When it comes to getting a gorgeous new manicure right at home, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your look all your own. There are many different styles to pick from, but here at Nailboo, we’re all about the dip polish approach, because it’s long-lasting, affordable, easy to do yourself, and full of creative possibilities.
You can mix and match your favorite colors and designs, add decals and gems, and try out unique stamps. Another great way to give yourself a standout manicure is to experiment with nail shape.
You can craft your nail shape at home or find the right nail shape with the support of your nail technician at the salon, but achieving your favorite new nail shapes is easier than it might seem.
No matter what your next manicure might look like, Nailboo has you covered. Check out our nail kits and colors and explore our growing library of manicure ideas and resources to get started.
What Are Different Nail Shapes?
The shape of your nails is one of the most iconic features, and there’s something for everyone. If you tend to bite your nails or you’re looking for a low-maintenance style because you work with your hands throughout the day, then round or square nails can be a good option for you. They’re still easy to customize, but you won’t need to worry about protecting them from damage.
Oval and almond nails are a great option if you want to fall somewhere in the middle. They’re a little longer and can be used to make an elegant statement, but can be played down and made simple, as well.
If you’re looking for bold, glamorous looks, then longer and more shaped nail styles are the way to go. Ballerina nails and coffin nails are some of these more involved looks, but you also have the lipstick shape, stiletto, arrowhead, and more to pick from.
Ballerina Nail Ideas
As the name would indicate, ballerina nails are shaped similarly to the pointe of a ballet slipper. The angled sides are also reminiscent of the shape of a coffin, which is why the names may seem interchangeable, but there actually are some differences between the two. Here are some of our top looks for ballerina nail designs.
Points
The shape of the ballerina nail is already very bold and dramatic. Consider leaning into the angled, sweeping style with a triangle design that levels at the flat tip of the nail, then swoops down the length of the nail for a look-in-motion.
Matte Nails
Ballerina nails make a statement no matter what, and the beautiful and elegant matte nail polish design does the same. You can pick your favorite matte colors for the season or go with a tried and true neutral look that will allow you to showcase the beautiful shape of your nail all on its own.
Groovy Vibes
You can get groovy waves on any nail shape or style, but ballerina nails are the perfect canvas because they’re longer and offer more room to design on. Pick your favorite colors to create bold waves designs that would be at home in a hippie van from the 1970s. Consider adding a few floral decals to complete the look.
Sparkles
There are so many different ways to incorporate sparkles and glitter into your next manicure, and ballerina-shaped nails are no exception. Consider a subtle look, with an ombre fall of glitter from tip to base or up from the nail bed. Or try embracing a bold and color glitter look that doesn’t hold anything back, in shades of golds, whites, and pinks.
Gems and Decals
You can take your glitter look up a notch with gems and decals for your ballerina-shaped nail. Gems make a gorgeous addition to any accent nail, but consider trimming the base or tip of your nail in a cascade of jewels for an elegant look. You can also create shapes, lines, and designs in your gems, as well.
Botanicals
There are many beautiful botanical looks that you can add to your next manicure. Try out bold and bright flowers, embrace the classic illustrations from old scientists, or try out a more subtle and elegant look with a few small butterfly decals. There are many unique ways to add floral designs to your next manicure, and you’re sure to find a look that really fits your personal style.
Coffin Nail Designs
Coffin nail designs look very similar to ballet nails, but they’re actually more angled, similar in shape to a classic coffin design. The bold and geometric patterns make them appear modern and romantic and give you lots of great options for manicure ideas. Here are just a few.
Highlight the Tip
The most unique and inspired feature of a coffin nail is the geometric tip design. Bring attention to the tip with color edges in ombre, cascading polka dots, or leopard print in your favorite colors.
Geometric Nails
Coffin nails already utilize such great geometric lines and shapes, it’s easy to add a few more of your own. Follow a gorgeous abstract design with crisscrossing lines, or use line art decals of animals or plants for a truly modern look.
Clear Nails
Coffin nails are long and bold enough to really make a statement, which is why they’re such an excellent candidate for the clear nail look. Clear nails can stand on their own or be used as accent nails when paired with your favorite colors.
You can try out completely clear or adorn your clear coffin nail with pressed flower decals, gold flake, or whatever other designs and styles really stand out to you.
Marble Nails
You can’t go wrong when it comes to a gorgeous marble look. Marble nails are stylish and elegant on every shape and size nail, and it’s easy to achieve the look right at home with your favorite contrasting colors.
All you need is a cup of water. One of the reasons that coffin nails are such a great shape for the marble style, however, is that they’re long and large. That means you have plenty of room to show off your favorite marble designs. Why not add a little gold leaf while decorating?
Storytelling Nails
You can paint a picture or tell a story across your nail set or individual nails, especially when they’re as long and large as coffin nails tend to be. Beach scenes with palm trees and sunsets, references to your favorite books and movies, and even decals and illustrations of your favorite foods are all excellent additions to the manicure story you’re telling.
Constellation Nails
If you love capturing the stars, then a constellation nail style is perfect for you. Begin by painting your nails in shades of blue and navy, and then apply stars in white or gold with gem decals at hand for that little special touch. Don’t forget to match the constellations and star placements to the time of year. The night sky has never been so beautiful.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to get a gorgeous ballerina design for your next manicure or you just can’t get enough of the coffin look, Nailboo is here to help. We make it easy to find decorating and creative ideas for nail types, shapes, and sizes, so you can achieve your favorite looks for any season, event, or holiday throughout the year.
Ballerina and coffin nails are particularly fun to explore and design with because they offer plenty of space to decorate in different colors or with decals, gems, and stamps. You can try highlighting the tips and of the nails to show off their unique shape, add swirls, waves, or marble designs, or take advantage of the existing angles to try out modern geometric shapes that make the fingers look long and delicate.
Whatever you’re planning to try out for your next ballet or coffin manicure, Nailboo is here to support you every step of the way. We make it easy to test out the nail drip process with at-home dip kits, and we’re sharing our growing collection of nail design tutorials and ideas that you can try out or modify all on your own. Give the ballet or coffin-shaped nail a chance and share your best new nail designs.
Sources:
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Nail Shape | Harper’s Bazaar
Eight Ways to Wear Coffin-Shaped Nails | Glamour
The Ancient Art of Marble Painting Gets a 21st-Century Update | NY Times
