Choosing a manicure goes beyond picking polish or art; you first need to decide how long and what shape your nails will be. That decision is all yours, but if you want something fresh, give ballerina nails-a.k.a. coffin nails-serious thought. The style is already a hit with professional techs like Galdina Jimenez. I adore the shape, she explains, because if a client wants a change, I can slide them smoothly from almond or square straight to ballerina.
Wondering what ballerina nails even are? Simply put, the name says a lot. Ballerina nails look like the soft, tapered square tips of a ballet dancers pointe shoes, shares nail pro Amy Oung. If the sides gently tuck in and the free edge stays rounded-not razor-thin-you nail the look. And yes, you can try it at home. For that, Heather Reynosa says, picture an extra-pointy almond that lost its peak, and you already see ballerina lines forming. To gather more tips, we spoke with Jimenez, Oung, and Reynosa, so read on for their expert hints.
Keep scrolling for 20 ballerina nails, along with tips from the pros.
Chrome Finish
A shiny chrome polish looks good on just about any nail style, but it really pops on ballerina tips. This clean white chrome is so easy yet so striking.
Lip Gloss Nails
These lip-gloss ballerina nails have that perfect fresh-out-of-the-water vibe. The thin jelly topcoat lets the shape of the nail shine through without hiding it.
Cherry Picker
A bright sky blue builds the sharp micro-tip design, highlighting the ballerina silhouette. Tiny cherry images-or any fruit you love-bring a cheerful little surprise.
French Ombré
Swap the usual French tip for an ombré that gently blends bright white into a soft nude. The low-key look suits almost any outfit, event, or season.
Blue Jeans
These nails borrow the color of well-loved denim and feel effortlessly cool. That soft, dusty blue sings against the clean ballerina outline.
Pale White
For a quietly elegant finish, reach for a slightly sheer pale white like a ballerinas costume. Its soft tone is kinder than bright white yet bolder than beige, landing all year long. Add a glossy top coat to seal the look.
Desert Muse
After something calm yet eye-catching? Try muted jewel tones. Oung says, For this look, its the shape and colors that matter. Its from Orlys Desert Muse line, a creamy neutral that slides toward fall.
Floral French
This tech-packed manicure starts with clear French gel x tips. Tiny dried petals are sealed inside, and a soft nude base lets the tips sing.
Moody Rainbow
Rainbow nails dont always shout. This hush-toned ROYGBIV, done with Holo Tacos Down to Earth set, looks dreamy on long ballerina tips.
Red Poppies
A glimmer gray base carries bold red blooms. Painting the design only on the tips keeps the whole mani calm.
Holographic Florals
Tiny prismatic flowers sprout along the tips of these ballerina shapes. Deep mustard, burgundy, and violet jump off the sheer layer.
Pastel Tips
Lights Lacquers Dear Diary, Eat My Shorts, Chill Pill, and Oh Snap! blend into gentle tips, finished with playful nail art stickers.
Neon Color Block
This lively look mixes neon jelly colors and a dry-matte top coat for a smooth finish. Colors come from Beetles Summer Paradise set: B451 pink, B452 purple, B454 yellow and B458 green.
Coral Claws
No trip to the salon needed, yet still nervous to paint at home? Even a plain hue pops when balanced by proper shape and length, as this set shows. Seriously, shaping the nails is faster than it sounds.
Earthy Green
A couple of easy coats of Orly Elysian Fields delivers a mellow olive that flirts with soft gold. The effect is relaxing yet refined, perfect for minimalists who still want to show off polish.
Blood Orange Shimmer
Peachy blood-orange lacquer meets tiny blue flecks on these ballerina tips for a dreamy summer vibe. Slant the light just right and the hue shifts like sunset clouds.
Matte Crystal
Dusty-glass matte clears sit lightly on the fingers, letting the unusual ballerina shape steal every glance. Without color or shine, the sharp angles come forward, modern yet somehow serene.
Butterfly Accent
Glossy nude balloons finish the shape, while a tiny gilded butterfly rides the side like spring itself. Whimsical, gentle, and easy to copy, this accent pairs with shorts, pastels or any sunny mood.
Chocolate Ballerina
You dont need super-long tips for ballerinanails; even a short set gets the look. Just peek at this rich, dark-brown finish-it feels like biting into a mini chocolate bar.
3D Accent Nail
A pop of 3D polish lifts the soft pink base from plain to wow. The swirly pattern feels fun and flirty, while the chunky texture gives each nail real eye-catching depth.
