Want nails that actually suit your hands? Start with the right shape. Whether your fingers are short, long, wide or somewhere in between — there’s a nail shape that can flatter them.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out your hand type, match it to the perfect shape, and show you how to get the look at home.
Want nails that actually suit your hands? Start with the right shape. Whether your fingers are short, long, wide or somewhere in between — there’s a nail shape that will flatter them.
In this guide, you’ll:
- Discover your hand type
- Match it with the best nail shape
- Learn how to get the look at home
- Get personalised tips for healthier, stronger nails
Let’s go.
First, strengthen the canvas
Before we talk about shape, let’s talk about strength. Weak, peeling or brittle nails? Start here.
The Ultimate Nail Rescue Set includes:
- Rest & Repair Nail Serum: Strengthens, smooths and repairs while you sleep
- Self Love Oil: Hydrates and softens cuticles for a healthier, shinier finish
Stronger nails mean you can actually keep the shape you file.
Shop Nail Rescue
Step 1: Pick your nail shape
There are more nail shapes out there than you can count on both hands. These are the ones we recommend most:
While there are more nail shape types out there than you can count on both hands, here are a few of our favourites for your perusal.
Natural
Let your nails do their own thing. Great for a low-maintenance look.
Oval
Slimming and elegant. Soft, rounded edge that elongates fingers.
Best for: Short fingers or wide palms
Not great for: Super short nails
Square
Blunt and bold. Straight-filed edge and sides.
Best for: Long fingers and narrow nail beds
Not great for: Wide fingers (can make them appear wider)
Almond
Universally flattering. Tapered sides with a rounded tip.
Best for: Almost everyone
Not great for: Very short nails
Square Round (Soft Square)
A square shape with softened corners. Practical and wearable.
Coffin (aka Ballerina)
Tapered sides, squared tip. Edgy but feminine.
Best for: Long fingers and strong nails
Not great for: Short or brittle nails
Stiletto
Long and pointed. Dramatic and high-fashion.
Best for: Acrylics or strong natural nails
Not great for: Typing
Step 2: Know your hand shape
The shape of your palm and the length of your fingers determine what works best.
Use this simple guide:
Hi-Five Hands
Long palm, short fingers.
Best shape: Oval.
Why: Elongates your fingers and balances the palm.
How: File sides straight, round off tip.
Use with: Ultimate Nail Rescue to strengthen the free edge. Add to cart →
Grounded Hands
Wide palm, short fingers.
Best shape: Almond or Oval.
Why: Tapered shapes help fingers look longer.
How: Gently taper sides, round the tip.
Try this: Hydrate cuticles with Self Love Oil to visually extend the nail bed. Shop Now →
Piano Hands
Wide palm, long fingers.
Best shape: Coffin.
Why: Adds structure and balances width.
How: Taper the sides, flatten the tip.
Hot tip: Use Rest & Repair Serum to reinforce nails before filing. Get stronger nails →
Generous Hands
Long palm, long fingers.
Best shape: Square.
Why: Blunt styles look balanced and modern.
How: File straight across, round the corners slightly.
Pair with: Nail art — you’ve got the perfect canvas.
Wait, but what if you have short nails?
Totally fine.
Short nails can still look polished and put-together — just ask Harry Styles.
Try an oval or squoval shape to keep them clean and flattering.
If your nails are short because they’re damaged, start here: How to treat damaged nails →
Then rebuild with the Ultimate Nail Rescue Set.
Still not sure?
Take our quick quiz to find the perfect nail shape for your hands and lifestyle. Find my shape →
It only takes 1 minute.
Before you go...
Here’s a quick recap:
- Know your hand shape: palm + finger length
- Match it with a complementary nail shape
- Almond works for almost everyone
- Strengthen your nails before you shape them
Healthy nails = better shape, longer wear, fewer breakages
Start with Nail Rescue →
