How To Shape Coffin Nails: Here's Everything You Need To Know | Beautists (2024)

Here’s How To Get The Perfect Coffin Shaped Nails For Your Next Manicure:

Now I am an acrylic nails girl at heart, I get excited when new manicure day comes around and coffin nails are always my go-to. But how do you get the perfect shape of these beauties?

You may be here because your manicure mood board is full of coffin nail looks and you’re not sure where to start. Whether you can’t make it to the salon or just looking to save some bucks on an at-home manicure– I’ve got you covered.

Coffin or Ballerina Nails are a timeless classic– whether you’re going for a flawless nude or a daring red hue a good coffin nail will top it all off!

Now let me tell you something:

My guide is packed with the best tips and tricks to achieve the most flattering of coffin shapes. From short to long shapes, you will have a manicure for every mood.

Here’s a tip: practice and patience is the key to a good coffin manicure, you may not get it right the first time but with a bit of practice you will say bye to your monthly trip to the salon and hello to gorgeous at-home manicures.

Let’s get into all of the coffin’s secrets to achieve a home manicure like a boss!

So, What Are Coffin Shaped Nails?

Coffin shaped nails are also known as Ballerina’s Nails, they are where the tip resembles the shape of a coffin or a ballerina’s shoe. You will find they are very popular and a go-to amongst celebrities like the Kardashians.

It is often best used with acrylic nails, as they are usually very long– of course, you can achieve this look with natural nails but they would have to be very strong and not snap easily.

I would recommend opting out and going for the acrylic or dip nail option for longevity and durability in order to pull these bad boys off for longer.

They are very similar to stiletto nails but instead of a pointy tip you have a flat, more square tip– they are always a fave of mine!

How can I do my nails to get the best coffin nails shape?

Once you’ve prepped your nail applied and trimmed your natural nails or nail tips and have a nail file at the ready, this is what you need to do:

Step one:Before you start filling I usually create a rough coffin shape (or even almond shape) by clipping the sides and top with scissors — this will save a hell of a lot of filing. It doesn’t need to be perfect as we are about to go in with the file to sort it out!

Step two: Gently file the top and sidesI would aim for a stiletto shape but with a flat top in order to achieve that perfect coffin nails or ballerina nails. Be patient ladies, make sure you spend time on this step as you don’t want to file too much and not have any nail left to work with.

Step three:File down the side gently on each nail until each side is even and then touch up the top to ensure it is in the middle.

Step four: Once you are happy with the shape, gently file the edge of the tips, while trying to maintain the shape to have a very sharp, coffin-like tip everyone loves.

Step five:For my acrylic ladies out there, after these steps, you need to apply the acrylic using your favorite brush, desiredLiquid Monomer, and Acrylic Powder until you have even coverage.

Step six: Once you have covered the whole nail, repeat the previous steps again while filing the top too until you achieve your desired coffin shape again that ready to paint.

Step seven: Now this is the best bit: adding your nail design! Whether you’re going for a classic nude or the most intricate nail art, what a better way to finish off a coffin shape!

Whatever design takes your fancy, gel or regular nail polish to natural or acrylic nails– the options are endless.

Are Coffin Nails prone to breaking?

This all depends on the method of doing your coffin nails. If you’re doing these nails on natural nails instead of acrylics they may be prone to breakage.

This is because of how length and thickness the tip may be, it can be easily caught and snap off– frustrating I know! But if you’re extra careful you can prolong the life of these beauties.

If you want to achieve a coffin shape on natural nails I would opt for a short coffin shape, rather than the long ones as they’ll last much longer and personally look much better!

For those doing acrylic, dip, or fake nails, coffin nails are actually very durable– they can last up to 21 days without breaking if you take care of them!

Summary:

In this article, I have gone through the best way to shape coffin nails, whether you’re a natural tip girl or looking to pull out all the stops in your next acrylic or dip nail manicure.

Coffin nails are perfect for every occasion and a timeless classic loved by celebrities and many manicure lovers and experts all over the world.

Now:

Whether you’re looking to pull off a timeless nude, classic red, or the most obscure and beautiful nail, with these tips you’ll be flaunting your nails in no time.

If you want a good gel polish to complete the look you need to check out my selection of the best gel nail polish guide, I have selected the very best for your coffin manicure needs!

Coffin Nails will add that extra touch of class to any look!

How To Shape Coffin Nails: Here's Everything You Need To Know | Beautists (2024)

FAQs

Are coffin nails still in style 2024? ›

In terms of shapes, we will see medium to longer lengths with softened stiletto, coffin and almond shapes continuing to dominate. Spring: Think psychedelic, holographic, and pearlescent finishes that nod to an immersive, alternate reality.

Are coffin nails good for chubby fingers? ›

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

How long do my nails have to be for coffin shape? ›

In terms of length, Domingues says, "Ideally, coffin nails should be medium- to long- length to achieve a properly tapered, elegant shape.

What's the difference between ballerina and coffin 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.

How should coffin nails look? ›

Coffin nails are long nails with a flat tip. To shape coffin nails, start by first filing them into an almond shape. Next, file straight out on each side and then gradually taper slightly toward the center. Once you have that shape, take clippers and cut straight across to get that flat tip.

Are coffin nails classy? ›

They then tapper off to a squared-off tip, giving your nails the shape of a coffin or ballerina pointe shoes, hence the name "coffin nails" (or ballerina nails, as they are otherwise called.) This sophisticated shape can give you an elegant and classy look, regardless of how you choose to design your them.

Do coffin nails break easily? ›

Because of their straight-edge shapes, square- and coffin-shaped nails are more prone to breakage, Tuttle says.

What is the most popular nail shape in 2024? ›

2024 Nail Trend: Short, Square Nails

You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

What is the most elegant nail shape? ›

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.

Which nail shape is more attractive? ›

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.

What nail shape makes fingers look skinny? ›

Almond. "An almond-shaped nail is slim on the sides and wide on the base, coming to a rounded peak," says Deborah Lippmann. "This shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim." To get the look, file the sides and make sure the tip is narrow, so the free edge mimics a peak shape.

Why are they called coffin nails? ›

Coffin nails (also known as ballerina nails) are essentially the stiletto nail, but with a square rather than pointy tip. They are long, tapered and filed flat at the tip. They are called coffin nails or ballerina nails because the shape resembles both a coffin and a ballerina's slipper.

Do coffin nails cost more? ›

Coffin nails, often referring to long, tapered nail shapes, can be more expensive for several reasons: Labor and skill: Achieving the desired coffin shape requires a skilled nail technician, and their time and expertise come at a cost.

Are coffin nails high maintenance? ›

Although coffin nails may look high-maintenance (and whether you need acrylic tips is solely dependent on your natural set) they are deceptively easy to maintain. According to Miss Pop, "Since the ballet shape does not file off the sides completely, like the stiletto [mani does], this nail does not break as easily."

Are coffin nails easy to type with? ›

Coffin nails are bold and make you look like a star, but the tapered shape may not be the best for typing. They tend to be on the wider side and only really work in longer forms. It may be best to save these nails for when you become a press-on pro.

Are coffin nails hard to type with? ›

Pick the Right Nails

While pointed or angled nails, like the stiletto, ballerina, or coffin shape, are elegant and beautiful, they tend to be much more difficult to type with than nails with rounded edges, even if those styles are just as long.

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