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TOTALLY POLISHED'S
BEAUTY BLOG
Why We Sometimes Have to Say "No" to Almond Nails
Almond nails are without doubt one of the most elegant and flattering nail shapes out there. With their soft, tapered point and balanced silhouette, it's no surprise they're a huge trend across Instagram, Pinterest, and in salons.
But while almond nails can look stunning on the right hands, here at Totally Polished, we sometimes have to make the decision to say "no" to this shape — and we want to explain why.
Spoiler: It's not because we don't love the look. It's because we truly care about the health, strength, and long-term beauty of your natural nails.
Why Almond Nails Aren't Always the Best Choice
Although almond nails can elongate and beautifully flatter some hands and nails, they aren't a one-size-fits-all shape. In fact, trying to create an almond look on certain natural nail structures can cause more harm than good.
If you have:
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Wider nail beds
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Shorter natural nails
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Flatter nail shapes
forcing an almond shape can lead to a number of issues:
It’s very common to see side walls compromised when trying to achieve an almond effect on a nail that just isn’t naturally suited for it. And at TP, we believe no trend is ever worth damaging your natural nails.
✔️ Over-filing the sidewalls of the nail to artificially "narrow" them.
✔️ Weakened structural integrity, making your nails more prone to splits, breaks, and peeling.
✔️ Premature lifting or product failure — meaning your beautiful set won’t last as long as it should.
What We Prioritise Instead
When we assess your nails during a consultation, we aren’t just looking at your aesthetic goals.
We’re also making a professional judgement about:
If we advise a different shape for you, it’s because we’re thinking long-term, not just short-term style.
Our promise to you:
We will never compromise your natural nail strength for a short-lived trend.
We will always prioritise shapes and styles that support healthy, beautiful nails for the long run.
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Your nail health
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Your nail structure
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Your nail lifestyle needs (are you hands-on daily, working in a job that impacts nails?)
It’s not all bad news! Almond nails can look absolutely perfect on clients who have:
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Naturally longer nail beds
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Slimmer, more tapered nail growth
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Sufficient nail length to support the elegant point without filing away strength.
If your natural nails fit this criteria — amazing! We'll happily create a beautiful almond look that complements your hands and keeps your nails strong and secure.
When Almond Nails Do Work Beautifully
At TP Beauty, your natural nail health is our top priority.
We’ll always be honest with you, even if that sometimes means gently suggesting a different shape that will better protect your nails long-term.
Because years down the line, you’ll never regret strong, beautiful, healthy nails — but you might regret the damage caused by chasing a trend that wasn't right for you.
Thinking About Almond Nails? Let’s Chat First.
If you’re considering an almond shape for your next set, we recommend speaking with your therapist at your upcoming appointment. They’ll assess your natural nails and advise whether almond is a suitable, healthy option for you. As always, we’re here to guide you toward results that look beautiful and protect your natural nail integrity.