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
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in nail care and design, I can provide you with information about coffin nails and various coffin nail designs. Coffin nails are a popular nail shape characterized by a long, flat top and squared corners, resembling the shape of a coffin. They are loved by nail artists, style icons, and celebrities, including Kylie Jenner.
Coffin nails are typically created using acrylics, as it can be challenging to achieve the shape with natural nails. However, if you're not ready to commit to acrylics, there are press-on nails available in a wide variety of lengths, shapes, and designs that can help you experiment with the coffin nail shape.
The durability of coffin nails depends on factors such as the application, the strength of your natural nails, and how well you take care of them. While coffin nails are not the weakest nail shape, their sharp edges may not last as long as more rounded shapes. It is generally recommended to change acrylic nails, including coffin nails, approximately every four weeks to maintain nail health.
Now, let's explore some popular coffin nail designs:
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Short Coffin Nails: Short coffin nails are a great option if you prefer a shorter length. You can choose from solid colors, French tips, or subtle designs like polka dots or checkers. Yin-yang nail designs are currently trending.
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Medium Coffin Nails: If you're unsure about long acrylics, medium-length coffin nails can be a perfect introduction. You can experiment with designs such as swirls or stripes to express your personal style.
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Long Coffin Nails: Long coffin nails offer more space for creative designs. You can let your personality shine with bejeweled nails or bold designs created by celebrity nail artists. Long coffin nails provide ample room for intricate and eye-catching designs.
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Coffin French Tip Nails: French tip coffin nails have gained popularity with new and creative variations. You can explore different color schemes, such as pink, green, rainbow, or pastel, to give a unique twist to the classic French tip look.
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Summer Coffin Nails: Summer coffin nails are all about bright and vibrant colors. From floral to fruity designs, you can embrace a trendy maximalist style with prints and art. Let your creativity run wild and celebrate the summer season with fun and festive designs.
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Winter Coffin Nails: For a cozy and wintery vibe, opt for more neutral colors for your coffin nails. Light blue or snowy white hues can evoke the holiday spirit. You can also experiment with snowflake designs or pearly-finish accent nails for extra holiday cheer.
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Marble Coffin Nails: Marble coffin nails are not only fun to wear but also fascinating to watch nail artists create. The marble effect can work with any nail length and color, making it a versatile and personality-filled design choice.
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White Coffin Nails: Classic white nails are timeless and elegant. They are perfect for weddings or when you prefer a simple and minimalist look. You can add a touch of uniqueness by incorporating a single polka dot at the bottom of the nail or a small jewel for added style.
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Nude Coffin Nails: Nude nails are forever classy and versatile, as they can match almost any outfit. They are effortless and chic, whether you choose a high-gloss or matte finish. You can also experiment with rhinestone work or an accent nail to switch things up.
I hope this information provides you with inspiration for your next trip to the nail salon! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.
