January 21, 2022
By: Catharine Malzahn | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
If there’s one thing we love, it’s a fresh acrylic set. Coffin nails are one of our favorite nail shapes, and they’re equally loved by nail artists, style icons and celebrities alike. If you’re looking for a fun yet practical nail shape — the long, flat top makes them more durable than a stiletto-shaped nail — coffin nails are the way to go.
Ahead, learn more about coffin nails and check out some of our favorite coffin nail designs so you have all the inspo you need for your next trip to the nail salon.
What Are Coffin Nails?
Coffin nails are one of the most popular nail shapes right now, in part due to them being Kylie Jenner’s go-to nail shape for quite some time. With a long, flat edge on the top and squared corners, they get their name from looking like a coffin itself. Sometimes called ballerina nails, the coffin shape also resembles a pointe shoe as well.
Coffin nails are usually created using a set of acrylics — unless you’re one of the lucky ones blessed with long, strong nails, it’d be pretty difficult to create that shape using your natural nail. But, if you’re not ready to commit to acrylics just yet, there are tons of fun press-on nails you can try to feel out the shape and length of a coffin nail. Press-ons are becoming more and more popular, so they’re easy to come by and available in a wide variety of lengths, shapes and designs.
How Long Do Coffin Nails Last?
While coffin nails aren’t the weakest nail shape, they’re not the strongest either. As Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of nail care brand Olive & Junesaid, a round or squoval shape will be the most resistant to breakage thanks to the lack of sharp edges around the nail. Without sharp edges, there are no weak points in the nail. The sharp edges of a coffin nail may not last as long as a more rounded shape.
The amount of time a coffin nail will last depends on the application, the strength of your nail and a variety of other factors. To keep your nails healthy, acrylic nails should be changed approximately every four weeks .
Wondering how to help make your manicure last longer? Try applying a cuticle oil, like the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, twice a day for stronger, more hydrated nail beds.
Coffin Nail Designs
Short Coffin Nails
Short coffin nails are a fun way to rock the trend if you don’t feel comfortable with a longer set. Even with shorter coffin nails, you can choose a solid color, French tips or a subtle design like polka dots or checkers. Yin-yang nail designs are one of our favorites right now.
Medium Coffin Nails
If you’re not sure how you feel about a set of long acrylics, medium-length coffin nails are the perfect introduction to get more comfortable with long nails. Choose a design that speaks to you, like swirls or stripes. We’re loving negative space nail art.
Long Coffin Nails
Long coffin nails are especially fun, thanks to the extra real estate on the nail to come up with creative designs. If you want to let your personality shine with bejeweled nails or a really bold design, like the ones celebrity nail artist Chaun Legend creates, long coffin nails are the way to go.
Coffin French Tip Nails
A French tip doesn’t just mean a white tip anymore! French tip coffin nails are super popular right now and are being done in new and creative ways. From pink to green to rainbow or pastel color schemes, you can find ways to make a French tip look different and more exciting than ever.
Summer Coffin Nails
When we think of summer, we think of bright, vibrant colors. With so many color and design options, summer coffin nails can look like anything fun and festive, from floral to fruity designs. You can show off a trendy maximalist style with prints and art like never before.
Winter Coffin Nails
If you want to get cozy, opt for a more neutral color for your winter coffin nails. From light blue to a classic snowy white, your nails’ hue may help get you into the holiday spirit. Plus, with nail designs being so popular right now, you can try a snowflake design or pearly-finish accent nail for extra holiday cheer.
Marble Coffin Nails
The only thing more fun than wearing marble coffin nails is watching the TikTok videos of nail artists creating the marble effect for a client. Marble coffin nails can work for any length and almost any color, too, making them extra versatile and full of personality.
White Coffin Nails
Sometimes a classic white nail just does the trick. They can be perfect if you’re headed to a wedding or if you’re looking to keep it simple. There’s nothing quite like minimalistwhite nails, but if you want to add a little extra oomph, try adding a single polka dot at the bottom of the nail or a little jewel to bedazzle your style.
Nude Coffin Nails
Like white, nude nails are forever classy and a great go-to. They’re also the easiest to wear since you can count on them matching with nearly everything. Simple and chic, you can rock nude coffin nails on their own or with a bit of rhinestone work to up the ante. They look great in a high-gloss or matte finish, and you can even try adding an accent nail if you want to switch things up.
Photos: @bombnails_aurora, @nailsamazing7
