Round Nail Shape: How To Get The Look + Nail Care Basics

While some nail shapes seem to have a moment in the spotlight every few years, there are a few common shapes that are timeless, versatile, and for the most part, at-home friendly. Of course, each shape has pros and cons, but a rounded tip is an easy classic. 

There are seven common nail shapes to choose from, all with a slightly different visual effect. Want to make your fingers look slimmer? There's a nail shape for that. Are your nails on the thinner side? There's an optimal shape for that as well.

First, we have square nails, which are fairly self-explanatory: The tips are squared off on the edges to give a clean, sleek look. If you like the square shape but prefer something a bit more subtle, squoval may be a better option. 

Then, there's almond and stiletto. Almond-shaped nails are the softer of the two and much easier to achieve on a natural nail. Almond nails have a rounded tip but flare out toward the bottom giving the illusion of a point, without any harsh tip. 

Stiletto nails, on the other hand, do come to a point. This shape can technically be achieved on a natural nail, but that nail would have to be pretty long and strong to hold up. 

Coffin nails are another, edgier option. This shape consists of round sides with square edges and a flat top. It's essentially a happy medium between almond and square nails. 

"The round nail shape is rounded along the entire tip, and it works well on all nail lengths," said Amy Lin, founder of sundays—a nail care brand focused on wellness. This is what makes the round shape so great. Whether you've been growing your nails out for a while or keep them on the shorter side, a round tip is an easy go-to. 

For at-home manicures, prep work is essential. You'll want to clean your nails of any residual polish or excess dirt. That's right—cleaning your nails is best practice to prep for your new manicure, whether they were painted previously or not. 

Now it's time to grab your nail file. Here's what Lin recommends: "You can start at the sides of your nail and file toward the center, switching back and forth between sides and moving in the same direction." Continuously going back and forth between both sides will ensure your shape is even. 

When you step into a nail salon, you'll likely find a sanitizing station. This is where nail experts clean all of their tools to avoid spreading infection. Even though you may not be sharing your tools with others, it's still best practice to cleanse your clippers, cuticle scissors, and any other tools in your at-home manicure kit that touch the skin. 

If you do tend to get tears and cuts around the cuticles, you should invest in cuticle oil. If you already use a cuticle product and haven't seen the desired result, you may not be applying enough. 

"Vitamins are essential," Lin said. "Biotin is important for protein metabolism and cell renewal, which is key to strong nails, as well as healing brittle nails."

Lin also noted the importance of omega-3 fatty acids when looking at nail health from the inside out.* While omega-3 fatty acids have not been proven to enhance nail strength or growth, supplementation has been shown to support a healthy skin barrier1, which may keep the skin on your hands and around your nails looking hydrated.* (You can read more about how omega-3s support skin health here.*)

If your day-to-day activities involve some hands-on work, rounded nails may be the most practical option. You can achieve this shape at any nail length as long as you have a file and a bit of patience, as an even finish can take time to achieve.