Next time you head for a manicure, consider trying almond nails. While there’s a lot of pressure placed on choosing a nail polish color, selecting a nail shape is just as, if not more, important when it comes to setting the vibe of your mani. Round is classic, square is statement-making, and stiletto is daring. Almond-shaped nails, with the oval silhouette of their namesake, have the best of all three. They’re stylish and modern, and have a touch of edge thanks to their slightly pointed tip.
“Almond shapes are very flattering and chic, and work best with longer nails,” says nail artist and Sally Hansen ambassador Hannah Lee. If your nails are naturally short, achieving almond perfection might require the help of acrylic nails or extensions, but there are plenty of short almond nail options to choose from. On the flip side, if you are genetically blessed with strong and fast-growing natural nails (or have tried the best nail strengtheners), you’ll definitely want to reinforce them with a gel manicure. Or if longterm commitment isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of DIY almond press-on nails to choose from, which makes nail designs like chrome nails, french nails, and aura nails a breeze.
Ahead, 31 almond nail designs to try ASAP. Get ready to screenshot.
