Manicure Planner: Schedule Your Nail Care
Choose the kind of manicure and a start date to get a dated nail care schedule: manicures, top coat days, polish-free weeks and pedicures for the…
Nail Shape Finder: Choose Your Nail Shape
Answer six questions about your nail length, nail beds, fingers, nail strength, daily use of your hands and the look you like, and see the three nail shapes that fit best.
The nail shape finder ranks seven nail shapes for your hands and your habits: round, squoval, oval, square, almond, coffin and stiletto. It shows the best match, two more to try, and how to file each one.
What this tool does
Each answer gives or takes away points for the shapes it helps or hinders. Short nails add points to round and squoval, and take points from coffin and stiletto. The three shapes with the most points are shown, with the reasons taken from your own answers.
What you enter
| Question | Answers |
|---|---|
| 1. How long are your nails now? | Short, medium or long |
| 2. How wide are your nail beds? | Wide, average or narrow |
| 3. How would you describe your fingers? | Short or wide, average, long or slender |
| 4. How strong are your nails? | They break easily, average, or strong |
| 5. How hard do you use your hands? | A lot, a mix, or lightly |
| 6. Which look do you prefer? | Natural, classic, lengthening or bold |
How the result is worked out
Every answer carries a small table of points, from −3 to +3. For example:
| Answer | Points |
|---|---|
| Short nails | Round +3, squoval +3, square +2, oval +1, coffin −3, stiletto −3 |
| Nails that break easily | Round +3, squoval +2, oval +1, almond −1, coffin −2, stiletto −3 |
| A lengthening look | Almond +3, oval +2 |
| A bold look | Coffin +3, stiletto +3, almond +1 |
The points from all six answers are added for each shape. If two shapes have the same total, the more practical one comes first, in this order: round, squoval, oval, square, almond, coffin, stiletto. The result shows the full table of points, so you can see how close the shapes were.
If the best match is almond, coffin or stiletto and your nails are short, the finder warns that the shape needs more length than you have now.
Messages you may see
All six questions need an answer. A missing one shows "Choose an answer for question 5.", with the right number.
How to use it
- Look at your bare nails in good light.
- Answer the six questions, and select "Find my nail shape".
- Read the filing instruction for the best match.
- File in one direction with a fine file. How to File and Shape Your Nails shows each shape step by step.
Worked example
Medium length, average nail beds, short fingers, average strength, mixed use of the hands, and a lengthening look.
Oval scores 8 points: 3 for medium length, 2 for short fingers, 1 for mixed use and 2 for the look. Almond scores 7 and squoval 3. The best match is oval, because it suits medium length, makes short fingers look longer, copes with everyday tasks and gives a lengthening look.
Limits and assumptions
The points reflect common manicure guidance about length, strength and wear. They are a guide to a comfortable choice, not a rule: any shape that you like and can maintain is a good one. Coffin and stiletto shapes are usually worn on extensions, because natural nails rarely have the strength for them. Nails that keep splitting or peeling need care first, as Brittle Nails: Causes and Everyday Care Tips explains.
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Frequently asked questions
Which nail shape is the strongest?
Round and squoval. They have no sharp corners or narrow points to catch, so the stress on the nail is spread evenly.
Which nail shape makes fingers look longer?
Oval and almond. Their tapered sides draw the eye along the finger. They need a little length beyond the fingertip to work.
Can I have a bold shape with short nails?
Not yet. Almond needs some free edge, and coffin and stiletto need a lot. A squoval or round shape is the best choice while your nails grow.