Coffin Nails (Also Known As Ballerina Nails) Sound Scarier Than They Look (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between coffin nails and ballerina nails? ›

Though many places tend to lump them in together, there is a slight difference between ballerina nails and coffin nails that you can use to distinguish the type you want. They both follow the shape of a stiletto nail towards the tips, but the ballerina nail appears wider because of its rounded edges.

Coffin nails (also known as ballerina nails) are essentially the stiletto nail, but with a square rather than pointy tip.

A Trendy Yet Timeless Nail Art Design Idea

Chrome coffin nails are one of the most popular ways to style your nails, and this trend has no signs of slowing down.

They're long, round, and slim with a narrow but rounded top. "The coffin nail shape is for those who prefer a more square shape but don't want the nail to be boxy and wide," Truong says.

It doesn't get much more universally flattering than an oval nail shape. “Oval nails give an elegant look if you have long nails and lengthens if you have wide nail beds,” says Lee. The rounded shape features corners that curve inward into a semicircle.

Almond Nails

This shape elongates the fingers, creating an elegant appearance. Almond nails work well with various nail designs, from subtle to elaborate, making them a go-to option for those who enjoy experimenting with nail art.

Logomania has yet to die down, stiletto and coffin lengths are only getting longer and more intricate, and thanks to the “clean girl” movement, short nails continue to reign supreme.

These mermaid nails are pure ocean fantasy. “I used a periwinkle blue base gel color and used nail glue to create the 3D art,” says Allison Eng, a gel manicurist based in Vancouver, Canada. “Next, I glued on the pearls, added a non wipe top coat, and added a purple tinted chrome powder on top to create the effect.”

Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, are long and narrow with a squared-off tip. They are named after the shape of a coffin, and are sometimes also called "stiletto nails." Coffin nails are a good choice for people with short, wide fingers, as they can make the fingers look longer and more slender.

From sage to forest green to everything in between, this is a pretty chill statement. Neutrals: A step up in edge from a simple one-tone neutral color like beige or tan, polychromatic neutrals are an interesting twist and add depth and a little excitement to any coffin-shaped manicure.

Should I get coffin or almond nails? ›

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

Coffin: Edgy & Trendsetter

As this nail shape is a more high-maintenance choice, those who opt for the edgy coffin nail probably have a standing biweekly mani appointment to keep their nails in tip-top shape.

Coffin or Ballerina

This shape works well for those with naturally strong, long nails and slim fingers. To create it, simply square off the free edge.

For chubby fingers, you can opt for these nail shapes: oval, round, almond, and coffin.

another good option is a long coffin shape. the width of the tip balances wide fingertips, which makes your fingers look more balanced, longer and slimmer.

Ballet nails are a shape that sits halfway between an almond nail (tapered with a round tip) and a coffin nail (tapered with a sharp tip). "Ballerina nails have a soft, tapered square shape that resembles the pointe shoes in ballet," says expert Amy Oung.

Ballerina Nails

The shape is essentially the same as a stiletto nail but with a square tip instead of a pointed tip — resembling the shape of a coffin and ballerina slipper. This shape offers the length of a stiletto nail without the sharp drama of the tip.