Popsugar Beauty Shoppable What Are Coffin Nails? We Break Down the Coffin Nail Shape Coffin Nails Are a Spooky-Chic Trend That Only Look Hard to Re-Create 11 October 2022 by Alaina Demopoulos Image Source: Getty / John Lamparski As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. "Coffin" nails feature an oval shape with square tips. The trend is extremely easy to re-create at home and, as a result, is growing in popularity. Coffin nails look flattering on fingers of all shapes and sizes thanks to its tapered tips. If you want a bold manicure but the stiletto nail shape is just a little too extra for you, then you can consider coffin nails a perfect compromise. The style, which looks like an oval mani with square tips, has won over plenty of fans due to its versatility and simplicity to re-create. Perhaps this particular nail shape sounds familiar to you but by another name. That's because the manicure can also be referred to as "ballerina" nails — in fact, that's what Miss Pop, an NYC-based nail artist, calls the design. Since the sides of the tip are rounded off, she says the finished look is "soft and chic, like a ballet slipper." What's more, Miss Pop says that coffin nails flatter fingers of all shapes and sizes, since the style is tapered at the ends. This creates an effect that thins and elongates your hands. 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." Read on for Miss Pop's step-by-step tips on how to re-create this crazy-easy trend at home. Do You Need Acrylic Tips For Coffin Nails? Gel-phobes, this look is for you. For the most part, "You can wear the [coffin manicure] with natural nails, no acrylic enhancement necessary," said Miss Pop. But nail biters take note: "You will need long nails that are well over the fingertip, because this shape needs space to be achieved." What's the Best Shape For Coffin Nails? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eminence Nails & Spa (@eminencenails) Image Source: thebodyshop.com As you begin to shape the nail, Miss Pop says to file at a "slight diagonal angle from each side of the nail." This creates an almond — or oval — shape. Be sure that you're using a nail file that is 220 grit or higher — this The Body Shop Nail Polishing Block (£5) will do the trick. As you're filing, "stroke in one direction" to maintain precision. The Body Shop Nail Polishing Block £5 from thebodyshop.com Buy Now A post shared by Nails (@nailshalena) on Oct 13, 2017 at 10:59am PDT Miss Pop says that "once you have an almond nail, simply stroke straight across the top, again in one direction, to square the very tip off." After that, Miss Pop likes to round the sides of the tip to prevent breakage. What Designs Look Best on Coffin Nails? A post shared by Its Kim! ☀️💋💁🏻♊️ (@fiercenails1) on Oct 13, 2017 at 10:00am PDT And voila! You've just achieved the covetable coffin nail. If you're not inclined to paint on a macabre mani like the one above, Miss Pop says that you can put a matte topcoat over "pastel, beige, white, or dove grey polish on this shape." If you're in need of inspiration, we rounded up some of our favourite Autumn nails. Can You Do Coffin Nails With a French Manicure? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salon Phalanjis & Co (@phal_anjis) If you want to combine two nail trends in one — both this style and the ever-popular french manicure — rest assured that you can. In fact, coffin shaped nails look great with french tips. Coffin-Nail Designs: Groovy Coffin Nails View this post on Instagram A post shared by 💮NAILART // TOULOUSE🇫🇷 (@lenavitch.nailz) This coffin-nail design features blue and green with rhinestones. Coffin-Nail Designs: Daisies View this post on Instagram A post shared by @alondras_.nails This long coffin-nail design features an accent fingernail with daisies and a second accent fingernail with rhinestones. Coffin-Nail Designs: Abstract View this post on Instagram A post shared by ⚡SUGAMAMA - NAIL ARTIST⚡STRASBOURG (@sugamama_nailz) This abstract coffin-nail design features a circular pattern as well as interesting 3D accents. Coffin-Nail Designs: Ghosts View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wonderful Nails 🎀💅🏻 (@wonderfulnail) These long coffin nails with ghosts and spiderwebs are perfect for Halloween! Coffin-Nail Designs: Dreamy Blue View this post on Instagram A post shared by coffin nails⚰️ (@coffin__nails) These coffin nails feature light-blue nail polish and a fun cloud design. Coffin-Nail Designs: Rhinestones View this post on Instagram A post shared by coffin nails⚰️ (@coffin__nails) If you want to keep your coffin-nail design simple but glamorous, consider rhinestones. Coffin-Nail Designs: Tropical Holiday View this post on Instagram A post shared by coffin nails⚰️ (@coffin__nails) This coffin-nail design features palm trees and tropical drinks, the perfect manicure to ask for if you're headed on a tropical holiday or you just want to pretend you're on one. Coffin-Nail Designs: Classic Black View this post on Instagram A post shared by coffin nails⚰️ (@coffin__nails) We love this classic black look on these long coffin nails. Coffin-Nail Designs: Red Double French View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coffin nails (@bestcoffinnails) These red double french coffin nails are the perfect twist on a tried-and-true classic. Coffin-Nail Designs: Animal Print View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coffin nails (@bestcoffinnails) These long coffin nails feature a french manicure with an animal-print twist. Coffin-Nail Designs: Ombré French View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer 🧚♀️ (@nailed_byjenny) This ombré french design is gorgeous, and we love the addition of rhinestones to elevate it even further. Coffin-Nail Designs: Galaxy View this post on Instagram A post shared by E R I C 👉🏻 B A S I C (@eric_basicacrylic) These long coffin nails feature a galaxy design with bright, abstract art and planets. Coffin-Nail Designs: Classic French View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scandal Beauty®️ (@scandal.beauty) If you're not sure what design to go for, a classic french manicure is always a great choice. Coffin-Nail Designs: Marble French View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝕊𝔸ℕ𝔻𝕐 𝕃𝔼 ℂ𝕆 𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕆𝕗 𝔽𝕚𝕚𝕟𝕒 (@fiina_naillounge) These marble french nails are perfect for anyone who likes a classic coffin-nail look but wants something a little different. ShoppableHalloween BeautyFall BeautyBeauty TrendsBeauty NewsHalloweenNail Art