten the shape while highlighting its elegant simplicity.

Round nails, all about transparency

On round or oval nails, transparent or vibrant shades like Beige, Hortencia or Pomegranate create the illusion of lengthening the nail bed and slimming the fingers while aiming for the most delicate refinement. These shades add depth and dimension to round nails without losing their softness.

Almond nails, anything goes

With this almond nail shape, you have an embarrassment of choice among polish colors. The boldest will dare chrome or shimmering polishes, but classic shades ranging from nude to deep reds will also make an impact.

Which nail arts best suit my nail shape?

Chic and minimalist nail arts for square nails

Minimalist lines and dark shades, how about trying our Mystic Twist nail art? Apply a coat of polish Pale Rose then apply a coat of purple polish Mystic in two brush strokes without coloring the entire nail. Use the brush shape to draw an openwork form.
The Brown Gradient is ideal for adopting the Mocha Mousse trend. To do this, start with a base of Orme then dab a sponge on which you have placed three shades of the same color (here Orme, Terracotta and Chestnut). Seal everything with a suitable Top coat for a flawless manicure.

Subtle nail arts for rounded square nails

Dare the Sparkly Twist, a variation of the French Manucure gradient that combines a pink polish base Satin and a touch of biodegradable glitter Holo to sprinkle delicately on the edge of the nail using a glitter brush. Don’t forget to seal your manicure with a layer of Top coat.

Finally, the Reverse French highlights the square shape with its soft colors (here Wisteria and Lemonade). On a nude nail, apply them delicately on the edge and base of the nail with a fine nail art brush.

Classic nail art for round nails

The French Manucure is the classic nail art, a sure bet that works wonderfully on round nails. It is also revisited in different variations such as French Manucure Glow (on a care polish base Active™ Glow Raspberry or Blueberry), the Mini French (a thinner border line than the classic French) or the reverse French (the line is drawn on the nail contour, not the edge).

XXL nail arts for almond nails

Long and well-prepared nails offer a great canvas for nail artists, professional or amateur. It’s the perfect time to try original designs and/or play with contrasts between matte or shiny finishes on the same polish color (here, a wavy effect with the Top Coat Mat on a base of Aubergine polish).

Fans of cute & warm manicures, try the Winter Chestnut nail art that alternates French, wavy, and full color effects playing on the shades of Hortencia and Chestnut.

Finally, try a more arty manicure by drawing shapes in two different shades, here Mystic and Hollyhock on an iridescent pink Satin base. The trick: use a fine brush to draw the outlines and then fill in with your polish brush.

We hope you found the nail shape that suits you among these tips and that our suggestions have inspired you to create beautifully filed and sublimely enhanced nails. And now, it’s your turn!