Round nails are foolproof for a few reasons: They’re simple to create, can be done on any nail length, and seem to hold up better compared to the more complex shapes. If you live a hands-on lifestyle but still want a polished look, this might be your holy grail shape. First, we have square nails, which are fairly self-explanatory: The tips are squared off on the edges to give a clean, sleek look. If you like the square shape but prefer something a bit more subtle, squoval may be a better option. Then, there’s almond and stiletto. Almond-shaped nails are the softer of the two and much easier to achieve on a natural nail. Almond nails have a rounded tip but flare out toward the bottom giving the illusion of a point, without any harsh tip. Stiletto nails, on the other hand, do come to a point. This shape can technically be achieved on a natural nail, but that nail would have to be pretty long and strong to hold up. Coffin nails are another, edgier option. This shape consists of round sides with square edges and a flat top. It’s essentially a happy medium between almond and square nails. Now if you’re looking for something on the natural end of the spectrum, oval and round nails are the way to go. Especially if you like to keep your nails trimmed shorter but still want to shape them, a rounded tip is perfect. This shape isn’t too complicated to achieve and it’s certainly more practical than many of the other looks. Further, “Round nails don’t break as easily compared to oval or pointed nails,” Lin said. Oval nails are similar to round nails, but they have longer sides, which makes them more flimsy. So if you’re constantly using your hands and want to avoid snags, tears, or nail breakage in general, then round nails will be the best bet. You can use nail polish remover on a cotton pad or cotton round and dip a Q-tip in some remover to get those hard-to-reach edges if needed. Remember not to press too hard on the tip of your nails, especially if yours are on the thinner side. “Then, put your file underneath your nails to check each side carefully to make sure it is evenly filed. It is very common when we file round shapes and overly file one side versus the other,” Lin said. It’s easy to get small tears around the cuticle when you’re filing, so you’ll want to keep that area as clean as possible in case that does happen. You can use cuticle oil a few times a day, especially when you’re washing your hands often. Not sure which oil to buy? Here are a few of our go-to cuticle products. Whether you want to grow your nails longer, stronger, or just want some extra support, nail supplements are a great way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need.* Here’s a list of the best supplements for nail health if you’re on the hunt.
