Nail Guides
In short: Practical guides for choosing and wearing a manicure: which shape suits your hands, which colors suit your skin tone, how long gel lasts and what to say at the salon. Each guide answers the question first, then explains.
Choose your shape
- How to pick a nail shape for your hands: the complete guide, by nail bed, finger length and hand size
- Best nail shape for short fingers: almond vs squoval, with a test you can do tonight
Short fingers? Start with the dedicated guide. Not sure what suits your hand at all? Start with the complete shape guide.
Choose your color
- How to choose nail color for your skin tone: a 30-second undertone test and the shades that follow
- Nude nails for deep skin tones: how to pick a nude one step richer than your hand
At the salon
- Glazed donut nails: what to ask for: the base, the powder and the exact words
- How long do gel nails last?: gel, builder gel, acrylic and press-ons compared
How we write our guides
Our guides are written by the Gleamy Nails Editorial Team. We are not nail technicians or doctors, so for damage, allergies or infections please see a professional. How we research and check each guide is set out in our editorial policy.
Try before you book
A guide can narrow it down; your own hand decides. Nartie lets you try shapes and colors on a photo of your hand before your appointment.
