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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. 

“People in Boston are generally very conservative with their nails, but there is a growing clientele that’s starting to play around with minimal and abstract nail art, which is super exciting,” says Boston nail artist Nina Park. She says her clients are loving shades of nude, mauves, metallic, and different shades of blue. Her most requested shade? “Deco Miami’s Champagne Mami is always a crowd pleaser. It’s a gorgeous rose gold metallic polish that compliments all skin tones.”

New York City: Quirky Neutrals 

New York City’s Paintbox is known for its modern, minimal nail art that still packs a punch, and the salon’s most requested shades follow suit. “Our clients are really going for brick and terracotta tones–our Like Spice polish has been our top-seller and a client favorite,” says creative director Mabelyn Martin. When clients want to break out neutrals, Martin notes that the forest green Like Wild has been popular, as is the glittery Like Magic, which she calls “nail art in a bottle.”

Chicago: Classic Blush 

Chicago women are all about nail art. “My clients tend to take risks and go outside their comfort zone with their nails because social media influences them,” says Tuyen Day, owner of T Nail Bar. She says different shades of nude are always the most popular, since they make the perfect backdrop to go all out on nail art. The most requested shade? OPI’s Put It In Neutral.

Las Vegas: Baby Pink 

The women in Sin City apparently leave the risk to the slots. But can you blame them when baby pink looks so good on everyone? “We have a very diverse clientele,” says Samantha M., owner of Nohea Nails. “A lot of people will only wear baby pinks, but we do get others who love bright colors no matter what time of year it is.” The most popular color requests she gets: OPI’s Funny Bunny and Mod About You. 

Seattle: Mismatched 

At Seattle’s Urban Nail Box, it’s not so much about one color, but several—the mismatched nail trend is going strong. “Mixing and matching different shades are a favorite at our shop,” says founder Rachel Dang. “This time of the year, people tend to go with neutral colors or very dark colors, but in different shades.” One of the more interesting popular colors people mismatch with? OPI’s It’s a Piazza Cake, a warm orange. 

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

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_.