Ever found yourself pondering the contours of your natural nail bed and quietly wondering if press on nails might suit your vibe? Let's talk about the different nail bed types and shapes, so you can really understand your nails.
Remember, it's all about finding a nail shape that complements your natural nail bed rather than conflicts with its natural form.
Different types of nail beds
Flat nail
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.
Long nail
Having long nail beds means more of your nail is visible, from the cuticle to the tip. Remember, the length of the press on nails you pick can look different. For example, a medium almond press on might seem shorter. As for extra short press-on nails, they might not cover your whole nail and could require you to trim your natural nail to make them fit.
Short nail
Short nail beds have less visible space from the cuticle to the tip, providing a smaller canvas for press-on nails to adhere to. If your nail beds are on the shorter side, remember that a medium-length almond shape might appear longer on you than it would on someone with longer nail beds. On the flip side, even the shortest press on nails can give the illusion of being quite long.
Concave nail
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, leading to gaps. To tackle this, it's best to use nail shapes that match the natural curve of the sides of your nails.
Convex nail
Convex nail beds have a gentle upward curve. Instead of being flat, they have a slight rounded shape. It's the opposite of concave – think of it as a subtle hill on the nail. Depending on how pronounced the curve is, some individuals may benefit from using sculpted press on nails more than natural-shaped ones for a better fit.
Arched nail
This nail bed has a pronounced curve, and can make it challenging for a press on nail to adhere fully. The steep curvature might cause the edges of the press-on nail not to stick well along the sides of the natural nail.
Clubbed nail
A clubbed nail bed is when the nails curve around the fingertips, giving them a rounded or club-like shape. Press on nails with a natural curve, such as almond, round or stiletto shapes, may be the most suitable.
Natural nail shapes
Broad sideways
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 across the nail bed 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.
Egg
Think of an egg-shaped nail bed like 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 rounded square shapes would compliment it well.
Square
A square nail shape is like having a flat and straight-across tip. The sides run straight down, making it look just like a square. Shapes like square, rounded square (also known as squoval), or even oval shapes will look great. Try to avoid pointy or stiletto-shaped press on nails because they narrow down at the tip. Using them 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
An inverted triangle-shaped natural nail bed is where the base is wider and the top is narrower. A classic almond or oval shape can work well, softening the appearance of the wider base and creating a more balanced look. Avoid extremely wide or square-shaped press on nails, as they might accentuate the wider base of your natural nails.
Almond
An almond-shaped nail is slender and tapered with a pointed tip, resembling an almond or oval.
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.