Coffin Nails

Coffin Nails: The Elegantly Edgy Manicure Trend

Coffin-shaped nails, also known as ballerina nails, are one of the hottest manicure trends right now. This distinct elongated, squared-off nail shape makes a dramatic style statement. Learn how to get coffin nails and rock them with attitude.

What Are Coffin Nails?

Coffin nails get their haunting name from their resemblance to a coffin shape. They are long nails with a straight, crisp tip that creates a square or angular finish. Unlike round or almond nails that curve at the tip, coffin nails end squared-off.

This extreme length and straight edge give coffin nails an edgy, futuristic look. The sharp angles are eye-catching and create an elongating effect on the fingers. Coffin shapes work especially well with long, narrow nail beds.

The Origins of the Coffin Manicure

Like many nail trends, coffin nails first emerged in the creative hub of southern California in the 1980s. Nail artist Suzi Weiss-Fischmann is credited with inventing the style by cutting straight across her long acrylic nails instead of rounding them.

The dramatic look quickly gained popularity in the LA nail salon scene and spread to fashion editorials and runways. Dark colors and embellishments added a gothic, avant-garde effect.

During the 90s and 2000s, coffin nails had moments as a fashion statement but never fully hit mainstream. The 2010s finally saw the coffin shape explode into one of the hottest nail trends.

Social media sparked widespread interest as nail artists on Instagram flaunted creative, customized coffin manicures. Improved acrylic techniques also allowed longer, durable sculpted nail extensions ideal for achieving the coffin look.

How to Get Perfectly Angled Coffin Nails

Getting beautifully balanced coffin nails requires precision. Here are some tips:

•  Start long – Coffin nails only work on longer nail lengths, so begin with extensions or your natural nails grown out.
•  File straight – Use a straight-edged nail file to create the squared-off tip versus rounded or diagonal. File straight across.
•  Nail shape first – Get the coffin shape perfected before worrying about length. The angle is key.
•  Balance length – Make sure nails are equal length across both hands. Uneven lengths ruin the uniform look.
•  Square the corners – File the sides straight down to create 90-degree corner angles. No curvature.
•  Slim the sides – For a dramatic look, file the sides narrower so nails appear long and slender.
•  Check hands often – Hold hands up and scrutinize nails from all angles to ensure symmetry and precision.

Achieving flawless coffin nails takes time, focus and lots of finessing. But the stunning effect is so worth it!

How to Rock Your Coffin Manicure

Coffin nails make a bold style statement. Here are some tips for coordinating your manicure:

•  Go dark – Vampy colors look striking against the coffin shape. Deep reds, blacks, purples and dark metallics are ideal.
•  Get creative – Vibrant ombres, marbleized acrylics, chrome finishes and embellishments like studs allow self-expression.
•  Try nail art – Use the straight tips like a canvas to get creative with geometric shapes, negative space designs and lines.
•  Extra-long only – Save coffin nails for when you want to go long and make a splash. Shorter lengths diminish the dramatic effect.
•  Avoid chunky jewelry – Delicate rings and bracelets balance the severity of sharp elongated nails. Don’t overdo accessorizing.
•  Focus on neutrals – Keep clothing, makeup and other accessories neutral or bare to allow the nails to shine.

Coffin nails demand attention, so keep everything else minimal. Let the edgy manicure be the star!

Getting Your Coffin Mani

Want to get in on this daring nail trend? Here are some application tips:

•  Acrylics or gel – Coffin nails are difficult to achieve with regular polish. Get long-lasting sculpted acrylic, gel or dip powder extensions.
•  Bring inspiration – Show your nail tech pictures of coffin shapes you love to ensure you get the specific look you want.
•  Start long – Ask for longer tips to allow room for shaping the straight edge perfectly. You can always trim shorter.
•  Trust the process – Don’t worry if nails seem misshapen at first. Shaping and refining takes time.
•  Book a fill every 2-3 weeks – To maintain the sharpness of the coffin shape, fills are needed more frequently than with round nails.

The Perfect Square: coffin Nail Inspiration

Need some coffin nail inspiration before your next salon visit? Here are some chic coffin nail ideas:

•  Solid black – A minimalist jet-black manicure has a clean, edgy look.
•  Dark ombre – Fade black tips into softer greys for a cool, smoky effect.
•  Marble – White swirled with grey veining is a modern, artsy marble.
•  Metallic chrome – Mirrored silver chrome is ultra-sleek and futuristic against the dark coffin shape.
•  Minimalist French – A thin white tip on black nails is a modern take on French manicure.
•  Negative space – Create geometric shapes with colorful negative space against a nude background.
•  Striped – Thin diagonal black and white stripes create a retro vibe.
•  Studded – A few metal studs or rhinestones on accent nails add flair.

Let your creativity run wild with colors, textures and designs! The straight edge of coffin nails is your canvas.

Coffin Nail Care Tips

Maintaining extra-long coffin nails requires diligence:

•  Watch your hands – Avoid catching or bumping nails to prevent painful breaks and cracks. Open doors carefully.
•  Shorten for tasks – Consider temporarily trimming coffin nails shorter for demanding activities to avoid excessive stress.
•  Use your knuckles – For typing, texting, washing hands, etc., use your knuckles instead of fingernails to minimize pressure.
•  Remove snags ASAP – If you do catch a nail and create a snag, file it down immediately to prevent spreading breaks.
•  Reinforce with gel – Get a thin layer of hard gel overlay applied during fills to add strength and protection from cracks.
•  Wrap tips – Ask for acrylic nail tips to be wrapped and sealed with gel polish for added reinforcement.
•  Fill promptly – Don’t delay fill appointments. As the nails grow out, they become vulnerable to cracking and damage.
•  Moisturize cuticles – Keep the nail base and surrounding skin pliable with oils to avoid painful lifting or tearing.
•  Limit water exposure – Wear rubber gloves for dishwashing and cleaning. Water can weaken the nail bonds.

With carefulness and maintenance, your chic coffin manicure can go the distance!

Coffin Nails: From Dark to Daring

Coffin shaped nails may have a creepy name, but the style is undeniably daring and chic. These edgy elongated nails make a bold fashion statement that demands attention. With so many colors and designs to explore, you can customize an avant-garde look that suits your personal style. Just be prepared for the upkeep that extra-long nails require.

Trade your round tips for sharp angular edges to embrace your inner vampire. Flaunt an insanely Instagrammable coffin manicure that gleams with dangerous beauty under the night sky. Bring the shadows to light and make this killer nail shape your signature look. Your hands will never go unnoticed again!