Coffin Nails (Also Known As Ballerina Nails) Sound Scarier Than They Look (2024)

FAQs

Are coffin nails the same as ballerina nails? ›

Though many places tend to lump them in together, there is a slight difference between ballerina nails and coffin nails that you can use to distinguish the type you want. They both follow the shape of a stiletto nail towards the tips, but the ballerina nail appears wider because of its rounded edges.

Coffin nails (also known as ballerina nails) are essentially the stiletto nail, but with a square rather than pointy tip.

Ballerina nails (also known as coffin-shaped nails) are Kylie Jenner's signature nail shape. Ballerina nails are essentially the stiletto nail, but with a square rather than pointy tip. They're called ballerina nails or coffin nails because the shape resembles both a coffin and a ballerina's slipper.

Ballet nails are a shape that sits halfway between an almond nail (tapered with a round tip) and a coffin nail (tapered with a sharp tip). "Ballerina nails have a soft, tapered square shape that resembles the pointe shoes in ballet," says expert Amy Oung.

This sophisticated shape can give you an elegant and classy look, regardless of how you choose to design your them. Plus, they make your fingers look slimmer, which can be a lifesaver if you enjoy wearing rings. Coffin nails also look fantastic regardless of your favorite nail length.

Oval-shaped nails are considered classic and feminine, being similar to an almond but a bit more blunt. They have softly rounded edges that follow the natural shape of the fingertip, helping elongate nails in both width and length. Square-shaped nails have straight, flat edges and sharp corners.

Everyone can go for this trendy nail shape. Especially, if you are the girl who cannot grow out her nails and wants really long, cool nails, our team would suggest you coffin nails as the way to go.

Ballerina nails are essentially the stiletto nail, but with a square rather than pointy tip. They're called ballerina nails or coffin nails because the shape resembles both a coffin and a ballerina's slipper.

The coffin shape is unique because the nail bed and nail tip are kept to the same width, while the middle part of the nail is shaped wider. This narrow-wide-narrow shape gives an "illusion of narrow nail beds and slim fingers," explains Hirsch Hunty, a nail artist from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Why choose coffin nails? They elongate the fingers and provide a bigger canvas for nail art. And they obviously add a bit of edge to every outfit. They've also been seen on the fingers of myriad celebrities, from nearly all of the Kardashian-Jenners (Jenner-Kardashians?) to Zendaya.

Are coffin nails still in style 2024? ›

In terms of shapes, we will see medium to longer lengths with softened stiletto, coffin and almond shapes continuing to dominate. Spring: Think psychedelic, holographic, and pearlescent finishes that nod to an immersive, alternate reality.

2024 Nail Trend: Short, Square Nails

Kandalec says many of her celeb clients are starting to ask for short, squared-off nails, which fits the natural, "clean" aesthetic everyone has been leaning into lately.

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

As for mermaid nails, the finish is everything. Think metallic silvers that replicate shimmering scales and aqua tones of sea foam, turquoise, and azure.

Vertically long and Almond nails are the most desired and long lasting of the bunch. They have long straight side walls and a beautiful arch. The perfect amount of strength and natural support.

For chubby fingers, you can opt for these nail shapes: oval, round, almond, and coffin.

Coffin Nails

However, this shape is filed straight across instead of featuring a rounded tip. Think of it as a cross between almond and square-shaped nails, except this shape is pretty much always worn long length, typically with acrylic nails or gel extensions.

Coffin or Ballerina

For this shape, nails "are narrower than your typical square shape with a squared-off tip," Lippman says.