Coffin nails taper to a flat square tip. They need medium length or longer and suit ombre, French and chrome. Protect the corners from snags.
The shape
The sides taper in towards a squared-off tip. The taper and the width of the tip should match on every nail, so ask to see one finished nail before the rest are shaped.
Length
Coffin looks stubby when short. Medium length is the usual starting point. Long coffin gives room for ombre and art.
Designs that suit coffin
- Pink or nude ombre.
- Deep French tips.
- Chrome and glitter fades.
- Marble with gold leaf.
Care
The flat corners can catch. Use the pads of your fingers for buttons and cans, and book an infill before the balance shifts too far forward.
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Sources
Checked 21 October 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice. If a nail is painful, swollen or changes colour, see a doctor.