Ballerina nails have been trending in the beauty world, loved for their elegant and chic appearance. But what exactly defines a ballerina nail shape, and is it the same as coffin nails? While they are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between the two.
Understanding Nail Shapes
There are a lot of different nail shapes, and knowing the differences will help you get the shape you are asking for when you get your nails done.
You can see the ballerina nail shape on the infographic below, but no coffin shape. That’s because many places consider it the same thing and think of ballerina as more of a euphemism for coffin shape rather than its own design shape.
Ballerina Nails Vs. Coffin Nails
Ballerina nails and coffin nails are very similar, so it’s important to understand the difference if you in for a manicure and request one of these shapes. Many people confuse the two.
Ballerina nails are shaped like the toe of a ballerina’s pointe shoe—long, tapered, and squared off at the tip. This style gives a graceful and refined look, perfect for those who want a balance between edgy and sophisticated.
Check out the photo below of the ballerina point shoe to understand the shape better:
Coffin nails, on the other hand, are nearly identical but tend to have a slightly sharper and more dramatic tip, resembling the shape of a coffin.
Think old timey Dracula style coffin, not the plain rectangle we see so often today.
Flip this coffin upside down and you have the coffin nail shape:
The key distinction lies in the finish. Ballerina nails have a softer, more curved taper, making them appear slightly more delicate, whereas coffin nails lean toward a more angular, sharper and defined edge.
The nails in the photo above are more ballerina style. If the edges were sharper and thinner, they would be coffin nails.
Soft Edges or Sharply Defined
Both styles offer a sleek and modern look, working beautifully with acrylics or gel extensions.
Whether you prefer the subtle elegance of ballerina nails or the bold definition of coffin nails, both shapes provide a trendy and stylish way to elevate your manicure. Just make sure you know what you are asking for!
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