The summer months are all about experimenting, whether it's with your hair, your makeup, or anything in between. If you want to spruce up your nails [1] but don't have a steady enough hand to paint on the latest nail-art trends [2], consider an even sexier option: changing your nail shape [3]. It's true; there are a handful of super-sexy nail shapes that deserve your full attention this season.
"Different looks can be sexy depending on the occasion," LeChat Nails [4] educator Syreeta Aaron [5] told POPSUGAR. "If you're going on holiday, simple is sexy, so go with a very short, natural, square rounded shape. You don't want anything too high maintenance when you're on the go — a broken tip isn't sexy."
Aaron also noted that classic nail shapes like almond can stand out as being on the cooler, more flirtatious side, while the "edge" nail shape is a newer trend that's just as bold as it sounds. If you're looking for options, take a closer look at a few examples of some sexy nail shapes ahead.
Sexy Nail Shape: Lipstick Nails
"Lipstick" nails are made to mimic the angled shape of a fresh tube of lipstick — and the only thing that can make you feel sexier than a swipe of that is wearing it on the tips of your nails. This shape is similar to a square nail, only with a slightly slanted (read: unexpected) twist.
Sexy Nail Shape: Stiletto Nails
Of all the nail shapes, stiletto is probably the most dramatic, as these typically have a spiked shape with a point at the end that's meant to mimic — you guessed it — stiletto heels.
"It is tapered and filed to a sharp point," nail artist Miss Pop [6] previously explained to POPSUGAR. "And it is popular with edgy celebs like Lady Gaga [7] and Rihanna [8]." These days, you can also find the stiletto shape on plenty of other nail art-obsessed celebrities like Khloé Kardashian, Saweetie, and Cardi B.
Sexy Nail Shape: Square Nails
Square nails are exactly what they sound like: square with sharp or rounded corners, depending on your preference. But just because they are simple, doesn't mean they aren't sexy. In fact, according to pros, this is one of the most popular nail shapes, and one of the few that look amazing on both long and short nails.
Sexy Nail Shape: Coffin Nails
Also known as "ballerina" nails, the "coffin" nail shape has risen in popularity over the last few years. They are characterized by having a wide base that gets slimmer as it inches toward the fingertips. Think of it like the toned-down version of a stiletto nail, in that the tips are slightly filed down.
Sexy Nail Shape: Oval Nails
Aside from square nails, the oval shape is probably the most classic of the bunch — in other words, you can't go wrong. "It's been on sirens from Tippi Hedren to Jerry Hall to J Lo and Beyoncé," said Miss Pop. This is another shape that looks great on both long and short lengths. To get the look, Miss Pop suggested you "taper your nails gently on the side, then round the tip."
Sexy Nail Shape: Edge Nails
Never heard of "edge" nails? You might want to get acquainted. This shape is a little less pointy than the stiletto, but is far more unexpected. "European shapes like the edge are very sexy — think Parisian chic," she said. "This shape is mainly sculpted and it's pointed with a nice, soft cone shape. It has an exaggerated rise in the middle of the nail."
Sexy Nail Shape: Almond Nails
Almond nails look similar to oval nails, but according to Miss Pop, this shape is "an extreme form of oval that comes to more of a point because it is so tapered." Ariana Grande [9] wears the look often, typically with a classic french manicure [10] like the one she was seen wearing in her engagement photos.