If you’re on the path to longer tips, you may want to consider opting for an oval nail. This is a classic shape that’s safe for fragile nails, easy to achieve, and arguably one of the better canvas shapes for nail art. Within this list, there are a few categories that distinguish which shapes are best for which kind of nail length and look. First, we have classic shapes like square and round. Classic shapes are a universal fit regardless of nail length. These two are perfect for someone looking to start growing out their tips, even if they’re just past the nail bed. Next, we have slightly more complex shapes like squoval (square with round edges), almond, and the shape we’re breaking down today, oval. These take a bit more filing work but can be achieved fairly easily on medium-length nails. Finally, we have standout shapes like stiletto and coffin. These shapes require more length and attention to detail but offer a unique and memorable aesthetic look. If you want a rounded tip but don’t have the length to support an oval shape, consider starting with a round nail first and growing your way into an oval. There are plenty of perks to opting for oval tips. For one, like rounded nails, this shape helps protect from breakage. Harsh corners and sharp edges can get caught on clothing and break easily if you’re using your hands often. Rounded, soft edges, however, tend to run into fewer casualties. For nail art lovers, oval could be your next favorite. “Oval won’t cut off the shape and can display your art better,” celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein tells mbg. So if you’re looking to nail down a colorful French tip or try your hand at more intricate designs, oval is a perfect fit. Just take some nail polish remover on a cotton ball or cotton pad and rub over each nail. Be mindful of any cuts you may have around your cuticles, as the remover will make those tiny wounds sting. However, any cracked or peeling nail tips should be trimmed off. If you want the nails to be even in length, trimming may be essential as well. Plus, going in with nail clippers before filing makes it that much easier down the line. This doesn’t mean hasty or aggressive filing, though. “Make sure that you’re filing toward one direction, instead of using the back-and-forth motion,” Ling says. This will help preserve the strength of your nail. If your nails are fragile, Gerstein explains, you may want to consider filing from underneath the nail, rather than on the edges, to achieve this shape. This will help preserve the strength and avoid unnecessary breakage. When your cuticles begin to feel dry and peely, thus creating the urge to pick, layer on your favorite oil to nourish the dry area. Keeping this up and adding a hand cream to your daily routine will help prevent future drying as well. The same goes for biotin, a form of vitamin B that is often used in hair growth supplements.* Biotin has been shown to support the thickness and firmness of nails2.*
