Coffin nails—the name might conjure images of spooky things, but this manicure is all about glamour. The shape, resembling a coffin or a ballerina's slipper, features long, tapered nails ending in a sharp square tip. This stylish look, once a celebrity favorite, has swiftly become a mainstream nail trend.

Often confused with ballerina nails (which have softly curved sides), coffin nails boast a defined, sharp edge creating a distinct square tip. This subtle difference significantly impacts the overall look, with the wider square tip of coffin nails creating a universally flattering lengthening effect on the fingers.

While any color or art can adorn coffin nails, whites, wine reds, and gold accents are particularly popular, often complemented by rhinestones and a matte finish. The unique shape—narrow at the base and tip, wider in the middle—creates an illusion of slimmer fingers and narrower nail beds.

Unlike fleeting trends like bubble or aquarium nails, coffin nails maintain significant popularity, frequently appearing in nearly half of social media nail art submissions. Achieving the look begins with a regular square nail shape on a long or extended nail, then carefully filing the corners near the free edge to create the tapered shape.

The recent surge in coffin nail popularity is partly due to increased accessibility. Until recently, creating the shape required specialized techniques. Now, readily available coffin-shaped nail tips and products make the style quicker, easier, and more affordable to achieve.

How Long Are Coffin Nails?

Ideally, coffin nails should be medium to long to achieve the perfect tapered shape. The optimal length depends on individual preferences, hand shape, and lifestyle; discussing length with your nail technician is crucial. A simple coffin manicure takes approximately one to two hours. Adding nail art increases the time depending on the design's complexity. For a quick fix, press-on coffin nails offer a convenient alternative, taking under 10 minutes to apply.

The longevity of a coffin nail set varies from two to six weeks, depending on lifestyle. The sharp edges will naturally soften and round over time. While undeniably stylish, their length and defined corners may require slightly more care than rounded nails.