Sophia Delgado
Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, are long, slim, and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail shape | Long, slim, and chic |
| Other names | Ballerina nails |
| Preparation | Remove existing polish, push back cuticles, trim if necessary, wash hands |
| Initial nail shape | Square with a flat top and 90-degree angles on the edges |
| Filing technique | File side to side, taking away bulkiness, straight down towards the free edge |
| Angle of the nail walls | Slightly thinner towards the tip |
| Edge of the nail | Flat |
| Moisturizing | Moisturize hands throughout the day |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by removing any existing polish
Preparing your nails is an important first step in achieving the coffin shape. Start by removing any existing nail polish. You can use a nail polish remover like ZOYA Remove Plus, which allows you to dispense the product with just one hand. Use a cotton pad to gently wipe away the polish. This will ensure that your nails are clean and ready for shaping.
Once the polish is removed, it's time to focus on your cuticles. Using a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles. Cuticle care is essential as it creates a neat base for your nail shape. If you wish to trim your cuticles, be very careful and gentle, as over-trimming can lead to pain and potential infection. It is recommended to simply push them back and apply a cuticle oil with vitamin B to soften and rehydrate the nail beds. This step will enhance the overall health and appearance of your nails.
After cuticle care, you can move on to the next preparatory step, which is filing your nails into a square shape. This step is crucial as it creates a uniform base for achieving the coffin shape. File the top of your nail to make it completely flat, and then create 90-degree angles on the edges. Ensure that all ten nails have this square shape before proceeding to the next step of creating the tapered edge for the coffin effect.
Remember, it is important to start with clean, polish-free nails to achieve the best results when shaping your nails into a coffin design. Taking the time to prepare your nails properly will ensure a more precise and polished final look.
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Push back or trim cuticles
To achieve the perfect coffin nail shape at home, there are a few steps you should take to prepare your cuticles. Celebrity manicurist Diem Truong suggests that you should begin by pushing your cuticles back or trimming them. It is also a good idea to remove any old nail polish and wash your hands. You can then apply cuticle oil with vitamin B to soften and rehydrate your nail beds and cuticles.
While celebrity nail artist Elizabeth Garcia agrees that you should push your cuticles back, she does not recommend cutting them. Instead, she suggests gently buffing off any excess skin with a buffer block.
If you do decide to trim your cuticles, you should be very careful not to cut too much. You should also make sure that your hands are clean to avoid any risk of infection.
It is important to keep your hands and nails healthy and hydrated. Proper skincare is not just limited to your face, and cracks and frays can detract from an elevated finish. Moisturising your hands throughout the day is essential, especially if you are washing your hands frequently.
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File nails into a square shape
To achieve the coffin nail shape, also known as ballerina nails, it is recommended to start with square nails. File the top of your nail completely flat, creating 90-degree angles on the edges. This step makes it easier to create the coffin shape. Ensure your nails are all the same length, and file away any excess bulk on the sides.
Before you begin filing, it is important to prepare your nails. Remove any existing nail polish and push back or trim your cuticles. You can use a cuticle pusher to gently push them back and then apply cuticle oil to soften and rehydrate the nail beds.
Once your nails are prepared, grab your nail file and begin filing from side to side, slowly taking away the bulk and filing straight down towards the free edge. This is the bottom tip of the nail that you will file horizontally. The goal is to keep this edge as horizontal as possible, creating a flat tip that rests flush against a table or wall.
While shaping your nails, file away a little at a time to avoid over-filing and making the side walls too narrow. Turn your nails away from you to get a better view of what you are working on. Continue filing until you achieve the desired coffin shape.
Remember to moisturize your hands and nails regularly to maintain healthy and hydrated skin, which will enhance the look and feel of your nails. Proper skincare is essential, and well-moisturized hands can elevate the overall appearance of your nails.
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File the sides of the nails to an angle
To achieve the coveted coffin nail shape, you'll want to start by grooming your nails. Push back or trim your cuticles and remove any old nail polish. It's also a good idea to wash your hands and apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to soften and rehydrate your nail beds.
Now, grab your nail file and prepare to file the sides of your nails to an angle. This will create the distinctive tapered edge of the coffin shape. Los Angeles-based celebrity manicurist Diem Truong recommends starting with square nails to make this process easier. So, file the top of your nail completely flat, creating 90-degree angles on the edges.
Once you've achieved this pre-step, you're ready to create the tapered edge. File the sides of your nails to an angle, as if you're creating a point for both sides to meet in the middle. Take your time with this step, especially if you're a beginner, and work on one nail at a time. The goal is to thin out the side walls as you approach the tip, creating the signature slim coffin silhouette.
Remember, as celebrity nail artist Elizabeth Garcia advises, cut or file slowly to avoid taking off too much nail. You can always go back and refine, but it's challenging to fix an uneven shape once you've removed too much.
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Moisturise your hands
To achieve the coffin nail shape, you don't need to visit a salon. You can do it yourself at home.
Start by removing any existing nail polish. Then, using a cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles. You can apply cuticle oil with vitamin B to soften and rehydrate your nail beds and cuticles. You can gently buff off any excess skin with a buffer block.
Now, grab your nail clippers and angle them at the tip of your nail on the sidewall. Cut slowly towards the top to ensure you don't cut off too much. The goal is to cut towards the free edge, keeping it as horizontal as possible. File your nails side to side, taking away bulkiness and filing straight down towards the free edge.
Moisturising your hands is an essential step in achieving the perfect coffin nails. Proper skincare is not just limited to your face, and healthy, hydrated hands can enhance the look and feel of your nails. Find a moisturising formula you love and carry it with you at all times. With diligent hand washing and nail filing, your hands can become dry, so moisturising throughout the day is essential. Keep your hands and nails feeling and looking great by incorporating hand moisturiser into your daily routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by removing any existing polish and gently pushing back your cuticles. Then, grab your nail clippers and angle them at the tip of your nail on the sidewall. Cut slowly towards the top to ensure you don't cut off too much.
Coffin nails can be achieved at any length that works for you. You don't need super long nails to get the desired look.
It is best to start off with square nails. File the top of your nail completely flat and create 90-degree angles on the edges. This pre-step makes creating the coffin shape easier.
Once you have a square shape, file the sides of your nails to an angle, creating a point for both sides to meet in the middle. Go slowly and focus on one nail at a time to avoid over-filing.
Yes, proper skincare for your hands is essential. Keep your hands moisturized throughout the day, especially with frequent hand washing. This will help your nails look and feel healthier, preventing cracks and frays that can detract from the desired finish.
