Not Square, Not Almond—This Nail Shape Is Making an Unexpected Comeback

Once deemed a little dated, ballerina nails are quietly making a comeback once again.

Eleanor Vousden's avatar
By
last updated
in News
A collage of ballerina nail designs
(Image credit: @imarninails, @buffcs, @tombachik)
Jump to category:

Balletcore is still firmly in our minds, from fashion to makeup, so it comes as no surprise that ballerina nails are trending once again, and celebrities such as Selena Gomez are embracing it, too. In all honesty, it's a "dated" nail shape that we've not seen much of in the nail trends of recent years; however, I've started noticing it all over my feeds again. After a long stint of the almond nail shape being the most popular in salons, we're starting to see this elongated, square-tipped nail make a comeback. So what exactly are ballerina nails?

Selena Gomez with a bob and a ballerina manicure

(Image credit: @selenagomez)

What Are Ballerina Nails?

"Ballerina" refers to the shape of the nail, which resembles a ballet shoe with a square toe. Similar to coffin nails, this shape features a long, elongated square finish, but comes to a narrower point than a coffin-shaped nail. Ready for some ballerina nails inspo? Scroll ahead for all the best ballerina nail ideas to take to your next salon appointment.

Ballerina Nails Ideas

Selena Gomez with red nails

(Image credit: @tombachik)

Gomez's ballerina nails look chic in a classic red nail colour.

A sheer pink ballerina manicure on J.Lo

(Image credit: @tombachik)

Ballerina nails look pretty with a sheer pink nail polish. To create this look, try Chanel's aptly-named Ballerina nail polish for a sheer, milky finish.

Ballerina nails with a chrome finish

(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

A chrome or glazed finish will always elevate your ballerina mani.

A pink lilac ballerina manicure

(Image credit: @tombachik)

How pretty is this soft pink combined with the ballerina shape?

An olive green ballerina manicure

(Image credit: @tombachik)

Olive green is the unexpectedly chic colour to pair with ballerina nails.

Sheer glossy ballerina nails

(Image credit: @tombachik)

These sheer and ultra-glossy nails are going straight into my saved folder.

Long ballerina nails with pink nail polish

(Image credit: @imarninails)

Ballerina nails help to elongate the fingers and show off longer nails, too.

Ballerina nails with a black French tip

(Image credit: @tombachik)

A French tip makes a bold statement on ballerina nails.

Ballerina nails with green leaf nail art

(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

Sheer pinks or milky whites look great worn alone or with nail art.

a milky pink ballerina nailsmanicure

(Image credit: @buffcs)

There's something so understated and timeless about a milky manicure.

orange and brown ombre ballerina nails

(Image credit: @paragonnails)

These ombre watercolour nails are so pretty.

A ballerina manicure with a ombre brown French tip

(Image credit: @paragonnails)

I adore this ombré French-tip design.

A creamy pink ballerina manicure

(Image credit: @tombachik)

This milkshake pink hue is a winner for any occasion.

Sheer pink ballerina nails with fine line nail art

(Image credit: @paragonnails)

How cute is this pink and white sketch design?

Shop the Trend:

Eleanor Vousden
Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.

With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.