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Pale-pink nails topped with arcs of stark white along the tips have long been known as a French manicure. After briefly falling out of favor, the classic look has fully had its revival, and nail artists have started to tweak it with patterns, brights, and creative color schemes. These fun twists now have a new name in the nail-art world: the American manicure. 

Well, I take that back. The moniker isn’t actually new, but it’s taken on a new definition. Manicurist Tom Bachik first heard of the American manicure back in the ’90s after graduating from nail school. (Now you can catch him decorating the tips of Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Olivia Rodrigo.) At the time the American manicure was basically a French manicure with tips painted a less intense white with a more natural, skin-tone-flattering base. “A great way to achieve this was to polish the white first, then apply the neutral shade over the whole nail, including the white,” Bachik recalls. “It softened the look.”

Back then, Bachik also heard people referring to monochromatic French manicures as American manicures. For example, baby-blue nails with navy-blue tips. In both cases, he believed the term was a marketing tactic in the ’90s. However, with nail art trends sprouting on a daily basis in 2021, thanks to social media, calling alternate takes on the classic French manicure an American manicure just makes sense. 

These days American manicures are mostly done with subtler tones, nail artist Lolly Koon tells Allure. A sheer, natural-color base—or simply a clear coat—is painted on to look more like the actual nail. This change also flatters each individual’s complexion in a more subtle way than the striking pink of traditional French manis, Bachik explains. 

As for the tips, manicurists often reach for a creamy, off-white polish for the latest American manicures. He most recently graced the nails of Lily Aldridge with the look for the 2021 Met Gala (as seen above), as well as J.Lo’s for a fashion event in Venice. 

13. Use a specialized base coat.

Speaking of glitter, did you know there are now peel-off base coats that work wonders for removing tough-to-get-off textures? They’re particularly game-changing if you want a little sparkle on the weekends but can’t show up to the office on Monday with your nails looking like a Katy Perry concert. Try UNT Ready for Takeoff Peelable Base Coat.

14. If you’re in a rush, pick a sheer shade.

“If you’re running out the door, choose a sheer because it’s dummy-proof,” says Rita Remark, Essie global lead educator. “Just one coat works to give your nails new life.” (May we suggest the ever-popular Ballet Slippers? Queen Elizabeth is a fan; just saying.) But if you’re going with full-on color, make sure to stick to the basics: a base, two coats of polish, and a topcoat. Otherwise, you’re opening your quick job to ever faster chips and peels.

15. Treat your nail care like skin care.

Ever wonder how those women with long almond nails keep them from breaking? “It requires constant care and TLC,” says Remark. That obviously sounds like a lot of work, but think of it like this: “During your nighttime routine, add a step to take care of your nails. So when you’re done with your face, put on cuticle oil after that.” It helps to keep a bottle of it right next to your bed.

16. Take your time. 

If you’re not waiting at least one or two minutes before applying another coat of color or a topcoat, you’re not giving the solvents in your polish enough time to evaporate (which, ultimately, is what dries your nails). Edwards describes it this way: “You know how there’s a difference when you cook something in the microwave versus when you cook it in the oven? It holds the flavor in more when you take the time to use the oven. The same can be said for your nails. The longer you wait between coats, the more it’ll keep your color locked in.” Use your iPhone timer if you really need help slowing yourself down.

17. Simple nails often make the biggest impact.

Talk to any pro artist and they’ll agree: You don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to make a statement. Naomi Gonzalez-Longstaff loves creamy pastels, especially soft pinks; Rose Velez-Miggins likes a mixture of pale shades and earthy tones that flatter all different skin tones; and Choi is all about androgynous colors (think greige and browns) with a squoval (squarish oval) tip. (See the best versions of all of them here.)

18. An edgier look is as easy as applying a topcoat.

“I love applying a matte topcoat to my designs lately,” says nail artist Betina Goldstein, who’s Insta-famous for her minimal—but stunning—take on nail art. “It adds a bit of edge and sophistication to any minimal design or polish. A simple black dot on a nail with a matte topcoat transforms what could be childish into a more chic look.”

19. Seal off your nails. 

Nicks and chips tend to happen most at the tip of the nail, and yet the majority of us forget to give that part a little extra topcoat love. Try this trick; it acts like Saran Wrap for the polish on that area: “Take a topcoat and run a horizontal swipe of it over the bottom edge of your nail after you do your last coat,” says Edwards. Let it dry, and repeat one more time.

20. Don’t sleep on gems or crystals.

Can’t paint your nails? Don’t bother. Slick on a shiny topcoat like Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel or a sheet nude like Chanel Ballerina, then use a silicone dotting tool or tweezers to place tiny embellishments on your nails. “Adding small pearls, gems, or accents is very easy, and you do not need to be very savvy with the paint brush,” says Goldstein. She recommends also using nail glue first to secure the stone, then capping it on top—along with a topcoat over that—to ensure it doesn’t get caught in your hair.

21. When in doubt, there are always press-ons.

Another option if you need to paint your nails in pinch: Skip the dry time and go straight for press-ons, like Kiss imPress. “The prep is the key,” says Edwards. “You want to make sure your nails are free from oil. So buff your nail, get rid of the shine, and push back your cuticles. If you have even the smallest amount of cuticle over your nails, it’ll continue to grow and can pop off the nail.” (See more of the best press-on nails, here). 

Lindsay Schallon is a writer in New York. Follow her on Instagram @lindsayshcallon. 

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There are plenty of tough decisions to be made at the nail salon. But while we talk a lot about choosing a color, nail shapes are just as important (if not more so). Not only can different nail shapes change the look of your hands, they can also set the mood for your mani before you even pick the best nail polish shade or nail art ideas. Think about it: short, nude round nails and nude stiletto nails have a very different vibe. 

While which nail shape you go with mostly depends on your preference and personality, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading to the salon or picking up a file. “When picking a nail shape, I like to look at the shape of your cuticle area,” says manicurist and Sally Hansen brand ambassador Hannah Lee. “I find that if it’s more rounded, then a round or oval shape typically looks best. And if it’s wider, then a square or squoval shape may work.”

It’s also important to not only keep your aesthetic in mind, but also your lifestyle. “I would avoid extreme nails shapes if you’re conservative with nail trends,” says celebrity manicurist and Kiss ambassador Gina Edwards. “And if you’re in a labor-intensive industry with your hands, you can wear most nail shapes, but start with a shorter length then grow into a longer nail.” She adds that while you should always treat your nails with care no matter what the shape, longer shapes need to be handled with extra caution and your should never use your nails as tools. And if you can’t decide on a shape, it’s super easy to switch it up with press-ons. 

Below, Edwards and Lee break down what you need to know about every nail shape out there. 

1. Round Nails

As the name suggests, round nails have a rounded tip and look great with nails of any length. They’re also easy to maintain and do yourself at-home. “This shape works best if you have shorter fingers since it will make your fingers look longer,” says Lee. “It’s also great if you’re active, since a shorter rounded nail won’t break as easily and requires no special care.” To get the shape, she suggests to file from one side following the natural shape of your finger tip until you have a rounded shape. Lee likes a classic French manicure on rounder nails, but they also look great in deeper red shades. 

2. Oval Nails

Think of an oval as an elongated round nail. “This shape gives an elegant look if you have long nails, and also lengthens if you have wide nail beds,” says Lee. “Oval nails are great for those that want classic medium-length nails.” To get the shape on your own, file each side of the nail going in one direction using a slight diagonal angle to create an almond shape, then slightly round out the tip. Lee says ovals make a great base for nail art, but she particularly loves an ombré.

3. Square Nails

This one is pretty self explanatory, as a square shape has a straight across edge. “I find it looks best if your cuticle area is not super rounded,” says Lee. When it comes to square nails, length makes a huge difference. Shorter square nails look more fresh and modern, while square acrylics have a fun ’90s feel. Short square nails look amazing with deeper shades, or consider trying a crisp white. 

4. Stiletto Nails

Like the heel of a killer pair of shoes, stiletto nails have a long, pointed tip. They are daring and edgy, and a popular choice with celebrities like Cardi B and Rihanna. “This shape is best with long nails and narrow nail beds, and is popular with acrylics so if you’re looking for an edgy look, this is for you,” says Lee. “Since stilettos are longer and done mainly with acrylics, you want to make sure you care for them so they last long, so don’t use them as tools. Rhinestone designs are great for this shape since you have a lot of space to work with.” Want to try them on your own? There are plenty of cool press-on options like these ones, below.

5. Coffin Nails

Another celeb favorite, coffin nails have angled sides and a squared-off tip to create the coffin shape. Lee recommends coffin nails for those who aren’t afraid of a bold look and says the trend looks amazing on slender fingers with acrylic nails. “Like stiletto, these require salon maintenance, so make sure to get your fills when needed,” she says. “Also, don’t use them as tools to help them last longer.” Coffin nails look cool with any color, but a subtle ombré or matte finish adds extra edge. 

6. Squoval Nails

A squoval nail shape combines two looks in one—a mix of square and oval. Basically, you file straight across for a square shape first, but round out the edges. “These work well on long or short fingers, and looks best if they are medium to short in length,” says Lee. “A squoval shape is great for someone who is active and doesn’t want to worry too much about their nails.” Since it’s such a subtle shape, it works with pretty much any color or art you want. 

7. Almond Nails

“Almond shapes are very flattering and chic and work best with longer nails,” says Lee. “It’s common with acrylic nails, so if you go that route it will require salon maintenance. This shape is great if you want something chic and modern.” If you have long nails, you can get the almond shape by filing each side of the nail to create a peak, and then rounding it out for the pretty almond shape. Lee loves negative space designs on this nail shape, while pastels look super ladylike. 

8. Ballerina Nails

Ballerina nails are similar to coffin nails, except the sides are a little more curved before they hit the flat tip—like a ballet dancer’s pointe shoe. “They’re best with long acrylic nails and will require salon maintenance,” says Lee. “Rhinestones or glitter gradients look great with this shape.”

9. Lipstick Nails

“This is for those who want a statement trendy nail,” says Edwards. A lipstick tip has a straight across square shape, with one angled side to create that cool lipstick shape. It has to be done with acrylics, so be prepared for upkeep if you’re after this look. Lee says that minimal designs like a slanted French tip look best with this trend to really show off the unique shape. But if you’re really feeling bold, go with a cartoony manicure for something totally one-of-a-kind. 

10. Flare Nails

Flare nails have a very early aughts feel. Particularly because with this shape, you really have to commit to acrylics or tips. “The tip flares out wider than the rest of the nail so there’s no way to really get this shape unless you get them formed or used flare tips,” says Lee. “The most common designs I see are French tips with some bling.”

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty assistant at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_. 

What makes this cuticle oil so effective is that it contains a mix of nourishing, natural ingredients like safflower oil, vitamin E, milk, and honey. It smells soft and sweet, like a fragrant orchid. The oil comes out in thick blobs via a dropper, and I really like the applicator because it gives me full control over how much product I’m using. The oil itself dries up in less than a minute, leaving no grease stains behind—just soft, moisturized nail beds. I use the product daily, usually after washing hands or doing dishes, and before any hand cream. If I’m giving myself a mani, I’ll smooth a few drops on my cuticles before applying nail polish. Any excess I just rub between my fingers. 

I tend to get by with a single drop per hand even though the instructions recommend a drop per finger. At the rate with which I use it, I wouldn’t be surprised if this oil lasted me two full years. (Right now I’m three months in and hardly put a dent in the bottle.) 

Because a little goes such a long way, the Cuccio Cuticle Oil basically pays for itself. It’s also on sale right now for $9, making it cheaper than similar products on the market. You may not need another addition to your at-home manicure kit, but considering all the sanitizing we’ve been doing, our nails could definitely use some extra TLC. Take it from a self-professed cuticle picker: few get the job done quite like Cuccio. 

Because of the pandemic, it’s been a while since Instagram collectively lost its mind over a nail trend, but that’s all changed with the emergence of velvet nails. 

Over the past week the glimmering, dimensional, and utterly mesmerizing manicure has dominated social media. It’s easy to see why everyone is obsessed. Like their namesake fabric, velvet nails are super dimensional, and have that signature velvety sheen. However, despite their textured look, they aren’t actually fuzzy—it’s just a trick of the light. 

We first noticed the trend on Amy Le, a nail artist in L.A. Her video of pale green velvet nails perfectly shows off the polish’s cool effect and quickly made its way around the internet. In fact, her video got so popular that Le shared a breakdown on her Patreon, where she talks through the exact polish and technique she used. (It’s a small fee to sign up, but the result is well worth it, and a great way to show support while COVID is taking a heavy toll on the nail industry.) 

While she’ll be keeping that info secret unless you subscribe, there are a few other options to get the same vibe at home. Some nail artists use flocking powder—a powder you dip you nails into to create either a velvet texture or metallic glitter—while others use magnetic  or “cat eye” polish. 

Nail artist Betina Goldstein posted her own version of the look using Korean brand Think of Nail polish, while Christine Doan shared a tutorial using Japanese brand Ice Gel’s magnetic polish. 

If you don’t want to wait on international shipping, you could get a similar effect with a holographic polish and an extremely shiny topcoat. But honestly, your best bet to get this look is to head to your salon, as they’ll likely have easier access to the pro materials needed for the technique. (Just remember to take COVID safety precautions.)

Even if you don’t plan on copying it, there’s no denying they’re insanely pretty to look at. Scroll on for some of our favorite takes on the trend, and prepare to obsess.

Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.