Have you ever wondered about the shape and contours of your natural nail bed? Are you curious if press-on nails could work for you? Let's chat about different nail bed types and shapes so you can learn more about your nails.
Choosing the right press-on nail shape is all about finding a style that enhances and complements your natural nail bed and shape, rather than trying to go against what you already have. To see if press-on nails will work for you will heavily depend on your natural nail bed and nail shape.
Keep in mind that everyone's nails are different, and this article is just a guide to the most common types of nail bed shapes. You might find that you fit into more than one category.
Types of nail beds
This refers to the shape of the nail bed, or the area where the nail grows from. This is something that is natural and unique to each person and not normally something that can be changed.
Flat
Arguably the most common, a flat nail bed is a smooth canvas with minimal curves, which makes it the most versatile base for all kinds of press on nail shapes.
Irregular
An irregular nail bed is when the surface of the nail bed is not smooth or even. This can make it challenging for press-on nails to stick to and bond properly. To help minimise press-ons popping off prematurely, opt for a nail glue with a thicker consistency.
Long
Long nail beds have a larger canvas for the press-ons to stick to (this is the length from the cuticle to the tip). This means that the length of the press-ons can look different. For example, medium-length press on might seem shorter on longer nail beds. On the flip side, short or extra short press-on nails might not cover the whole nail – it could also require you to trim the natural nail to make them fit.
Short or roofed
Short nail beds have less visible space from the cuticle to the tip, providing a smaller canvas for press-on nails to adhere to. Nail beds on the shorter side will make medium-length press-ons to appear longer than it would on those with longer nail beds. Even the shortest press-on nails can give the illusion of being quite long.
Concave
A concave nail bed has a gentle inward curve, creating a subtle dip in the nails. Because of this curve, press-on nails may not stick well as this shape is prone to gaps. To tackle this, it's best to use nail shapes that match the natural curve of the sides of your nails.
Convex
Convex nail beds have a gentle upward curve. Instead of being flat, they have a slight rounded shape like a subtle hill on the nail. Basically, it's the opposite of concave. Depending on how pronounced the curve is, some individuals may benefit from using sculpted press-ons (these have a much higher apex) instead of natural-shaped ones for a better fit.
Tubular or arched
The curved shape of this nail bed can make it difficult for press-on nails to stick properly. The steep curve may cause the edges of the press-on nail to not fully adhere along the sides of the natural nail. Press-on nails with a more structured curve, like stiletto shape, might stick better than those with a more natural c-curve. This shape can be tricky, so we suggest using a shape kit to find the best fit for your nails.
Clubbed
A clubbed nail bed is when the nails curve around the fingertips, giving them a rounded or club-like shape. Similarly tricky like the arched nail bed, press-on nails with a natural curve, such as almond or round shapes, might be the most suitable. Again, this shape can be tricky, so we suggest using a shape kit to find the best fit for your nails.
Types of nail shapes
Nail shape refers to the actual shape of the nail tip, this part can be can be changed by filing the tip, using press-on nails or shaped by a professional nail technician.
Wide
Wide or broad nail beds mean that the width of the nail, when you measure from one sidewall to the other, is wider. Shapes like square, squoval and maybe coffin can complement and balance the width as they work well to enhance the natural proportions of the nail.
Narrow
Narrow nail beds have a slimmer or more compact appearance in terms of width. Square and coffin shapes can look great, as well as oval or round if you want to elongate your fingers even more.
Round
The tip of the natural nail is rounded rather than squared off. This nail shape usually has a gentle curve along the edges, creating a softer appearance resembling the arc of the moon. Be cautious when opting for square or coffin shapes as you might need to file and shape the cuticle of the press-on nail for a more comfortable fit.
Oval
Oval nail beds have a softly curved and rounded nail tip, kind of like how an egg looks. Since the nails already have a gentle curve and rounded appearance, shapes like oval, almond, or squoval shapes would compliment it well.
Square
A square nail shape has a flat and straight tip, with the sides running straight down, resembling a square. Shapes like square, rounded square (also called squoval), or oval will look great with this nail shape. It's best to avoid pointy or stiletto-shaped press-on nails because they narrow down at the tip, which might require trimming your natural square-shaped nails to make them fit.
Triangle
A triangle nail shape features a pointed tip, resembling the shape of a triangle. Almond and oval shapes can work well by providing a softer, rounded appearance that complements the pointed tip of the natural nail. For a dramatic look, lean into the stiletto as this follows the natural shape on the nail.
Inverted triangle
This nail shape has a wider tip than the base. Classic shapes like almond or oval can soften the widest part of the nail and create balance. Be careful with square or coffin press-on nails as they highlight the widest part of your natural nails. You might need to adjust the shape of the press-on nails to match the curve of your cuticles for a more comfortable and natural fit. Opting for more tapered shapes might require filing the corners of the natural nails slightly to ensure the press-on nails sit smoothly on the nail bed.
Almond
An almond-shaped nail is slender and tapered with a pointed tip, resembling an almond or oval. Press-ons in almond, round or even square can help visually elongate the fingers and create a more balanced appearance.
Sword
A sword-shaped nail has a sharp, pointed tip resembling a sword blade. The sides of the nail are usually straight and converge sharply towards the tip. Round or almond-shaped press-ons would compliment this nail shape.
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