Almond-Shaped Nails: How to Achieve This Chic Look + Expert Nail Care Tips 

According to celebrity nail manicurist and brand founder Deborah Lippmann, almond-shaped nails are very French-esque. And when has French-inspired beauty ever led us astray? Our point exactly. Below, find everything you need to know about the almond nail shape, including how to get it and expert-approved tips for a salon-level manicure. 

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While you could always head to a nail salon to carve your almond-shaped tips, you can also accomplish this look at home with a few easy steps: 

If you're doing an at-home manicure, the first step is always to remove any previous lacquer from your nails. Even if your nails weren't previously painted, using a nail polish remover will help provide a clean surface. Lippmann recommends holding a saturated reusable cotton pad on the nail, holding for five seconds, and working in an S-motion from cuticle to tip. "If you have long nails, put less pressure on the tip and go from cuticle to tip so you're not breaking the nail in any way," she suggests. 

If you're new to shaping your nails at-home, remember to go slow. No need to speed through it! If you're rushing or working too aggressively, achieving the perfect shape on all 10 fingers can become quite the feat. 

Now that your almond-shaped nails are in place, the hard work is done. However, that doesn't mean you should forget all about pampering. Lippmann suggests preparing the nails for lacquer by creating a beautiful buff on the nail. Just be sure to rinse your hands and nails clean before applying polish. 

"This is one of the most important steps," Lippman says. "Soften and hydrate the nails and cuticles." In this step, you'll first focus on removing dead skin from the nails with a cuticle remover and pushing back the cuticles, too (see here for how to cut them safely). Once those cuticles are properly groomed, wipe the nail of debris and add a drop of cuticle oil to the base of each nail. 

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Just like a balanced scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, proper nail care is the first step to an eye-catching manicure—no matter the nail shape. Here are a few pro tips for proper nail care you can practice at-home. 

Lippmann says a great nail look starts with a great shape, which does require a few high-quality tools and products on hand. Her go-to's include a good nail file, cuticle remover, cuticle pusher, and cuticle oil. Using these tools before every paint job will make a world of difference in the look and health of your nails. 

Freshly painted tips are lovely, but a top-tier manicure is so much more than glossing your nails in color. Read: Dry, cracked or flaking hands can take away from an elevated finish. That's why Lippmann says moisturizing is key: To make matters easier, carry a hand cream in your purse or car. Since we wash our hands so often, they can easily become dry and ashy. No matter how oily or dry your skin is, it's best to lotion your hands after each time you wash (and derms say you may only have two minutes to trap in the moisture). 

Just like skin care routines and hair trims, regular nail hygiene is a must. Generally, experts recommend opting for a professional mani once every two weeks (they advise against more than two salon manicures a month). If that's not accessible for you, create a schedule that relies on at-home sessions, with a salon visit every once in a while if you can. The truth is, there really are no rules—just make sure your nails are getting the attention they deserve.

As important as external care is, don't forget to nourish your nail health from within. "Your nails are made of proteins and naturally need a lot of vitamins," Lin previously told mbg. There are plenty of vitamins on the market that can support strong and healthy nails (here's a list of our favorites), but some key ingredients to look for include biotin, collagen, keratin, omega-3s, and antioxidants, like vitamin C and E.*

Almond-shaped nails are universally flattering, chic, and easy to accomplish. It just takes some patience and precision to perfect the shape. Oh, and don't forget regular nail maintenance: The difference between a basic polish change and an elevated, salon-quality one is proper nail care.