Coffin Nails Are a Spooky-Chic Trend That Only Look Hard to Re-Create
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If you want a bold manicure but the stiletto nail shape is just a little too extra for you, then you can consider coffin nails a perfect compromise. The style, which looks like an oval mani with square tips, has won over plenty of fans due to its versatility and simplicity to re-create.
Perhaps this particular nail shape sounds familiar to you but by another name. That's because the manicure can also be referred to as "ballerina" nails — in fact, that's what Miss Pop, an NYC-based nail artist, calls the design. Since the sides of the tip are rounded off, she says the finished look is "soft and chic, like a ballet slipper."
What's more, Miss Pop says that coffin nails flatter fingers of all shapes and sizes, since the style is tapered at the ends. This creates an effect that thins and elongates your hands. Although coffin nails may look high-maintenance (and whether you need acrylic tips is solely dependent on your natural set) they are deceptively easy to maintain. According to Miss Pop, "Since the ballet shape does not file off the sides completely, like the stiletto [mani does], this nail does not break as easily."
Read on for Miss Pop's step-by-step tips on how to re-create this crazy-easy trend at home.
Do You Need Acrylic Tips For Coffin Nails?
Gel-phobes, this look is for you. For the most part, "You can wear the [coffin manicure] with natural nails, no acrylic enhancement necessary," said Miss Pop. But nail biters take note: "You will need long nails that are well over the fingertip, because this shape needs space to be achieved."
What's the Best Shape For Coffin Nails?
As you begin to shape the nail, Miss Pop says to file at a "slight diagonal angle from each side of the nail." This creates an almond — or oval — shape. Be sure that you're using a nail file that is 220 grit or higher — this Star Nail Four Sided Buffer ($11 for 12 blocks) will do the trick. As you're filing, "stroke in one direction" to maintain precision.
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Miss Pop says that "once you have an almond nail, simply stroke straight across the top, again in one direction, to square the very tip off." After that, Miss Pop likes to round the sides of the tip to prevent breakage.
What Designs Look Best on Coffin Nails?
And voila! You've just achieved the covetable coffin nail. If you're not inclined to paint on a macabre mani like the one above, Miss Pop says that you can put a matte topcoat over "pastel, beige, white, or dove gray polish on this shape." If you're in need of inspiration, we rounded up some of our favorite Autumn nails.
Can You Do Coffin Nails With a French Manicure?
If you want to combine two nail trends in one — both this style and the ever-popular french manicure — rest assured that you can. In fact, coffin shaped nails look great with french tips.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Groovy Coffin Nails
This coffin-nail design features blue and green with rhinestones.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Daisies
This long coffin-nail design features an accent fingernail with daisies and a second accent fingernail with rhinestones.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Abstract
This abstract coffin-nail design features a circular pattern as well as interesting 3D accents.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Ghosts
These long coffin nails with ghosts and spiderwebs are perfect for Halloween!
Coffin-Nail Designs: Dreamy Blue
These coffin nails feature light-blue nail polish and a fun cloud design.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Rhinestones
If you want to keep your coffin-nail design simple but glamorous, consider rhinestones.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Tropical Vacation
This coffin-nail design features palm trees and tropical drinks, the perfect manicure to ask for if you're headed on a tropical vacation or you just want to pretend you're on one.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Classic Black
We love this classic black look on these long coffin nails.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Red Double French
These red double french coffin nails are the perfect twist on a tried-and-true classic.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Animal Print
These long coffin nails feature a french manicure with an animal-print twist.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Ombré French
This ombré french design is gorgeous, and we love the addition of rhinestones to elevate it even further.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Galaxy
These long coffin nails feature a galaxy design with bright, abstract art and planets.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Classic French
If you're not sure what design to go for, a classic french manicure is always a great choice.
Coffin-Nail Designs: Marble French
These marble french nails are perfect for anyone who likes a classic coffin-nail look but wants something a little different.