The 5 Most Popular Acrylic Nail Shapes, According to Manicurists

Acrylic Nail Shapes are a key part of the popular acrylic nail enhancement process. If you’ve ever had your nails professionally done, you’re likely familiar with acrylic nails—a long-standing favorite in nail art. Often called L+P nails (short for liquid and powder), they are created by combining a liquid monomer with an acrylic polymer powder. As nail artist Lauren Denney explains, when these two components are mixed, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs, hardening the mixture into a durable nail overlay. This technique allows for endless customization, with shapes ranging from square to stiletto and almond to suit every style.

Similar to polygel techniques, acrylics are either sculpted using a nail form or applied over glued-on tips to extend the nail’s length and improve its strength and shape. Denney notes this method allows for customization in both structure and style.

Bellacures nail artist Hayley Dang breaks down the process further: a brush is dipped into the liquid monomer, then into the powder to form a moldable acrylic bead. This bead is placed onto the natural nail and carefully spread across the nail and any added tip to ensure an even surface.

According to Dang, this application step is crucial — it’s what gives acrylics their smooth, natural-looking finish. After the product sets and hardens, the nails are filed into the desired acrylic nail shapes — whether it’s almond, coffin, stiletto, square, or round.

Acrylics are especially ideal for those who prefer longer nails or want to create the illusion of elongated fingers. And when it comes to acrylic nail shapes, there’s no universally “best” option — it all comes down to your individual taste and style. As Dang puts it, “There’s no one-size-fits-all — it really depends on what shape suits your personality and lifestyle.”

Now that you know how acrylics are applied, let’s explore the most popular acrylic nail shapes and what makes each one unique.

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Square Nails

As the name implies, square nails feature straight, squared-off tips. “This classic shape has been popular since the 1980s and has recently made a resurgence, appearing on fashion runways and being worn by celebrities like Billie Eilish and Gigi Hadid,” explains Denney. The key characteristic is that the sides remain straight without tapering inward—tapered edges create a different nail shape, which will be discussed later.

Square nails come in a variety of lengths, from short to very long. Dang adds that they are one of the easiest acrylic nail shapes to create, as most nail tips are naturally squared.

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Stiletto Nails

Stiletto nails are characterized by straight sides that taper into a sharp, pointed tip. They’re especially popular with acrylics since this shape is difficult to create naturally. Filing natural nails into a pointed shape can weaken them, but acrylic nails offer the necessary strength and support to maintain this look.

Beyond their dramatic pointed tips, stiletto nails are versatile. “They’re perfect for detailed and bold designs, but can also look elegant with a simple single color or classic nude,” says Denney, highlighting how the elongated shape provides a great canvas for intricate nail art.

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Coffin Nails

While square nails have straight sides, coffin nails are shaped with tapered edges that finish with a squared-off tip, explains Dang. “They have a less boxy appearance,” she notes.

Denney highlights coffin nails as one of the most popular acrylic nail shapes, adding that they tend to flatter all hand types. “They offer the bold, eye-catching appeal of stiletto nails but without the high maintenance and commitment that comes with sharp, pointed tips,” she says.

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Almond Nails

Almond nails resemble stiletto nails in that they taper to a point, but instead of a sharp tip, they have a softly rounded finish for a more subtle look. Because they need some length, almond nails are an excellent choice for acrylic enhancements. Denney explains, “This shape is perfect for making short fingers appear longer and creating the illusion of extended nail beds.”

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Round Nails

Round nails stand out a bit in the realm of acrylics because acrylics are typically used to add significant length, while round nails usually don’t require much length. “Similar in shape to almond nails but more rounded and generally shorter, round nails offer greater practicality,” explains Denney, adding that they’re especially favored by those with smaller hands and shorter fingers.

Thanks to the strengthening benefits of acrylic, both Dang and Denney agree that round nails rank among the most popular acrylic nail shapes because they combine durability with a natural appearance.