If you checked out our recent post, “Acrylic Nail Shapes,” you’ll have plenty of nail inspiration this season! We’re focusing today’s post on short almond shaped nails! Why? Because almond shaped nails are quickly becoming the most popular nail style of 2023!
Let’s take a quick look at why almond shaped nails are so popular. Then, we’ll give you some inspo for your next almond manicure!
If you looked at the photo above and thought to yourself, “Hey…those aren’t almond shaped nails…” YOU’RE RIGHT. Good job! Those nails would actually be considered oval-shaped, but the photo was just too fitting to not use.
The distinction here is that oval nails are rounded and don’t come to any kind of point. Almond nails, on the other hand (punny), have a very subtle point to them. This pointed tip helps elongate the finger even if you prefer short nails.
Now that you know what almond nails look like, we promise you’re going to start noticing them everywhere!
Why are short almond nails so popular? Practical and pretty!
This nail shape is taking over in 2023 for a couple of reasons.
1 – Having a nail “style” is becoming more and more popular as a method of self-expression. Nails aren’t viewed as just a body part anymore! Similar to ears, fingers, and necklines — nails are an opportunity to make a statement!
It’s exciting to see your nails as a fashion accessory. Whether you love bold colors like bright orange nails or a more minimalist design, nails make beauty statements!
2 – Not everyone wants dramatically long nails that get in the way of everyday tasks like typing or working out. The short almond shape doesn’t require loads of special care to maintain.
You’re working with a more natural nail shape and, by keeping things on the shorter side, your risk of breakage is minimal! This means you can have fun trying out different nail art because the little length makes a manicure less of a splurge spend. No matter how much length you prefer, almond shaped nails require less special care.
3 – Almond nails combine aesthetic elevation with practicality — making for nails that are both nice to look at AND easy to adapt to. Whether you’re a fan of simple French tip nails or an Insta-worthy abstract mani, almond shapes are hard to go wrong with!
Many almond nails make for the modest in-between of simplicity and va-va-VOOM!
Let’s look at some different options for the stylish almond shaped nail. Maybe we can inspire your next manicure! Keep in mind that any of these short almond nail designs can also work with other shapes.
Complimentary-colored almond shape nails
Because short almond nails have a more subtle and natural-looking shape, it’s fun to get a little “artsy” with the design you choose! And why settle on one solid color when you can create a palette that suits your personality more.
The complimentary color look usually involves choosing a color palette (instead of just one solid color) and adding a design to one or two nails.
We’re kind of obsessed with this red, black, and pale pink combo above. But this complimentary color trend can work with literally any palette. Try a green with high contrast teal nails if you’re really looking to draw attention!
This look is a great option if you want something a little more versatile than just one bold color. It allows your nails to “go” with more outfit options while still being eye-catching!
French Tip Almond Shaped Nail Design
Almond nails work amazingly with the classic, never-failing French manicure. The slightly pointed tips of the almond shape creates a perfect canvas for the curve of the tips. This makes your nails look extra elegant, clean, and ready for ANY outfit option.
Adding a subtle design element, like in the photo below, is a fun way to add some edginess to this first-class look. The almond shape base embraces French tips, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop there!
Using a precise tip tool (which could literally be a toothpick) to draw a small flower or butterfly anywhere on the nail.
Remember, nail designs are about having fun! Turn your nails into the real-life version of Instagram’s butterfly filter!
Ombre Almond Shaped Nails
If you want to take the French manicure look a bit further, the ombre look is becoming one of our faves! An almond nail shape and an ombré design are a match made in heaven.
Add a flare of originality to your next nail look by blending the tips into the base coat.
This look can be achieved at home using two polish colors and a small sponge to help blend one into the other. But if you’re a newbie, we’d recommend getting help with this technique the first time. It can take some trial and error to get a seamless blend! Almond shaped nails make the perfect canvas for this because the rounded edges really work with the soft, blended aesthetic.
Adding a feature nail is a gorgeous way to add interest to this otherwise subtle and beautiful vibe! Needless to say, we are OBSESSED! Who would have thought that a pale pink could blend into blue so flawlessly? It’s an almond pastel masterpiece!
Feminine “Edgy” Almond Nails
Just because almond-shaped nails come to a subtle point doesn’t mean that your nail art can’t play with different shapes. Look how these gold and pink almond nails add a prestigious elegance to what would otherwise be a very plain style.
This opalescent nail look is probably one of our faves we’ve seen this year! And you could replicate this on your nails at home.
By simply adding that slanted gold line, it’s completely changed the vibe and shape of the nail. And it’s made the nail tips so eye-catching! The best part: it’s actually easier to achieve than you might think!
Simply swipe a piece of tape across each nail after you’ve added your base coat. Make sure the tape is covering the bottom half of the nail — not the top! Then, brush the tips color on and leave to dry.
Before you take that bottom tape off, place another piece over top of the color you just coated on. Make sure that top color is completely dry first!
With only that small slit exposed, brush a coat of gold (or your color of choice) to create a line that will separate the slanted halves. Personally, we’re huge fans of the magically reflective gold. But this entire look could be recreated with a different palette.
Make sure to apply a clear coat over top to protect your work of nail art. You’ve now turned the almond shape on its head!
This style works on short almond nail designs, but are also gorgeous on longer nails too!
Go Bold or Go Home Almond Shaped Nails
Part of the joy of the this almond nail shape is that the shorter length means you’re less likely to break a nail. So, you can go for more fun nail polish colors without worrying that you’ll ruin it the second you walk out the door!
Multi-color designs make for a more versatile nail that will complement different outfit choices. Talk about doing nail art the bright way! 😉
The floral nails pictured above are a great example of almond shaped nail designs that are fun yet versatile. Doesn’t it just take you back to warm days spent sipping Kool-Aid in the grass?!
And, believe it or not, this is one of our favorite nail designs because of how easy it actually is! All you need is a toothpick and the chosen palette for your colorful dots.
Choose a nude color for the perfect base, and a couple bright colors for the flower shapes. (We recommend using a different toothpick for each color to keep them from blending!)
Check out this short tutorial for a full demonstration of your next nail look. Again, don’t forget to apply a clear coat layered on top to lock in your manicure.
French manicure nail stickers — move aside!
Who knew abstract pink with a few small black dots would make for such a classy combo? Almond shaped nails make the perfect base for a French manicure. But that doesn’t mean you always need to stick to the classic white tips nail designs.
Simply choose a base color for your canvas, and then a contrasting color for the tips! We love what this Pinterest user did by adding some cute black hearts to the base.
If you’ve ever tried to freehand your French tips, you know how wrong it can go. Luckily, we’ve got a perfect hack for you. No need to turn to French manicure stickers!
All you’ll need are your two colors, a beauty blender makeup sponge, and some plastic wrap. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to get the perfect French tips every time in under 5 minutes!
Seriously, if you aren’t using this hack for your almond nail designs, you are missing out!
If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll probably enjoy a lot of our other stuff as well 🙂
Nail Ideas that Will Spark Serious Nail Envy
Need inspiration for nail ideas? Make a bold statement with your most-used body part. Fun is at your fingertips. Let’s go!
Best Hairstyles for Fine Hair: Add Volume, Texture, and DimensionStruggling with picking the best hairstyles for fine hair? Check out these killer hairstyles that will add volume to your thin hair.
Best Nail Designs 2023: The Most Standout Nail DesignsGet ready to flaunt your fabulous nails with confidence and flair! Here are the best nail designs 2023 has in store for us.
Hair Mask for Curly Hair: How to Achieve Curls You’ll LoveA hair mask for curly hair with the right ingredients and application techniques will give you those bouncy, beautiful curls all day long!
What is the best anti-aging face wash? And what do you need to know about anti-aging skincare including best practices and what NOT to do!
Short Almond Shaped Nails Ideas with Pros and ConsWhy are almond shaped nails the most popular? What are some different design options that work best with this nail shape?
