Both ballerina and coffin nails are popular nail shapes these days, but what’s the difference?
And which one should you choose for your next manicure?
I’m going to be discussing the main difference between coffin nails and ballerina nails. Also, discuss the benefits of the perfect shape.
What Is The Ballerina Nails Shape?
The ballerina nails shape, also known as “coffin nails”, is a popular nail trend that has become incredibly popular in recent years.
This trend features long, slim and tapered nail shapes with square-shaped tips.
The square shape resembles the pointe shoes / ballerina slippers worn by ballet dancers, hence the name and nail length.
To achieve this narrow nail bed look, the technician will start by filing your nails into an oval or almond shape.
Then gradually tapering them towards the tip to create a more refined shape, with straight edges, which is almost angled at 45° for each corner of the square-tip.
It’s important to note that ballerina nails require patience and precision.
It requires very precise filing techniques by a nail expert, to ensure that all sides remain even and symmetrical.
You should make sure you have a good acetone free cuticle remover on hand to prevent any chipping due to uneven edges during the shaping process.
Ballerina nails are essentially lightweight and elegant looking while remaining durable enough.
So you can confidently go about your daily activities without worrying about damage caused by everyday wear and tear such as typing or washing dishes without gloves.
What Kind Of Hands Are Best Suited To Ballerina Shaped Nails?
Ballerina shaped nails, sometimes referred to as coffin nail shape or stiletto nails due to their unique shape, are becoming increasingly popular.
These nails feature a long, slim oval cut that tapers sharply at the tip of the nail and leaves very little room for the natural nail bed.
While this look can be achieved with any types of hands, those with slender fingers and small hands tend to be best suited for ballerina shaped nails.
Those with larger or wider fingers may find it difficult to wear such a delicate shape on their longer nail beds.
Due to the narrow shape and lack of space on these types of nails, precision filing is important to get an even finish across all fingers.
Something which people with smaller hands often find easier than those with bigger hands.
As ballerina shaped nails need good maintenance due to their length and sharp tips, they require regular trimming and buffing.
Again something which is easier to achieve if you have smaller, slender hands rather than larger ones.
After all, in order for your manicure to result in an elegant curved point at the tip of each nail.
You need superior control over your movements when filing or shaping them.
What Is The Coffin Nails Shape?
The coffin style nails give hands a stylish yet elegant look, while also providing plenty of surface area with which to work.
This type of nail art allows for great versatility when it comes to how you choose to decorate them.
Coffin nails are typically longer than other types of nails, usually reaching anywhere from 1/4 inch all the way up to an inch or more, depending on the desired effect.
These types of nails generally have a square tip at the top and narrow slightly at each side as they go down until they reach their widest point near the center.
It is from this widest spot that they then taper off into a squared point again at the end—the “coffin” shape—giving them their name.
Coffin nails can be created using tips or fake acrylics and come in many different colors and textures, allowing you to customize your nails however you wish.
What Kind Of Hands Are Best Suited To Coffin Shaped Nails?
Coffin shaped nails are best suited to people with long hands, since they provide plenty of room for the extension of the nail.
People with shorter hands may be better off opting for shorter, rounder or square nails instead, since coffin shaped nails can easily become overwhelming on smaller fingers.
Coffin shaped nails require a steady and precise hand when filing, with a nail file.
It’s important that all corners be filed away neatly to achieve the desired shape for this style of nail art.
People with smaller hands may find it more difficult to achieve the level of precision required for this type of nail.
Those with shorter fingers should ensure that the coffin nails don’t overpower the size of their hands by opting for a shorter length and thickness, at the nail salon.
Ballerina Vs Coffin Nails: What Is The Difference?
When thinking about different nail shapes like coffin vs ballerina nails, ballerina nails, also known as stiletto nails design, have an almond-shaped tip to them.
The narrow end of the nail is known as the point or cap, while the wider end is referred to as the belly.
This type of nail gives a feminine and elegant look.
On the other hand, coffin nails are longer than ballerina nails and have a square nail shape effect at the tip.
Coffin shaped nails make it easier to create intricate designs because they don’t have a wide surface area like ballerina shaped ones do.
In terms of maintenance and styling, both types require similar steps but differ in length.
For instance, when applying gel polish on a ballerina nail shape, one must be careful not to cause shrinkage due to its naturally thin design.
However with coffin shapes due to their larger sizes tending towards cracking easily when exposed to heat.
But can ensure a more even distribution when spread across them for superior-looking results compared to thinner shapes like that of ballerinas’.
How To Decide Which Is The Best Nail Shape For You?
When it comes to deciding on the best nail shape for you, it really depends on several factors, such as your lifestyle, personality and your daily activities.
Consider if you put your hands in water a lot, since square or round shaped nails are more suitable for people with active lifestyles, as these shapes won’t break easily.
Also consider the length of your fingers when considering a shape.
As shorter nails tend to look better with oval shaped nails, while longer nails may suit other more angular shapes better.
However, don’t be afraid to experiment. Open yourself up to trying different shapes and find one that suits both your aesthetic and lifestyle preference.
What’s The Difference Between Almond Nails And Coffin Nails?
Almond nails, sometimes referred to as “ballerina” nails, are long and tapered at the end, resembling the shape of an almond.
Their tapered shape gives ample room for creative nail art designs. They are usually quite long, but can be shaped to whatever length someone desires.
Coffin nails, on the other hand, are named after their resemblance to actual caskets, as they resemble a cone shape.
Coffin nails are usually longer than almond nails and tend to be more squared off.
Coffin nails don’t have as much room as almond nails to show off creative designs, but they do look more sophisticated and structured.
Almond vs Oval Nails – What Is the Difference?
Almond shaped nails and oval shaped nails are two popular nail shapes that both provide a modern look and style.
Both can be made to look glamorous or low-key depending on how you shape them, but there are some distinct differences between the two.
The almond shape is more pronounced than the oval shape, with the end of the nail tapering off in a pointy ‘V’ shape to give it an almost exaggerated appearance.
These come in different lengths, from short to long, but its distinctive curved tip will always remain consistent.
With an almond nail, there’s also usually less filing required since the cuticle won’t need to be skimmed away as much as with oval nails, so this one wins points when it comes to time saving.
Oval nails have rounded edges that go outwards instead of up at the tip like almond shaped nails do.
This makes them appear smoother and more natural while still keeping a chic feel compared to classic square styles or round nails.
They also require less filing since there are no sharp corners to work around, allowing for quicker manicures, which is great if you often find yourself short on time.
Plus, they never go out of fashion because their timeless elegance fits any occasion, no matter what season it is.
So, as you can see, these two types of nails may look quite similar at first glance, but upon closer inspection you will notice just how different they really are.
Almond shaped nails take on a more eye-catching appearance, whereas oval shapes provide more subtle and refined beauty for those who want something a bit more understated yet still stylish – perfect for all occasions.
Top Ballerina and Coffin Nail Aftercare Tips
Taking care of your nails after a trip to the salon is essential to maintaining their health and beauty.
Here are some top tips for keeping your nails looking their best, and keeping your nails strong:
- Start by gently washing your hands with warm water and soap. This will remove any traces of debris or chemicals that could potentially damage your nails.
- Next, apply a cuticle oil or cream to your nails and massage it in. This will help to keep the cuticles soft and hydrated, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle.
- Once a week, treat yourself to a nail mask or wrap. These typically involve leaving your nails soaking in nutrients for 10-15 minutes, which can help to deeply condition the nails.
- Finally, be sure to always use a base coat before applying polish, and a top coat after the polish has dried. This will help to protect your nails from chips and cracks.
Summary
Coffin and ballerina nails are two different types of popular acrylic nail shapes.
Ballerina nails feature a slim and tapered shape, while coffin nails have a more squared off tip, and are the shape of a coffin.
Both require precision filing to ensure even edges, but coffin nails require more patience and skills due to their larger surface area.
The types of hands best suited for each also differs, with those with slender fingers being better suited to ballerina shaped nails, while coffin-shaped nails suit people with longer hands.
Whichever long nail style you choose should depend on your lifestyle and personality, as well as the length of your fingers.
No matter what shape you go for, though, it is important to look after your manicure properly to maintain its health and beauty.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!