If you’ve been keeping up with nail trends odds are you’ve noticed that coffin nails are making a comeback. This nail shape (quite literally designed to mimic the shape of a coffin) is somewhat similar to a traditional square shape except that these typically tend to be a bit longer, leaving more room for unique designs that really pop. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for classic French manis and simple designs, but the amount of space you have with coffin nails allows you to get creative. Trust me when I say, it’s truly a shape that any manicure-obsessed beauty lover can appreciate.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, you’re in luck. Below, you’ll find 27 ideas that range from edgy to elevated that you can try for your next manicure. I also chatted with celebrity nail artist Katie Masters to learn all about what makes coffin nails so unique, what styles look best on them, and how to maintain them for as long as possible.
27 Coffin Nail Ideas
1. Shimmery Ombre
These shimmery ombre nails are perfect for any time of year.
2. White & Gold
Take a simple white mani to the next level by adding some texture to one nail.
3. Contrast for Spring
These fun contrasting colors and floral designs are perfect for spring.
How do coffin nails differ from other nail shapes?
Coffin nails look most like square nails, but the key difference is the tapered in sides. “The tapered shape gives the optical illusion that the nails are longer, and they look much more flattering,” says Masters. “Square nails tend to not have a tapered in look in order to keep that nice straight 90-degree corner angle.”
To achieve the look, manicurists start with a square shape and file the sides more inward to create a narrow shape. This is also mostly done on longer nails. “Coffin nails can be tricky with shorter nail lengths only because when there isn’t a lot of nail length to work with, the taper of the shape ends up being way more abrupt and creating a little bit of an odd trapezoid-looking shape,” says Masters. “So when you want to do coffin nails, make sure you have decent length to work with!”
What designs look best on coffin nails?
There’s no right answer to this, as it mainly depends on personal taste and preference. However, Masters is a big fan of French manicures on this shape. “French tips look great on long coffin-shaped nails because of the nice angles of the corners,” she explains. “It ends up looking super clean and crisp!”
How To Make Coffin Nails Last
One of the main issues that come up with coffin nails are dull corners due to using hands for things like typing, picking things up, or opening items. For coffin nails (in addition to other square shaped nails) the goal is to maintain their “sharpness.” To prevent rounding or chipped edges, Masters suggests using extensions. “Coffin nails last amazingly when they are done in extensions,” she says. “Extension tips are stronger than the free edge of your natural nail, so the shape holds much longer!” Aside from that, you should avoid using your nails as “tools.”
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