Coffin nails—the name might conjure spooky images, but the reality is far more glamorous. This manicure style features long, tapered nails ending in a sharp, square tip, a shape that's become incredibly popular. While you might recognize the look, you may not have known its name until recently.
Also known as ballerina nails (due to their resemblance to a ballerina's slipper), this nail shape started with celebrities and quickly took the nail world by storm. Characterized by a tight C-curve, tapered sides, and a straight free edge, coffin nails are sometimes confused with ballerina nails. The key difference lies in the sides: ballerina nails softly curve into a narrow square tip, while coffin nails feature a defined, sharp edge creating a more angular square tip. This subtle difference significantly impacts the overall look, with the wider square tip of the coffin shape creating a universally elongating effect on the fingers.
While any color or art can be applied, whites and wine reds are particularly popular, often accented with gold and embellished with rhinestones or a matte finish. The unique shape—narrow at the base and tip, wider in the middle—creates an illusion of slimmer fingers and narrower nail beds.
Unlike fleeting trends like bubble or aquarium nails, coffin nails have achieved mainstream popularity, easily observable across various social media platforms. Their widespread adoption is evident in the high frequency of coffin nail designs found online.
To achieve this look, begin with a regular square nail shape on a long or extended nail. Carefully file the corners near the free edge to create the tapered shape.
Why the Coffin Nail Trend?
The rise in popularity is partly due to nail art's influence, but also improved accessibility. Until recently, creating coffin nails required specialized techniques. Now, readily available coffin-shaped nail tips and products make the style easier and faster to achieve, potentially lowering the cost for clients.
Coffin Nail Length and Time Commitment:
For an elegant, properly tapered shape, medium- to long-length nails are ideal. The perfect length varies based on personal preference, hand shape, and lifestyle; discussing length with your nail technician is crucial. A simple coffin nail set typically takes one to two hours. Adding nail art increases the time depending on design complexity. Press-on nails offer a quick alternative, taking under 10 minutes to apply.
Longevity and Maintenance:
Depending on your lifestyle, a coffin nail set can last two to six weeks. Over time, the sharp edges will naturally soften and round. While stylish, their length and defined corners may require more care than rounded nails.
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