Coffin nails might conjure up images of the macabre, but in the world of nail art, they're anything but. Named for their striking resemblance to a coffin, these nails feature a long, tapered shape ending in a sharp, square tip. You might have seen this trendy nail shape flooding your social media feeds, often without realizing its specific moniker until you stumbled upon the right hashtag.
Also known as ballerina nails, coffin nails have gained immense popularity, starting with A-list celebrities and quickly spreading across the nail art community. They are inspired by either the angular shape of a coffin or the flat toe of a ballerina’s slipper, characterized by a tight C-curve, tapered sides, and a straight free edge.
It's easy to confuse coffin nails with ballerina nails, which are named for their similarity to ballet slippers. However, the key difference lies in the shaping: ballerina nails have gently curving sides that lead to a narrow square tip, whereas coffin nails boast sharply cut sides forming a defined square tip. This distinction significantly affects the overall aesthetic, with coffin nails' wider square tip lending a universally elongating effect to the hands.
Once the coffin shape is achieved, the possibilities for nail art and color are endless. Popular choices include whites and wine reds, often adorned with gold accents, small rhinestones, and a matte finish.
The unique aspect of the coffin shape lies in maintaining the same width for the nail bed and tip, while the middle section is shaped wider. This narrow-wide-narrow design creates the illusion of slender nail beds and fingers.
Unlike more avant-garde trends like "bubble nails" or "aquarium nails," coffin nails are a widely adopted trend among everyday individuals. A quick scan through social media reveals that nearly half of all nail art submissions feature the coffin shape.
To create coffin nails, start with a long or extended square nail shape and gradually file down the corners near the free edge to achieve the desired tapered look.
Why are coffin nails popular now?
Coffin nails have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to the rise of nail art on social media, coupled with increased ease and accessibility. Until recently, achieving the coffin shape required skilled sculpting or modifying stiletto tips. However, the beauty industry now offers specific coffin-shaped products, simplifying the process and potentially reducing costs for consumers.
How long are coffin nails?
For the perfect coffin nail, they should be medium to long in length to ensure an elegantly tapered shape. If too short, they may appear stumpy. The ideal length varies based on personal preference, hand shape, and lifestyle, so it's crucial to discuss this with your nail technician.
Creating a basic coffin set typically takes one to two hours, with additional time required for intricate nail art designs. For those short on time, coffin-shaped press-ons can be applied in under 10 minutes, offering a quick and convenient solution.
The longevity of a coffin set can range from two to six weeks, depending on your lifestyle. Over time, the sharp edges will naturally soften and round out. Here, we showcase a graphic French tip coffin design. It's worth noting that due to their length and defined corners, coffin nails can be less manageable than rounded nails, a small trade-off for their stylish appeal.
