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 most flattering nail shape
- Learn how to get the look at home
- Get expert tips for stronger, healthier nails
Let’s go.
1. 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 healthy, glossy finish.
Stronger nails mean you can actually keep the shape you file.
Shop Nail Rescue
2. 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:
Natural
Let your nails do their own thing. Perfect for a low-maintenance, effortless look.
Oval
Slimming and elegant. Soft, rounded edge that elongates fingers.
Best for: Short fingers or wide palms
Avoid if: Nails are extremely short
Square
Blunt and bold, with straight-filed edges and sides.
Best for: Long fingers and narrow nail beds
Avoid if: Fingers are wide — square edges can emphasise width
Almond
Universally flattering with tapered sides and a rounded tip.
Best for: Almost everyone
Avoid if: Nails are too short to shape
Square Round (Soft Square)
A softened square. Polished and practical — perfect for everyday wear.
Coffin (Ballerina)
Tapered sides, squared tip. Edgy yet feminine.
Best for: Long fingers and strong nails
Avoid if: Nails are short or brittle
Stiletto
Long and pointed — dramatic and fashion-forward.
Best for: Acrylics or strong natural nails
Avoid if: Typing is a daily sport
3. Know your hand shape
The shape of your palm and the length of your fingers determine what flatters best. Use this quick guide:
Hi-Five Hands
Shape: Long palm, short fingers
Best nail shape: Oval
Why: Elongates fingers and balances proportions
How: File sides straight, round off tip
Pro tip: Use Ultimate Nail Rescue to strengthen the free edge.
Grounded Hands
Shape: Wide palm, short fingers
Best nail shape: Almond or Oval
Why: Tapered shapes visually lengthen fingers
How: Gently taper sides and round the tip
Pro tip: Hydrate cuticles with Self Love Oil to extend the appearance of the nail bed.
Piano Hands
Shape: Wide palm, long fingers
Best nail shape: Coffin
Why: Adds structure and balance
How: Taper the sides, flatten the tip
Hot tip: Apply Rest & Repair Serum before filing to reinforce the nail plate.
Generous Hands
Shape: Long palm, long fingers
Best nail shape: Square
Why: Blunt edges look balanced and modern
How: File straight across and slightly round the corners
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 for a clean, flattering finish.
If your nails are short because they’re damaged, start here: How to treat damaged nails →
Then rebuild with Ultimate Nail Rescue.
Why strong natural nails are the foundation
Healthy nails start at home. Salons can create beautiful results, but regular exposure to harsh removers, drills, and UV lamps can weaken the nail structure and make it more vulnerable to infections or fungal conditions.
Ultimate Nail Rescue is designed to repair, hydrate, and strengthen without the damage.
- Build strength naturally: A serum-and-oil system that works overnight to restore flexibility and resilience.
- Protect your nail barrier: Regular hydration reduces peeling and brittleness.
- Avoid salon risk: Caring for your nails at home means no shared tools, no UV exposure, and no over-filing — just cleaner, healthier results.
- Save time and money: A few minutes each evening replaces hours in a salon chair, with results that last.
Pro tip: Massage the serum and oil into each nail to boost circulation — it helps deliver nutrients to the nail bed and promotes growth over time.
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 flatters almost everyone
- Strengthen nails before you shape them
- Healthy nails = better shape, longer wear, fewer breakages
