If you frequently go to the nail salon, then you know there are many different nail shapes available. Trends are always changing and there may be certain shapes that are more popular than others, but it is also important to get a nail shape that flatters your fingers and your hands.
If you feel that your fingers are shorter or chubbier than some, there are specific nail shapes that can help elongate and flatter your fingers. You will want to ensure that you pick a nail shape that will give the illusion of longer fingers and not a shape that will make your fingers seem even shorter and chubbier than they are.
What Are the Best Nail Shapes for Fat or Chubby Fingers?
For those that may have fingers that are shorter and chubbier than others, there are specific nail shapes that will flatter your fingers and can truly make them appear longer and slimmer than they are. A nail shape that is longer and goes to a thinner point will always give the illusion of a long finger.
Oval Nail Shape
The oval nail shape is a great choice. An oval-shaped nail is exactly as it sounds. The end of the nail is in a U shape. Shaping your nails in an oval gives the illusion of a long finger. Whether you have natural or artificial nails, they can be shaped into an oval shape by your nail technician.
Almond Nail Shape
Almond-shaped nails are very similar to ovals. However, with an almond shape, the end of the nail will be slightly more tapered with a rounded end. This is a great shape to consider if you have longer nails or you are wanting to get artificial nails. An almond-shaped nail will require some additional length. This shape will also give the appearance of a long and slender finger.
Stiletto Nail Shape
The stiletto nail shape is another great option to elongate the fingers and make them appear thinner. Stiletto shaped nails are similar to almond, but the end of the nails is a much thinner point. This shape of nails makes a statement, but can be very effective in making your fingers appear longer and thinner.
Coffin Nail Shape
Coffin nails are also an excellent choice for elongating the fingers. A coffin shape will be similar to an almond shape, but with a square edge at the end. The nail will be angled in a square shape from a wider end to a smaller tip.
Nail Shapes to Avoid for Fat Fingers
If you want to avoid making your fingers appear shorter and chubbier, then there are certain nail shapes to avoid. A lot of the reason behind why nail shapes make the fingers look longer or shorter is due to the angles at which the nails are shaped.
Square
Square nails are not a good idea for shorter and fatter fingers. Having a sharp edge to the nails essentially shortens the look of the finger. Square nail shapes will also make the nail beds appear shorter and draw attention to a nail bed that may be larger.
Round
Rounded nails are also not a good idea if you are trying to elongate the finger and nail bed. A round shape will shorten the appearance of the finger and nail. In a way similar to square, by having such a stark end to the nail without any tapering, it creates the illusion of a small finger.
Flares
Although flared nails were a bit of a trend many years ago, some people’s natural nails will grow into a bit of a flare shape. If your nail grows wider as it grows out, then it is important to have your nail filed into a more flattering shape. If your nails grow wider as they grow longer, this is going to make your fingers look even chubbier than they actually are. A nail technician should easily be able to file your nail into one of the more flattering shapes such as oval or almond.
Do Longer Nails Make Your Fingers Look Thinner?
When it comes to nails and nail shapes, if you are wanting to elongate the fingers, then the length of your nails will help that illusion. You do not have to have extremely long nails to help your fingers appear longer, but if you want to not only have a flattering shape, then a little extra length to your nails will help as well.
Longer nails make the fingers look longer due to the extra length at the end of the finger. Physically, your finger will be longer but also the eye is drawn out further. You will want your nails to be longer than they are wide in order to give the appearance of a slimmer finger. Even growing your nails out slightly can make a large difference because they can then be easily filed into a flattering shape.
You can either try to grow your nails out slightly or you can get artificial nails to create the added length. An experienced nail technician should be able to shape your real nails or artificial nails exactly the same. If you are trying to make a difference immediately, then using an artificial nail will be the fastest way to give the appearance of long, thin fingers.
What Nail Colors Make Fingers Look Slimmer?
It is true that certain nail colors along with certain nail shapes can make your fingers look slimmer. Bright or vibrant colors are not best when trying to give the appearance of slim fingers. Sticking to light or sheer colors will be the most flattering on chubby or short fingers.
A trick to also making the fingers appear longer is to not paint the entire surface area of the nail bed, but leave a tiny gap on the sides of the nail bed. This will not be noticeable to those looking at your nails, but will give the appearance of long, thin nail beds, which will in turn make your fingers appear longer and slimmer.
Light Pink
Light pink is an easy go-to that will be flattering on anyone. There are thousands of shades of light pink when it comes to nail colors, so pick one that you love and it will be a great way to help elongate your fingers.
Neutrals
Any nude colors are also great choices when it comes to elongating your fingers. There are many nudes available so if you pick one that flatters your skin tone and one that you like then it will be a beautiful choice. When it comes to neutrals, you can choose from a wide range of beiges, tans, and browns. If you pick a nude color that is close to your skin tone, you virtually eliminate the line from your finger to your nail which will make your finger appear much longer and thinner due to the color of your nail looking similar to your nail polish color.
Clear Polish
Another great option when it comes to nail color is to go with something plain and do a clear polish. A clear polish will also give your fingers an elongated appearance as you can clearly see the full surface area of the nail. A clear polish can make a huge difference, especially if you have longer nails.
French Tip
If you are wanting something classic and timeless, but also something that will elongate your fingers, a French manicure is a great polish choice. Keeping it uniform with a white line at the tip will also give the appearance of a long finger. It is important to be sure that the white tip of your nail is not too thick or this can create the look of a shorter and chubbier finger.
Next time you are at the nail salon, be sure to mention to your nail technician what you are trying to achieve and do not be embarrassed to bring up that you are wanting your fingers to look longer and thinner. Nail technicians should be able to give you any shape you desire, even if you have to utilize an artificial nail. You can always reference this guide to find which shapes will work best for your fingers, which to avoid, and which polish colors will be the most flattering. There are many options available for nail shapes and colors that will flatter shorter and chubbier fingers so you are guaranteed to find something that you like!
