This year, oval nails continue to take center stage in the nail design world, offering endless stylish and elegant options. The trend not only accentuates the beauty of short nails, but also reflects their tenderness and sophistication. Manicure for oval nails can be very diverse, so let's look at some of its most popular ideas.

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Manicure for Short Oval Nails

Manicure for Short Oval Nails
by @basecoatstories
Manicure for Short Oval Nails
by @basecoatstories

Not only the oval nail shape looks natural, it is also considered as safe as possible both for your clothes and other people thanks to its smooth, rounded edges. This is the ideal option for doctors, athletes, mothers of small kids, etc.

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Oval Manicure for Medium-Length Nails

Oval Manicure for Medium-Length Nails
by @zakharovairine
Oval Manicure for Medium-Length Nails
by @bobrineva_nails

A beautiful oval manicure can also be achieved on medium-length nails. This is a real “golden mean” that looks very feminine and attractive, while the length allows the nail master to bring to life many of the client's whimsical wishes.

Manicure for Long Oval Nails

Manicure for Long Oval Nails
by @basecoatstories
Manicure for Long Oval Nails
by @basecoatstories
Manicure for Long Oval Nails
by @zoyanailpolish

Long nails always look bold and a bit aggressive. For a long time, they weren't particularly popular. They were even taboo for some public events, but, judging by the latest fashion shows, nail artists seem to have lifted the ban on length.

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Ombre-Styled Oval Nails

Ombre-Styled Oval Nails
by @burbalkaa
Ombre-Styled Oval Nails
by @burbalkaa

Although the well-known ombre design suits everyone, there are several nuances that should be taken into account before going to your nail master. Use these tips to stay happy with your oval manicure:

Styling Tips:

  • For short oval nails, choose light pastel colors. Playing on contrasts and black and red is a bad decision in this case.
  • Ombre plus French manicure looks good on extended oval nails. The same applies to painting, stamping and using stickers with inscriptions: these designs require space.

Oval Shaped Nails With A Bright Foil Design

Oval Shaped Nails With A Bright Foil Design #foilnails #patternednails
by @artemova_art_nail

When filing your oval nails, the key is to deal with all imperfections for the nails not to appear unbalanced. The sidewalls must be even and straight. Next, start filing the nail from its side towards its top with arching and smooth motions. Then work the angles and do it on both of the nail sides, around the edge. The a result you should get smooth transitions.

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Nude Oval Nail Shape

Nude Matte Oval Nails
by @zhenya__borisova
Nude Oval Nails with Floral Accent
by @zhenya__borisova

The oval shape is among the prettiest natural nail shapes. Why not try this black nail art idea with silver sprinkling? Paint all your nails nude and add two accents.

Elegant Oval Nail Shape

Elegant Oval Nail Shape
by @hannahroxit

Look how elegant this black and silver geometric design made by the licensed manicurist and content creator Hannah Lee looks on oval nail shapes! The bright silver glitter plays as a glamorous accent against the modest nude base. Are you ready to try this nail art idea?

Glitter Nail Design For Oval Nails

Glitter Oval Nails
by @zhenya__borisova
French Oval Nails with Glitter
by @zhenya__borisova
Pink Nails With Glitter Geometric Art #chromenails #pinknails
by @luxio_nailstudio

Oval is among the prettiest nail shapes for a woman’s hands. It emphasizes gracefulness and femininity. Also, this shape is less prone to breakage, comparing with other shapes. However, it’s rare for a nail shape to work equally great for both short and long nails.

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Patterned Oval Nail Design

Patterned Oval Nail Design #patterned
by @kastalia_nails_studio

If the oval shape of nails seems a bit plain for you, you can always spice it up with color and shine, as shown here. A bright pink nail lacquer like the Glossy Nail Polish by Gucci (#402 Valentine Fuchsia) or Berry Punch Pink Color Nail Polish by Londontown pairs so interestingly with silver sparkles...

Short Burgundy Oval Nails Design

Short Burgundy Oval Nails Design #goldglitter
by @so_nailicious

It’s a fun nail art idea for oval nails short. Paint your nails with raspberry nail lacquer and add some gold accents in the form of cute stars. Your nails can still rock it even if they are not long.

Oval Shaped Nails For A Formal Office Look

Oval Shaped Nails For A Formal Office Look
by @hannahroxit
Oval Shaped Nails For A Formal Office Look
by @aanchysnails
Oval Shaped Nails For A Formal Office Look #crystals
by @nail_sunny

When it comes to a formal office look, it’s better to avoid bright colors and intricate patterns. Pastel shades will work great in this case. And a French manicure is a popular choice, too. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with some rhinestones or gems.

Styling Tip: Classic French manicure is an everlasting office trend, but it looks especially elegant on short oval nails. Choose colors that match your business outfit and experiment with minimalist designs.

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Simple Oval Nail Design

Easy Green Oval Nails Design
by @zhenya__borisova

Even the simplest oval nail designs can be brought to a completely new level if you decide to incorporate some romantic patterns. Such accents can change your nail game completely. Once simple, this design becomes so glammed up with golden hearts.

Long Oval Nail Designs

Long Oval Nail Designs
by @mariapro.nails
Long Marble Oval Nails
by @nails_harbor

Long oval nails can offer you much space for experiments. But a classic bold red manicure made with Cherry Cherie Oxygenated Nail Lacquer by Nailberry, or the one refreshed with a sparkly foil pattern, as shown here, is always a win-win!

Hearts Designs For Short Oval Nails

Hearts Designs For Short Oval Nails #patternednails #mattenails
by @whiterabbit_beauty

This nail art idea is pretty and feminine. Simple nude base is accentuated with cute red hearts. And this design can be easily done at home.

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Pastel Purple Oval Nails

Pastel Purple Short Oval Design #pastel
by @so_nailicious
Pastel Purple Oval Nails
by @smaltefy

Pastel purple nail lacquer appears very soft on its own, and gel polish in pink, peach, and lavender shades works great to create delicate romantic or everyday looks.

Styling Tip: Add some silver glitter triangles, and your nail design will instantly become more intriguing.

Deep Blue Oval Nail Design With Triangle Accent

Deep Blue Oval Nail Design With Triangle Accent #deepblue
by @so_nailicious

The nail art idea in this picture is reminiscent of the 80-s disco with its rich plum base and fun triangular sprinklings. These triangles can be painted any shade you like.

Oval Nails With A Half Moon Design

Oval Nails With A Half Moon Design #halfmoon
by @so_nailicious

Half moon nail designs have become increasingly popular lately. Look how prettily this simple grayish base is accentuated with colorful half moons, dots and stripes!

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Oval Nail Design In Nude And Black Colors

Oval Nail Design In Nude And Black Colors #nudenails
by @anastasiya.kalesnik

This nail art idea looks so sophisticated with its black base and mocha accent nail. The pearly gems and a half moon make this design even more intricate and stunning.

Simple Oval Nail Design With Half Moon Accent

Simple Oval Nail Design With Half Moon Accent #simpleart
by @so_nailicious

White and blue is such a bright combo that it’s a crime not to sport it at least once on your nails during the summertime! Though simple, the navy blue stripes appear very cool against the white base.

Beautiful Floral Oval Nails Design

Beautiful Floral Oval Nails Design
by @smaltefy
Beautiful Floral Oval Nails Design
by @zoyanailpolish

Floral nail designs are timeless and their popularity does not depend on any trends. These white, yellow and green floral patterns created with Zoya Nail Polish and Bluesky Gel Polish appear so spectacular against the nude base color!

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Acrylic Oval Nail Designs

Acrylic Oval Nail Design
by @mariapro.nails
Acrylic Oval Nail Design
by @mariapro.nails

Whether you have oval nails acrylic or natural, the french-styled patterns will always be the right embellishment. They can be bold and screaming, or they can be small and subtle, like in these pics. What is to your taste?

Juicy Floral Nail Art

Juicy Floral Nail Art
by @marusya_nail_artist

Do you like this floral nail art? In this picture, flowers occupy the overall surface of the nails with a transparent nude base. This nail design idea is simple yet juicy.

Oval Nails With Rhinestones

Matte Oval Nails with Rhinestones Accent
by @zhenya__borisova
Oval Nails With Rhinestones
by @belochka_nails
Oval Nails With Rhinestones
by @_linadoll
Oval Nails With Rhinestones
by @hannahroxit

If you wish to grant your oval nails that exquisite and elegant touch then you need to consider rhinestone accents, like Swarovski Crystal Flatbacks Rhinestones Nail Art. The truth is that even one accent finger will take your manicure to the entirely new level of gorgeous!

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Nude Oval Nails

White Nude Oval Nails
by @nails_harbor
White Nude Oval Nails with Black Floral Accent
by @zhenya__borisova
Nude Oval Nails
by @mariapro.nails
Nude Oval Nails
by @mariapro.nails
Nude Oval Nails
by @mariapro.nails

In case you are looking for some neutral ideas to adorn your oval nails with – I have a few options in mind. In times when solid nude manicure becomes a little too dull, these perfect minimalistic accents will save the day!

As you see, when choosing your oval nails design, it is important to take into account the shape of your fingers, as well as your nail structure features. Now you know how to embellish your nails to add some pizzazz to your look!

FAQ: Oval Nails

What shape is strongest for nails?

Oval nails “stretch” the nails and are the most used shape for catwalks. They spread narrow nail plates, giving them a more uniform look. Moreover, oval nails are one of the strongest nail forms and are not easily damaged.

What is the classiest nail shape?

As previously mentioned, conical nail shapes such as almonds “extend” short or wide fingers.
People with wide nail plates should opt for rounded-shape nails.

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