Nail design and nail shape are a very important touch in creating a harmonious image of a modern woman. Graceful, well-groomed hands, long elegant fingers with a chic manicure have become a necessary condition for looking fashionable and stylish. A manicure on extended nails using acrylic or gel allows you to realize the most daring and original ideas. Each season offers many different options for combining colors and shapes, and keeping track of new trends is very difficult. But if you want to look stylish this season, find out which nail shape is trending now and which nail design will suit you.
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Nail designs and shapes: what's trendy
This season, more and more women are choosing light, unobtrusive nail designs with delicate nude shades. A bright, rich manicure gives way to classic French and calm, discreet colors. In addition, artificial extended nails are also gradually losing their relevance.
Long elegant fingers, delicate, natural nail design speak about the style and sense of taste of its owner. But what can you do, naturalness and naturalness are back in fashion! Now guess what nail shapes are currently at the peak of popularity?
The most relevant today is a beautiful original manicure for short nails! Next, we will tell you which nail shape for manicure is right for you, and which nail design will make your fingers and hands a source of pride and admiration.
Nail shape 2021: Fashion trends and ideas
The choice of nail shape depends to a lesser extent on the preferences of the girl herself. Often, to achieve an ideal result, it is necessary to take into account the length and width of the fingers.
Square shape
An excellent choice for fragile girls with narrow hands and long thin fingers. Owners of such hands naturally have slightly rounded nails; all they have to do is correct them a little. In this case, the length of the nail does not matter. The square shape looks beautiful with both short and long nails.
Oval shape
Universal shape that fits any fingers and hands. Oval nails visually lengthen the nails, so this is the best option for those with short and full fingers.
Pointed shape
The almond shape is suitable only for those with long and middle fingers. However, they must be thin. On chubby fingers, pointed nails will look disproportionate.
Nail art with ethnic or floral designs and classic French look great on this shape.
Almond shaped nails
This slightly forgotten nail shape is becoming popular again. The name comes from the fact that the nails resemble almonds. This “walnut” manicure can only be done on fairly long nails. It will visually make your fingers more graceful and add elegance and sophistication to your look.
But it should be noted that the nail design for this shape should take into account an organic combination of colors. In addition, it should fit harmoniously into your image and not be bright or provocative. Therefore, if you are a lover of everything bright and eye-catching, the almond shape is unlikely to suit you.
Oval nails
It is this shape of nails that looks the most natural, which accordingly makes it one of the main fashion trends of 2018. Oval nails make fingers feminine, give grace and well-groomed appearance. That is why such nails are very popular among modern girls.
In addition, it is considered universal, and nail design becomes only a matter of taste and personal preference - from a delicate nude shade to bright, bold color combinations. This shape looks great on short and medium length nails.
Manicure with stickers 2021 for short nails photo
If you are sure that the new desired design will not work out, but you really want to have nails that would amaze you with their unusualness, you can resort to one tricky trick: make a bright design for short nails 2021 with stickers. Manufacturers take into account fashion trends when making prints, so with carefully applied stickers, nails will look very stylish. There are water-based nail stickers and transfer stickers. Water stickers need to be placed in water for 20-30 minutes, then carefully cut out the desired pattern and apply it with tweezers to the nail, previously coated with a base. The top layer should be a fixative. The advantage of such stickers is that they look natural, as if the pattern was very carefully drawn with a brush. Transfer stickers for nails are applied in the same way, but without pre-soaking. Such blanks can be initially cut to the shape of the nails or contain separate small elements that can be selected as desired. Using stickers, you can easily create a truly unusual, extravagant, themed or simply sophisticated new manicure with a very complex small floral pattern or a multi-component composition.
Square nails
Even though this nail shape is considered outdated, it remains one of the fashion trends of 2021. This shape is perfect for short nails. However, it should be taken into account that it visually makes the fingers thicker, so it will look more harmonious on long, thin fingers.
The square shape of nails opens up opportunities for creativity, expressing the most daring ideas, and combining different colors and shades. Nail designs can be very different, depending on your image or preferences, using additional materials for decoration.
It should be noted that square nails can have sharp or slightly rounded corners, as well as be in the shape of a “soft square”. Only then will square nails look perfect.
Ballerina nail shape
Ballerina-shaped nails have come back to us from the distant 1990s. But thanks to American celebrities, they occupy far from the last place in the top of the most popular manicure ideas in 2021.
The shape of the nails resembles a ballerina's pointe shoes - hence the name. It is a combination of a square shape and a cone. The square gradually tapers along the edge of the nail plate, resembling a cone, the top of which ends in an even perpendicular line with clear corners, like a square. Such nails are distinguished not only by their originality, but also by reducing the risk of accidentally damaging the nail plate.
“Ballerina” looks beautiful on medium-length nails. It will add femininity and make your fingers more graceful, as it suits absolutely everyone. Nail designs can vary depending on desires and imagination. This is just a godsend for creativity! After all, any manicure with this nail shape will look chic and original.
"Pointe shoes"
Last year’s novelty was an unusual nail shape called “pointe shoes.” She was immediately appreciated by fashionistas who are not afraid to be in the spotlight. After all, such a manicure looks quite bold, daring and shocking. In 2021, it has only strengthened its position, so be sure to try this option for yourself.
Externally, this form is very similar to ballet pointe shoes. This served as the basis for the name. The peculiarity of pointe-shaped nails is that the nails are slightly tapered towards the center, as well as a straight line at the tip. However, now a variation with soft corners is acceptable. As for the length of the nails, they should be medium or long. But it is very important to keep the line so that your nails look stylish and not vulgar.
Manicure designs for the pointe shoe shape can be very diverse. It all depends on your preferences. But we still recommend not to use too much additional decor. This can make your nails look overloaded and tasteless. In this case, the main thing is to make it harmonious. The best option would be to use medium-sized rhinestones, as well as sparkles or kamifubuki. Each of them looks beautiful in its own way.
Nail experts recommend paying attention to a single-color finish with an accent. A manicure in pastel colors or with an ombre effect would also be appropriate.
Soft square nail shape
The soft square shape is another fashion trend for 2018. The sharp corners of the square are rounded, which resembles an oval in shape.
Nail designs for a “soft square” can also be very different, depending on the image or individual character traits that you want to emphasize. A single-color glossy or matte manicure, a fashionable design using sparkles, foil, patterns and designs look equally harmonious on nails of this shape. The “soft square” shape is also ideal for a classic French jacket.
Despite the fact that this nail shape suits almost everyone, there are still exceptions. It will make long, elegant fingers more graceful. And for those who have short fingers and wide palms, it is better not to experiment with a square shape.
The “soft square” shape embodies this season’s fashionable combination of softness and femininity with such qualities of a strong personality as determination, firmness, perseverance and confidence. These nails are ideal for the modern business woman who is strong, independent and at the same time attractive.
With a manicure on nails in the shape of a “soft square” you can create the most feminine image or emphasize a strong and decisive character. For example, a nail design using calm pastel shades will give the image tenderness and softness, while rich dark tones with a glossy texture will emphasize the strength of your character.
Other fashionable shapes
- "Oval" . This design is considered universal, works well on nails of any configuration and does not conflict with either long or short fingers. A distinctive feature is that the free edge completely duplicates the shape of the bed and the line of the base of the nail.
- "Circle" . A choice exclusively for those with short natural nails. It looks ridiculous on long and/or extended plates. In execution, the round shape is simple - it follows the curve of the edge of the finger, requiring regular adjustments as the nail plate grows.
- Almond shape. The main “identification mark” is the absence of sharp corners. Looks good on thin fingers with narrow, neat nails. The tip of the plate is always longer than the bed, otherwise the “almond” will spread to the sides, change its original shape, and look unaesthetic.
- "Square oval" . Something between “oval” and “square”. The base is a square shape + an arched tip with sharp corners. It is also suitable for girls whose hands can hardly be called graceful and sophisticated - it visually “stretches out” their fingers.
- "Triangle" or "cat's claws" . This shape is compatible with small elongated plates. On large nails it looks strange and even scary. Visually, the “triangle” at first resembles an “almond”, but is distinguished by the presence of an acute angle at the end. “Cat's claws” often break off, are uncomfortable to wear, and are incompatible with weakened, brittle, peeling plates.
- Beveled shape . Variation on the "square" theme. The basis is straight side lines + a tip with a straight oblique cut. As a result, the nail forms two angles - acute and obtuse. Long but narrow nail plates are made beveled. The optimal length is medium; an important condition is strong, healthy nails that do not bend as they grow.
Important: in honorable first place in the ranking of the popularity of nail shapes this season are “pointe shoes” (“coffin”, “ballerina”). It is universal and can be performed on any plates, regardless of the anatomical features of the hands and fingers. Nuances: for wide plates, the free edge should be given a medium length; in other cases, they opt for a short version of the manicure.
- Pointe shoes combine triangular and square shapes. At the base there is a triangle (the edges of the plates tend to the center), and the tip is cut perpendicularly (forms a trapezoid) and has sharp corners. The disadvantage of the “ballerina” is its fragility and susceptibility to breakage if handled carelessly. On thin overgrown plates, such a manicure does not wear well and looks sloppy.
Please note: extended nails are also made square, triangular, or beveled. Fashionable “pointe shoes” also fit well into an artificial manicure.
Criteria for choosing a nail shape
Few women are the happy owners of healthy and strong nail plates. Even on one hand, nails, as a rule, vary in a number of ways:
- bed size;
- bending;
- form;
- direction of growth.
If on short nails such differences are practically invisible, then as the plate becomes longer, the problem “makes itself known” more and more.
- The first rule for owners of natural nails is to leave the free edge short, giving it a maximum of medium length. Those ladies whose nail plates are not “resistant” should opt exclusively for a short manicure. The fact is that as they grow, weak nails gradually begin to curl up and become deformed - and, accordingly, look sloppy and untidy.
- The following rule is for those who prefer a natural manicure: when choosing a nail shape, all the nuances of the anatomy of the hands are taken into account. Only a thin, long brush with oval-shaped nail plates is considered universal by nail artists. In this case, you can experiment - any manicure design will be appropriate.
Help: to accurately determine the configuration of your nails, you can conduct a small experiment - cut out various “models” from paper and attach them to your nail plates. Those that will visually stretch your hands will be the ideal option for your manicure.
- Another requirement for natural nails is the same length. Even if one plate is “damaged”, all the others should be “adjusted” to it. It would be better if all the nails were short, but well-groomed, than “mixed-colored” - this looks extremely unaesthetic.
Some more useful tips:
- for long nails, choose nude shades of coating - dark or overly bright varnishes look too vulgar, “bulging” and inappropriate;
- take into account your type of activity when choosing the shape of your nails - an elongated manicure is not always comfortable to wear;
- Gel, acrylic and natural nails are designed differently. Natural plates, as a rule, are given an oval or round shape, and you can experiment with extended ones - make them sharp, square, etc.
It is noteworthy that the design of the nail plates should also be consistent with the configuration of the cuticle. It happens:
- square;
- triangular;
- oval.
The shape of the nails should ideally match the outline of the cuticle. Much depends when choosing a manicure design and on the structure of your hands.
A few rules:
- wide and large palms “love” short or medium round nails (in general, this shape is considered universal);
- The same rounded or oval edge will help to visually lengthen thick fingers, but in this case it is better to abandon the “square”;
- thin long fingers are favorites of the “square” shape;
- short fingers are decorated with an elegant and feminine oval manicure;
- thin brushes and long fingers go well with pointed nails shaped like a triangle;
- small, neat hands are a good help for a universal oval manicure.
Decor and shape of nails
The choice of plate design is also influenced by the future decorative manicure. So, lovers of the classic “French” look should forget about the “triangle” - the contrasting white tip in this case looks ridiculous and inappropriate. The almond shape does not tolerate overly “convex” geometric designs. Rhinestones look bad on square nail plates, but French nails work well.
Thus, the overall aesthetics of the manicure depends on the shape of the nails. The choice of nail plate configuration is dictated by the shape and size of the fingers, hands, and subsequent decor. Natural and artificial nails are designed differently, taking into account the type of activity of their owner. The universal shape is considered to be “oval”, but round, almond-shaped, square, and triangular nails are also in fashion. Nail experts advise experimenting with the configuration of the nail plates several times and choosing the ideal shape for them.
Mountain peak nail shape
If you want something unusual and original, then nails in the shape of mountain peaks are just for you! This shape is similar to the almond shape, but with a more pointed apex. Only artificial nail extensions are suitable for this shape, since the natural nail plate is not strong enough for long beveled edges.
Trapezoidal nail shape
It is quite difficult to give the nail plate a trapezoidal shape due to the fact that the free edge of the nail is wider than the base, and thus the nail takes on the shape of a trapezoid. But despite the fact that this manicure has a slightly artificial look, the shape remains popular among fashionistas this season. Nail design for a trapezoidal shape can also become the embodiment of your wildest ideas and imagination.
Square gel French manicure 2021 photo
Manicure, unlike makeup and hairstyle, pleases not in the mirror, but constantly appears in our field of vision. It creates a mood and adds self-confidence. A manicure with a crescent-shaped line has long established itself as the standard of nail art. What if you turn a familiar French jacket into an interesting and unusual one by adding bright colors, foil and rhinestones?
A truly beautiful classic French manicure should be natural. The French coat will look really neat if it is made in a ratio of 1 to 4. That is, the smile line should occupy a quarter of the nail plate and cover only the free edge of the nail. The classic design does not imply a too intense smile line.
Edge nail shape
This nail shape was popular back in 2007, but even now many fashionistas prefer this extravagant manicure. To create an Edge style manicure, the nails should have a rectangular appearance, and then the free edge of the nail plate is filed into a V-shape.
This shape can only be given to sufficiently long nails, which will also lengthen the fingers and make the hands more graceful. The ideal nail design for this shape is a combination of delicate shades or unusual experiments with color and decoration.
Fashionable manicure 2021: design
Minimalism
Stripes, dots, simple geometry applied to a nude base are one of the most important manicure trends of 2021. This also includes laconic graphic designs in the form of contours. It seems that nail artists are tired of excessive decor and decided to rely on minimalism.
fashionable manicure in minimalist style 2018
Ombre (gradient)
Ombre, or gradient, is a smooth transition from one shade to another. In manicure, this trend in recent years has not slowed down.
fashionable ombre manicure 2018
Matte
Matte manicure appeared on the fashion scene a couple of seasons ago and became a worthy alternative to the classic gloss. In 2021, not just a matte finish is at the peak of popularity, but in combination with patterns or decor in the form of rhinestones and stones.
fashionable matte manicure 2018
New French
Classic French manicure 2021 remains among the most fashionable, but now it looks less boring and monotonous, and is also combined with other manicure techniques.
fashionable french manicure 2018
Lunar manicure
Lunar manicure has also long since become a classic. But, if earlier, the shape of the hole was a semicircular crescent, now the most varied shapes of the hole are in fashion - triangular, concave, asymmetrical, etc. In addition, the holes can be distinguished not only by a different color of varnish, but also by decor in the form of drawings, sparkles and rhinestones, for example.
fashionable lunar manicure 2018
Stones
Last year we saw marble nail art everywhere. This year, not only marble, but also other natural materials are popular. The imitation of stone cuts looks very impressive.
fashionable manicure with imitation stones 2018
Nude
Nude shades of nail polish that are close to skin tone will be especially popular in 2021 due to their versatility and practicality. You can complement nude with different coatings, patterns and decor.
fashionable nude manicure 2018
Rubbing
Rubbing on the nails makes the nails mirror glossy. This effect is achieved through a special powder that is rubbed on top of the varnish.
fashionable manicure with rubbing 2018
Negative space
The trend for manicures with negative space migrated to 2018 from last year. Negative space is when there are areas on the nail plate that are unpainted or covered with clear varnish.
fashionable manicure with negative space 2018
Broken glass
The “broken glass” manicure consists of pieces of foil glued on top of the nail plate and secured with a top coat. This is a great option for those who like to stand out and be the center of attention.
fashionable manicure broken glass 2018
Kamifubuki
The Japanese word kamifubuki hides a confetti manicure. This type of nail decoration is simple to implement and at the same time looks bright and impressive.
fashionable manicure with kamifubuki 2018
Foil or yuca flakes
Yuca flakes are a metallic pigment compressed into pieces that resemble colorful multi-colored flakes. They are somewhat similar to rubbing, but they are larger and change their shade, like chameleons, depending on the lighting.
fashionable manicure with yuki flakes 2018
Double-sided manicure
The fame of Louboutins, in which the color of the sole differs from the color of the shoes, also haunts nail artists. In a double-sided manicure, the top of the nail plate is painted with one color, and the inside up to the fingertip is painted with another.
fashionable double-sided manicure 2018
Wire
Manicure with wire came to us from Korea. This manicure looks original and allows you to visually lengthen your nails, create three-dimensional images on them, and emphasize the cuticle. Using wire in manicure, you can completely avoid jewelry in the form of rings.
fashionable manicure with wire 2018
Natural flowers
Another hot trend of 2021 is to use fresh flowers in manicure. To create this manicure, miniature dried flowers and leaves are placed on the nail plate and secured on top with clear varnish.
fashionable manicure with fresh flowers 2018
Logomania
Logos and inscriptions have settled in 2021 not only on clothes and accessories, but also on nails. Logomania has taken over the world, and now manicure has become another option to demonstrate that you are on trend.
fashionable manicure with logos and inscriptions 2018
Circuit
Outlining along the contour of the nail plate is another modern option that allows you to diversify your manicure.
fashionable manicure with contouring 2018
Focus on the cuticle
Emphasizing the cuticle is not only possible, but also necessary. The moon manicure was replaced by a manicure with an emphasis on the cuticle. This is done using contrasting colors, patterns, sparkles and rhinestones. A new trick is to paint over the cuticle not only at the nail plate, but also beyond it, on the skin of the finger.
fashionable manicure with an emphasis on the cuticle 2018
Round nail shape
Round nail shape is a great idea for a manicure for short nails. A discreet, neat manicure can also be diluted with an unusual combination of colors and shades.
But don't overdo it - your nail design should match your look. Provocative color combinations and bulky decorations can look awkward on round nails.
Stiletto nail shape
This shape is another popular trend in 2021. It is only suitable for long and strong nails, so it cannot be created on natural nails. The “stiletto” shape visually lengthens the fingers and nail plate. This manicure will not go unnoticed and will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
“Stiletto” opens up opportunities for creativity for the master, allows you to show creativity and create an unusual nail design. You can use additional materials, decorations, do a 3D manicure, and even a French manicure on such nails will look unusual. These nails are more suitable for the image of a stylish and luxurious woman.
Manicure with rhinestones 2021 for short nails photo
This universal decoration will be appropriate in any design of short nails 2021. They accentuate the design and create an independent pattern. A great idea would be to create bows on the nails from broths, intricate and simple lines across and along the nail plate, decorate with tweed patterns with broths, completely cover the nails with this decor, and a multi-colored scattering is also welcome. Incredibly fashionable microbeads that allow you to create a marvelous design, which is often called “caviar”. A win-win option is its combination with miniature special rings that are worn on the nail plates.
Fashionable nails: design and colors 2018
Fashionable nail design 2021 photo
French manicure 2021 fashion trends photo
Nails for the New Year 2018
Fashionable manicure 2021 photo
Beveled nail shape (lipstick style)
Today, not only clear square shapes are in fashion. More and more fashionistas prefer beveled nails in the “lipstick” or “lipstick” style. And not only because beveled nails create an unusual and original manicure. Such nails have a number of advantages.
It will highlight the beauty of your hands and hide imperfections. Long fingers will appear more graceful, while short fingers will appear longer. It will add tenderness and elegance to a wide palm. Medium length nails are ideal for this shape.
It should be noted that there are no specific rules for creating a bevel. The most popular manicure option is with a bevel in the direction from the little finger to the thumb. In this case, the bevels on all nails should be even and identical. Another option is to make a bevel towards the middle of the palm, with the bevels on the middle and ring fingers facing each other.
Nail designs for this shape are created depending on preferences and can be the embodiment of originality and creativity. Experiments are welcome!
Manicure for short nails
As mentioned earlier, today the most popular manicure is for short nails, emphasizing naturalness and style. The free edges of the nail plate are usually 3 mm long, but can be longer. This is not only fashionable, but also very convenient, especially when using a smartphone or laptop. Short nails not only look stylish, but also do not cause unnecessary inconvenience, which is also very important for a business woman.
In addition, nail design also allows you to combine different color options: be bright and original, or discreet and natural. And don’t be afraid that your fingers will seem short - the length of the free edge of the nail plate of 5 mm already visually makes your fingers longer.
Thus, if you have always preferred a practical and neat manicure for short nails, then this season you have hit the nail on the head. Naturalness and well-groomedness are the main way to look stylish and fashionable in 2021.
Fashionable manicure trends 2021 for short nails photo
Gone are the nails that sometimes interfered with even the simplest everyday activities. But just recently, fashionistas had to endure the inconvenience of working at a computer, dialing phone numbers, and even doing laundry and washing dishes with a fashionable manicure became an extremely difficult task. Today things are different. Fashion shows say that the most relevant length is one at which the free edge will not protrude by more than 3 mm, and even better if it is completely absent. This rule applies to both natural and extended nails. As for the shape of nails in 2021, round, almond, oval-like, square but with more rounded corners will be in fashion.
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Fashionable manicure for extended nails
For nail extensions, materials such as acrylic and gel are mainly used. With their help, nails take on a natural look, and a strong nail plate allows you to give it the most unusual shape. Long nails also lengthen your fingers, giving your hands a graceful and well-groomed look.
Extended nails are the most popular among those who tirelessly follow fashion. This season, the pursuit of naturalness has determined the most popular shape of nails extended using acrylic or gel, namely rectangular nails.
And we note that it is recommended to select nail design in accordance with your image and preferences. Don't experiment too much with colors. Remember, a neat and discreet manicure is more in line with 2021 fashion trends than a bright and provocative one.
