Guide

Choosing your nails

A few pointers so you know what you want before you sit down at the salon.

Shapes

Clean and modern. Lovely on short nails and wide nail beds, but the corners can snag.

A square with soft corners: sturdy, easy to wear, and flattering on almost every hand.

The most practical. Perfect for short nails, busy hands and fragile nails.

Makes fingers look longer and slimmer. Works at medium and long lengths.

Tapered sides and a flat tip, striking when long. Usually needs gel or tips.

Pointy and bold. Almost always extensions; skip it if your hands are always busy.

Barely past the fingertip, if at all. Zero hassle.

A few millimeters past the fingertip. Elegant and still practical.

Real wow factor, usually with extensions (gel or tips).

Technique	Lasts	Best for
Regular polish	3 to 7 days	Changing color often, no lamp, no soak-off.
Gel polish	2 to 3 weeks	A crisp, lasting color on your natural nails.
Builder gel	3 to 4 weeks	Fragile nails, or a little extra length.
Tips / Gel-X	3 to 4 weeks	Instant length (almond, coffin, stiletto…).
Acrylic	3 to 4 weeks	Very strong, for long lengths; removal takes longer.

Almond shapes and shades close to your skin tone make fingers look longer.

Stick to short, round or squoval: fewer breaks, less snagging.

Change the skin tone at the top of the page: the same pink looks different on every hand.

Show the card (image + text), say which technique you want and ask how long it will last.

Cuticle oil at night, gloves for the dishes, and never use your nails as tools.

Take a few weeks off with a strengthening treatment, then start again short.