Nail Shape Chart
Choosing a nail shape changes the whole look of a manicure. This printable nail shape chart shows ten popular shapes side by side with clear outlines and names, explains how each is filed and which lengths and hand shapes it suits, and adds practice sheets for nail art designs and a consultation form for salons and home nail techs.
Nail Shape Chart Pack
Printable nail shape chart with 10 outlined shapes, nail art practice sheets, a client consultation form, a salon price list template and appointment and aftercare cards.
- Nail shape chart (PDF)
- Practice sheets (PDF)
- Consultation form (DOCX/PDF)
- Price list (DOCX/PDF)
- Aftercare cards (PDF)
Formats: PDF, DOCX. Instant download after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). AI-assisted: the templates were drafted with AI help and reviewed and laid out by Kedop.
$5.00 USD, one-time
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The 10 nail shapes
| Shape | How it looks | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Straight sides and a flat, straight tip with sharp corners | Strong, easy to maintain on short nails; corners can snag |
| Squoval | Square shape with softly rounded corners | Strong and practical; suits most hands |
| Round | Follows the curve of the fingertip | Very low maintenance; good for short nails and typing |
| Oval | Straight sides with an egg-shaped tip | Elongates fingers; classic and elegant |
| Almond | Slimmer sides tapering to a rounded peak | Flattering and feminine; needs some length |
| Stiletto | Sides taper to a sharp point | Dramatic; usually needs extensions and breaks more easily |
| Coffin / ballerina | Tapered sides with a flat, squared tip | Popular for gel and acrylic; needs length |
| Lipstick | A slanted tip, like the angle of a lipstick | Unusual and eye-catching; moderate length |
| Edge | A sharp peak down the centre of the nail | Bold, artistic; usually on extensions |
| Flare | Tip widens outwards like a duck’s bill | Fashion statement; prone to catching |
Choosing a shape for your hands
- Short fingers or wide nail beds: oval and almond shapes create the look of longer, slimmer fingers.
- Long, slim fingers: square, squoval and coffin shapes balance length.
- Very active hands or typing all day: round or squoval, kept short, are the least likely to break.
- Weak or thin nails: round or squoval spread stress more evenly than points and sharp corners.
- Want drama: stiletto, edge and coffin — usually with gel or acrylic extensions for strength.
How to file common shapes
- Start with clean, dry nails; file in one direction rather than sawing back and forth.
- Square: file straight across the tip, then straighten the sides.
- Squoval: file square first, then soften each corner with a few gentle strokes.
- Round: follow the curve of the fingertip, leaving a little free edge.
- Oval: file the sides straight, then round the tip into an egg shape.
- Almond: taper each side toward the centre and round the peak.
- Coffin: taper the sides like an almond, then file the tip flat.
A fine-grit file (180–240) is gentler on natural nails; coarser files are for extensions.
Length and strength
Natural nails grow roughly 3 mm a month on average, so reshaping from square to almond may take a few weeks of growth. Pointed shapes concentrate stress at the tip and break more easily on natural nails; if you want a stiletto or long coffin shape, gel, acrylic or builder gel adds strength. Keep cuticles moisturised and avoid using nails as tools to reduce breakage.
What’s in the pack
- Nail shape chart with outlines and names (PDF, poster size).
- Nail art practice sheets with blank nail outlines in five shapes.
- Client consultation form: shape, length, colour, allergies and aftercare.
- Salon price list template (Word) for manicure and extension services.
- Appointment and aftercare card templates.
Using the practice sheets
Nail artists practise designs on paper before trying them on nails. Print the practice sheets, sketch designs with coloured pencils or paint pens, and keep the best as a design book to show clients. Beginners can practise straight French tips and simple dots before moving on to florals and gradients.
Hygiene and safety for home and salon
Clean and disinfect metal tools between clients, use new files and buffers for each client or disinfect those that can be, and never cut living cuticle tissue. Ask about allergies to gel and acrylic products and stop if skin becomes red or itchy. Good ventilation matters when working with acrylics and nail polish removers.
AI-assisted content
Charts and templates were drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by Kedop. Shape names vary a little between salons and countries.
Frequently asked questions
What nail shape is best for short nails?
Round, squoval or a short oval.
What nail shape makes fingers look longer?
Oval and almond shapes.
What is the strongest nail shape?
Squoval and round shapes resist breaking best.
What is the difference between coffin and stiletto?
Both taper, but coffin has a flat tip and stiletto a sharp point.
Is there a client consultation form?
Yes, plus a price list and aftercare cards.
Is this a subscription?
No, it is a one-time download.