Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s true — some nail shapes are more likely to break than others. If you swear by filing them square and straight yet find them breaking easily thereafter, it might be time to reconsider your nail shape of choice. Ahead, we spoke with Sarah Gibson Tuttle, nail expert and founder/CEO of Olive & June, about what shapes break most often, plus how to fix broken nails.

How Do I Prevent My Square Nails From Breaking?

If you don’t want to give up your square or coffin nails, Tuttle provides some tips on how to avoid breakage, which starts with keeping your nails strong. “Your cuticles are the gatekeepers to nail health and strength,” she says, so it’s important to use a cuticle oil or serum daily. We recommend the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil or the Olive & June Cuticle Serum.


“Also, don’t buff your nail too much as this thins out your nail plate,” Tuttle notes. “The stronger your nails, the less likely they are to break.” Another way to minimize breakage? Use a nail strengthener, such as the Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener Treatment, which promises to help your nails feel less brittle in only three days.

Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others?   | Makeup.com by L'Oréal (2024)

FAQs

Are Certain Nail Shapes More Likely to Break Than Others? | Makeup.com by L'Oréal? ›

“Think round, oval, squoval or even almond. Round and squoval nails are most resistant to breakage because there are no sharp edges that can cause weak points in the nail.”

Which nail shape doesn't break easily? ›

Squoval nails flatter all fingers and because of this, they never go out of style. They also work with both short and long nails, and they help keep nails strong. Unlike squares, they don't have sharp edges that catch on things; like ovals, they're very durable.

What nail shape causes less breakage? ›

Having a longer or narrower point increases the chances of your client catching their nails on something and breaking it. The wider edges in square or natural-looking shapes offer more support for the nail, and rounded nails create a softer edge that is less likely to scratch and tear while doing everyday tasks.

Which nail shape is the strongest? ›

Of all of the shapes, round and square are best for nails that are sturdy and healthy. If you are on your way to achieving proper nail health with the help of one of our amazing technicians, or if you have “fake nails”, there is no reason to forgo your desires.

What is the hardest nail shape to maintain? ›

Stiletto. Stiletto nails are dramatic, long, and filed to a pointed tip. According to Lennon, it's the toughest to maintain because it's the most susceptible to breakage and requires longer, stronger nails. To create this look, file the sides into a tapered point on the free edge.

Which nail shape is more prone to break? ›

Square is the shape that's most prone to breakage, due to the corners being easily snagged on things.

How to pick the best nail shape? ›

Find out what type of hand you have by looking at your palm proportion and finger length. Enhance and elongate the appearance of your nails by matching your hand type to a suitable shape. If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes.

What is the most feminine nail shape? ›

Oval-shaped nails are considered classic and feminine, being similar to an almond but a bit more blunt. They have softly rounded edges that follow the natural shape of the fingertip, helping elongate nails in both width and length. Square-shaped nails have straight, flat edges and sharp corners.

What nail shape is best for aging hands? ›

Opt for a slightly rounded or oval shape, as it can give the illusion of longer and more youthful-looking fingers.

What nail color is the most attractive? ›

Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.

What nail shape is most popular in 2024? ›

2024 Nail Trend: Short, Square Nails

After years of acrylics and gel-X extensions, our nails are all pretty beat—but opting for short lengths and light shades make it easier to start giving your nails some much-needed TLC.

What nail shape is best for chubby fingers? ›

For chubby fingers, you can opt for these nail shapes: oval, round, almond, and coffin. These nail shapes will make your nails and fingers look longer as well as hide the chubby fingers underneath the tip of your nails.

What is the easiest nail shape to get? ›

Mani trends come and go, but round nails remain ever-popular. This is one of the easiest shapes to create at home and works across all nail lengths – especially short nails. Round nails are perfect for those with a wide nail bed or people who want to optically elongate the length of their hands and fingers.

What nail shape is best for weak brittle nails? ›

Nail Care Routine for Strong and Healthy Nails

Aim for a rounded or square shape to prevent snagging.

What type of nails are the most durable? ›

If you're looking for the most durable option possible, acrylic nails are the way to go. However, if you're looking for an option that is easier to remove, dip nails may be a better choice. Gel nails are a good middle ground between the two.

What are the easiest nails to shape? ›

Round nails

This is one of the easiest shapes to create at home and works across all nail lengths – especially short nails. Round nails are perfect for those with a wide nail bed or people who want to optically elongate the length of their hands and fingers.

What nail shape is easiest to type with? ›

There are a couple of shapes that are easier to type with than others. These include oval and flat-shaped nails, such as a square shape. The nail shapes that are the hardest to type with are sharp-edged shapes and pointy shapes, such as the almond or cat nail shape.

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