Almond nails are one of the most flattering nail shapes. "An almond shape can be described as a short to mid-length tapered nail with a rounded tip," says celebrity nail artist and founder of The Editorial Nail Gracie J. "An almond elegantly elongates the hands and fingers, and this shape is best suited for the manicure lovers who are very hands-on and need functionality in their day-to-day," she adds. So if your nails are prone to breakage, this just might be the perfect nail shape for you.
The almond shape looks great on any fingernail length, and the elongated shape allows plenty of room for nail art experimentation or choosing a bold nail colour to make your fingertips stand out.
How to Create an Almond Nail Shape
So how do you create the perfect almond shape at home? "The trick is clipping both sides at an angle and filing each side to smoothly meet at the centre, then rounding the point," says Gracie J.
Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best almond nail designs we've spotted on the chicest hands right now, so you're bound to find some inspiration for your next manicure.
31 of the Best Almond Nail Designs
1. Negative-Space Design
I love this graphic negative-space design. If your nail art skills can't rival a pro, then try press-on nails like TENX from The Editorial Nail, which give you a professional look within minutes.
2. Minimalist Reverse-French Manicure
An almond shape looks great on both long and short nails, as showcased with this minimalist design.
3. Neutral Almond Nails
When in doubt, an almond-shaped nail lacquered with a glossy neutral will see you through any occasion.
4. Almond Ombré
An almond nail shape and an ombré design are a match made in heaven.
5. Leopard-Print Almond Nails
We're wild for these leopard almond-shaped nails.
6. Monochrome Almond Nails
This almond shape really showcases a French tip—we love this monochrome design.
7. Glazed Almond Nails
The "glazed donut" mani is still going strong, so why not try an elongated almond nail design with this chrome effect?
8. Almond French Manicure
Almond-shaped nails are the perfect base for an elongated French manicure.
9. Claw Nails
These almond-shaped nails are flanked with black polish to create an illusion of claw-shaped nails.
10. Orange Almond Nails
A bright colour and almond-shaped nails are a failsafe combo.
11. Almond-Shaped Negative-Space Manicure
The longer length of almond-shaped nails allows you plenty of room to play with nail art, like these floating French tips.
12. Almond Nails With Hearts
Longer almond nails allow room to experiment with nail art placement, whether at the base of the nails or on the tips.
13. Abstract Almond Nails
Abstract designs look amazing on almond nail shapes.
14. Flaming Almond Nails
Turn up the heat with a flaming nail art—the length of almond-shaped nails allows plenty of room to really showcase this design.
15. Mismatched French Tips
Can't decide on just one colour? Why not pick a different hue for each nail?
16. Floral Almond Nails
How cheerful are these floral almond-shaped nails?
17. Green Almond Nails
Green is a huge nail colour trend right now, and we're totally obsessed with this almond-shaped nail design.
18. Swirl Nail Art
If your go-to mani shade is a neutral colour, why not switch it up with some swirling nail art?
19. Pearl Nail Embellishments
Bring a little bling to your fingertips by applying a decorative gem or pearl to your nail tips.
20. Pink-and-White Almond Nails
We're hypnotised by this swirling nail art and almond shape combination.
21. Pink Almond Nails
Proof that an almond shape isn't just for super-long nails, and you can never go wrong with a pink hue.
22. Baby-Pink Almond Nails
A sugary pink looks great on almond-shaped nails, as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shows.
23. Red Almond Nails
Red is a timeless and expensive-looking nail colour that looks particularly great on almond nails.
24. Mix and Match
Unexpected nail colour combinations are so fun.
25. Mustard Yellow
If bright yellow is too much, why not try a more muted mustard or ochre hue?
26. Milky Almond Nails
The milky nail trend is still super popular, and I love how this looks on an almond nail shape.
27. Natural Almond Nails
Prefer to keep things looking natural? I happen to think this more minimal nail look is super polished and chic.
28. Bow Almond Nails
Add a bow embellishment for a festive touch.
29. Burgundy Almond Nails
Burgundy is such a timeless colour for autumn and winter.
30. Silver Almond Nails
Silver is having a moment, and this metallic shade pairs beautifully with an almond nail shape.
31. Velvet Almond Nails
If you want to make a statement this Christmas, why not try this super cool, red velvet nail design?
Products You Need for Almond Nails
This nail file is great for shaping your nails.
Mylee's kit has everything you need for a salon-worthy finish.
This stuff has transformed my cuticles.
Don't forget a nourishing hand cream.
If you struggle to grow your nails, you need to try this OPI serum.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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