What Nail Shape is Best For Aging Hands?

Round nails mimic the natural shape of your fingers & nail beds, making them look great no matter what length. Plus, their low maintenance requirements make them the ideal canvas for trending colors!

Long fingers with wide nail beds may benefit from shapes that emphasize width such as square or stiletto shapes, while for active hands rounded shapes tend to be more resilient and less likely to get caught or broken by everyday activities.

Oval

Oval nails are timeless classics that complement many nail lengths and shapes, creating an elongated appearance for each finger and giving hands the appearance of being younger-looking hands.

Short and tough nails can withstand daily wear better than longer nail shapes that require additional upkeep, such as frequent trips to a nail salon for maintenance or polish application.

“Oval nails are an ideal option for anyone who’s new to nail art as they accommodate most designs,” according to Knight.

Gerstein advises using a crystal or glass nail file, which are gentle on natural nails while helping preserve strength. To achieve the egg shape of this shape, filing nails into an egg-like form will do.

Square

For an elegant appearance, try square nails with straight edges and sharp corners for a chic aesthetic. Squares work especially well on narrow fingers, giving the appearance of wider hands and pairing well with all lengths of nails.

To obtain this shape, trim and file nails flat using a 180g board file – using more aggressive filing will lead to oval shapes instead. To do this, trim nails before filing them using an angle file for maximum results. If too much filing occurs, oval shapes could form.

A softer variation of a square nail with rounded edges is known as a “squoval nail.” It combines oval and square shapes for maximum impact; ideal for short to medium nail lengths and tough enough to maintain its appearance even as we age hands.

Almond

This sophisticated nail shape, with tapered sides narrowing to a soft, rounded tip and tapering towards its centre, resembles the shape of a nut. It elongates fingers while creating an eye-catching appearance, which fits in well with current fashion trends. However, additional maintenance may be required in order for it to keep looking its best.

To select an ideal nail shape, evaluate your hands and finger beds before choosing an attractive style that accentuates and balances with natural features. If you frequently work with your hands, choose sturdy short nail shapes like oval or squoval that can withstand daily wear and tear. Also take into account what level of maintenance suits you as well as any time commitment needed to upkeep nails; consult a beauty expert if needed for assistance in selecting an individualized solution.

Coffin

Celebrities love coffin (or ballerina nails), an edgy nail shape popular with celebs that’s similar to stiletto nails but features an angled tip like that found on ballet pointe shoes. It looks fantastic when used with acrylics but does require additional salon maintenance as they are harder to keep healthy.

Tina S describes Squoval nails as an appealing hybrid between oval and square that will fit all hand shapes, sitting comfortably on long, slim fingernails with light polish in nude or pastel tones. Squoval nails make a great option for nail art enthusiasts as well as being easily maintained and hydrated like other types of nails.

Stiletto

Maintaining Instagram-worthy manicure envy requires not only keeping your nails hydrated and trim, but selecting an eye-catching nail shape that complements you as well. According to manicurists, classic oval and almond nails tend to look best on older hands as they add femininity while not drawing attention away from fine lines or wrinkles.

Arrow head nails resembling pointed shoes are another striking choice when looking for something dramatic. Lippman describes their appearance as similar to stiletto heels but with wider tips. While this nail shape requires salon maintenance, it makes a striking statement and works well on special occasions or holidays when wearing bold designs or colors; plus they complement both short nails and thin fingernails by emphasizing natural fingertips shapes.