
Check them all out ASAP! You can even recreate these looks with normal nail-polish if that’s what you’re looking for. The best part about this line-up is that there’s versatility not just in design but in shape. Try opting for a gel-based overlay - they’re much more healthier than acrylic overlay nails. There are different types of overlay nails: you can choose between dip powder, gel overlays, and acrylic overlays based on your preference and availability. They aren’t as time-consuming as extensions either. It’s also perfect for those who struggle with growing their nails. For anyone with brittle nails that are prone to chipping and breakage, overlays offer a layer of protection that help your nails grow strong over time. They’re ideal for those who want to shape and strengthen their nails without lengthening them. They last you longer than nail-polish and extensions - while the former chips away, the latter is subject to more strain and stress thanks to how long they are. This manicure is an in-between in many ways. Your nail-polish cannot thicken or reinforce your nails to make them stronger, and your extensions just weigh your nails down because of the amount of product applied to them.

There’s a reason why many prefer overlays to polish and extensions. The point is to enhance the durability and strength of the nails without altering the tips. It’s a type of manicure that involves layering a nail-product - either acrylic, gel, or dip - onto the nails without extending their length. Here’s why overlay nails are all the rage RN, and why you’re going to love them. This is ideal for people like us - who don’t care for extremities. Enter overlay nails - a manicure that borrows from the glamour of a perfectly-done manicure while maintaining the length of your nails. Notice how we’re not too minimal or too dramatic? We fall somewhere in between. This often translates into our beauty aesthetic too. However, since almond nails are tapered and don’t have a sharp point, they’re more convenient than coffin and stiletto nails (more on those below).Most of us are always on the lookout for an in-between - for something that feels neutral and stable to us. “Too short and the shape looks off balance.” What’s more, she says that the presence of an apex (a soft curve seen from the side view of the nail) is key to achieving a true almond shape, and enhancements are required for such.Īs beautiful as almond nails are, they are longer, which means they’re more likely to interfere with everyday activities like typing, texting, pulling cards out of your wallet, etc.
SQUARE SHORT OVERLAY NAILS FREE
“The free edge should be close to or more than the same length as the nail bed (a 50/50 split),” she explains. As popular as almond nails are, Kandalec says they’re best reserved for those who get nail enhancements, as you have to have extremely long nail beds and long tips. Keep reading to learn disseynailsĪlmond nails are similar to oval nails, only instead of a rounded tip, they feature a soft point, and instead of straight sidewalls, they feature tapered edges. We chatted with celebrity manicurists Julie Kandalec and Tom Bachik to get the low-down on the most popular nail shapes, including who they’re best for and how they’re best filed into place.

Not sure which nail shape is best for you and your lifestyle? We’re here to help. As such, narrowing down your nail shape of choice is the first step to achieving an Insta-worthy mani in real life. After all, not all nail shapes suit all nail beds, nor do they necessarily align with every nail art trend, let alone personal preference.

So instead of sulking over not being able to participate in the mani moment, turn your attention to nail shapes. Of course, if you have trouble growing out your nails (hey, hi, same), you may feel like you can’t get in on the fun.īut, thanks to nail strengthening treatments, press-on nails, and enhancements, where there’s a will, there’s a way. In a world where nail art is a prime way to showcase your personality and style, it’s hard not to. If you’re like me, you might scroll through Instagram, swooning over the many, many nail shapes and lengths that fill your feed.
