Remember the 2021 coffin nail trend? Those were everywhere from acrylics to press-ons. But you’ll be surprised to know that the trend hasn’t gone anywhere! Even in the era of soft almonds and natural squares, you can still flaunt the good old trend if you are a coffin lover.
The coffin shape offers a chic and bold look for those who prefer to be extra when it comes to nails. From medium to extra-long, you can rock the shape in all variations as per your personality and preference.
But before you go ahead experimenting with the coffin nails, here’s all you need to know about the trend from how to achieve the look to the common misconceptions about coffins and ballerinas. Let’s dig into the details to clear all your doubts.
What are Coffin Nails? All You Need to Know About the Biggest Nail Trend
The foremost thing to know before anything is, what exactly coffin nails are and what is the hype about the trend for so many years now.
So what do you think of looking at the word “coffin”? Obviously, you think of a coffin box! But hold on, we are not talking about cremation here. Coffin nails aren’t something you’d wear for someone’s funeral. It is just the shape of the nails that resembles that of the coffin box.
And for those who are already aware of the trend, we’re sure you have seen it all over your Pinterest and Instagram. And of course, the trend has remained popular for years considering how edgy and stylish it looks.
What are Coffin Nails?
Essentially, coffin nails, to define, are nothing but stiletto nails where the pointy tip is replaced with a blunt square. it resembles the shape of a coffin box with triangular edges and a blunt tip. So when you ask for a coffin nail shape, your manicurist will file them in a long, tapered shape with a flat tip.
Also sometimes called the ballerina nail shape because it resembles the ballerina shoe, the shape is an elegant version of stilettos usually curated in acrylic manicures. The reason it is a versatile option is its defined shape that makes it look professionally done. It ideally has the same dimensions as the stilettos with angular edges but the ends are flattened into a squarish tip.
When did Coffin Nails Gain Popularity?
The coffin nail shape has been gaining popularity for years now since 2021. In the post-COVID era, the shape has been trending among celebrities and models and has been growing ever since. It is particularly the best choice for fake acrylic nail enhancements and press-on nails. It offers a versatile choice for experimenting with colors, patterns, and designs.
The OG shape has been showcasing fashion statements on catwalk fashion shows and among celebs like Kylie Jenner, Kardashians, Rihanna, and countless others. In fact, Kylie Jenner hasn’t worn any other nail shape in the last 6 years after she started flaunting the coffins.
Not just the celebs, coffin nails have been one of the most favorite Instagram beauty trends of 2020 and 2021. This owes to nail lovers’ obsession with the celeb-favorite long, square-tipped nail shape. Even many nail artists have globally experienced people requesting this shape.
One of the important reasons for the popularity of the coffin nail shape is that it has overcome the drawback of the ‘pointy’ stiletto nails which can make it difficult to manage the tip doing chores. It looks like a professional version of the all-time favorite square nails besides the elite appearance.
Why are Coffin Nails So Attractive?
There are certain reasons why coffin nails are loved by all nail enthusiasts. They are versatile and can be carried from ramps to the Internet because:
- They look flattering on all hands and finger shapes.
- They create an illusion of elongated fingers.
- They add a bold edge to all the outfits and makeup looks.
- The flat tip makes them stronger and more durable than stiletto nails.
- They provide a bigger canvas for nail art.
- They are more adventurous than the rounder shapes like almonds and ovals.
Who Should Choose Coffin Nails?
Coffin isn’t a limited-edition nail shape and can be adaptive for everyone. Any of you can sport this trend without worrying about the shape of your hands or fingers. If you are someone who loves wearing trendy nail colors and designs, this is the right choice for you.
For those who love long stiletto nails but are unable to save the pointy tip from breaking, you don’t have to settle for almonds and squares. Coffin nails can come to your rescue in such a situation. They serve dual-purpose with tapered edges of stilettos and a blunt tip of squares thereby giving a unique and chic look.
Also, if you’re unable to grow your nails out long or they’re brittle and prone to breaking, this is the right choice for you. Besides being stylish, they are stronger and offer more durability when paired with fake nail extensions. You can try opting for press-on nails in coffin shape as they are temporary and allow experimenting with lengths, colors, and designs.
The reason the shape is so popular with fake nails is not that it isn’t possible in natural nails. It is because the shape requires you to have really long and strong nails which isn’t quite possible for everyone in their real nails. From celebrities to active women, anyone can choose to flaunt this stunning nail shape.
How to Get Coffin Nail Shape?
If you want a certain nail length and properly shaped coffin nails, it is ideal that you opt for fake nail enhancements. Not just acrylics and press-on nails, coffins look wonderful with structured gel manicures too. If you want to go with press-ons, you are going to get preshaped and predesigned sets with all the colors and art. All you need to do is apply your press-on nails correctly and you’re ready to flaunt your fresh coffin manicure.
But in this case, let’s assume you’re getting your acrylic nails done at a nail salon. Your manicurist will follow certain predefined steps to give you the right shape:
1) Just as in any other manicure, the first step is to prep the nail and the cuticle. The manicurist will start by pushing and trimming your cuticles.
2) After affixing the fake nail tip to the edge of the nails, the nail tech will trim off the excess length.
3) To file the nails for achieving the desired shape, the technician will first aim for a stiletto shape thereafter squaring the tip. Working at a 45-degree angle, he will get the sidewalls tapered and will eventually file the top perpendicular to make it completely flat. He may or may not blunt out the edges softening them depending on your comfort and preference.
4) Once happy with the shape and length, the technician will then lay the acrylic bead and will go on creating an acrylic extension following up with the color and art of your choice.
If you don’t choose to go fake and stick to your natural nails for coffins, the free edge of the nail should be significantly longer than the nail bed. The shaping requires enough length growth besides the strength to bear the filing and to last long.
Hong Long Do Coffin Nails Last?
The lifespan of your coffin nails is usually the same as the type of nail enhancement you pick.
1) Coffin-shaped acrylic or gel nail extensions will last just as long as any other shape does in the said manicures, i.e. 4-6 weeks. Depending on your maintenance, growth, and refills, they may even last over 7 weeks.
2) As your nails grow in the case of natural or press-on nails, you may see the flat tip losing its shape and starting to round off. You need to keep filing the tip regularly to maintain the shape for up to 3-4 weeks till the gel polish or press-ons last.
If you love the shape and want to wear it every now and then, you may choose to get it done by regularly booking nail salon appointments.
Ballerina v/s Coffin Nails
Now, you might wonder whether coffin nails are the same as the ballerina shape. Well, there is a lot of confusion out there since even some professionals think they are the same and use the names interchangeably. You may even notice that you asked a nail tech for a coffin shape but the end result doesn’t look as sharp as you expected. The reason for this confusion is the similarities between the two shapes.
Though coffins are not the same as ballerinas when it comes to nail shapes, there are quite a few reasons they look pretty similar and you can’t point out the difference unless you’re a pro.
Ballerina appears somewhat wider because it has more rounded edges contrary to the sharp edges of the coffin. Besides, the sidewalls are straight and sharp in the case of coffins opposing the slightly curved sidewalls when it comes to ballerinas. Even the tip of ballerinas is narrower than that in coffins.
You may look at the ballerina as a ‘raindrop’ shape with a square tip while coffins, as mentioned multiple times, look like a stiletto with a flat tip. Considering these distinguishing points, you may opt for the ballerina shape with relatively shorter lengths while the coffin shape works best with long and extra-long lengths.
Ways to Rock the Coffin Nail Shape: Designs that Look the Best
There are abundant ways you can style your coffin nails. From solid colors to over-the-top designs and from short natural nails to long-ass fake nails, this shape works versatilely for all.
However, there are some commonly loved designs that work best with coffin-shaped nails:
1) 3D Nails
One of the most loved beauty trends of 2024 is the 3D nail art. And when you dress up your coffin nails in 3D nail designs, you can take them to the next level. You can choose from 3D florals, coquettes, gemstones, and so much more.
2) Matte Nails
When you pair up your coffin nails with matte polishes, you can add a chic and trendy look to your hands. Matte coffin nails look perfect for every occasion from formal events and proms to weddings and bachelorettes. And, it looks stunning in a range of colors from nudes and pinks to blues and burgundies.
3) Solid Colors
If you love all things classy and bossy, there is nothing better than long solid coffin nails. Choose from classy red, mesmerizing blacks, subtle nudes, and even glossy textures. A plain and opaque solid nail color enhances the look of your fingers with coffin nail extensions.
4) Ombre French Manicure
Speaking of classics, there is nothing classier than French tip nails and we all know it. Though the OG French manicure doesn’t look as flattering on very long coffin nails, this ombre version of the good old design does. The coffin shape looks utterly eye-catching when finished with a nude and white gradient.
Wrapping Up Coffin Nails
From their distinctive shape to the myriad of design possibilities they offer, coffin nails are more than just a fashion statement—they’re a canvas for personal expression. Whether you’re drawn to their sleek, edgy look or the endless customization options, one thing is clear: coffins are here to stay (pun intended!)!
All you need to know about the biggest nail trend is that they epitomize elegance and versatility. With the right tools and a dash of creativity, you can transform your nails into stunning works of art. Whether you prefer DIY manicures or a professional touch at a salon, the coffin nail trend offers something for everyone.
As you experiment with different designs and colors, remember that your nails are a reflection of your unique style. Embrace the trend, have fun with it, and let your nails make a bold statement that’s uniquely you!
