Whether you have a professional do it or do it yourself, treating yourself to a fresh manicure is definitely a self-care staple. It's the best way to take care of your cuticles and nail bed health while trying fun and exciting new nail trends (open in new tab). But while manicures should be a relaxing way to get a manicure, they can also be an overwhelming decision. From choosing between a gel manicure (open in new tab) or an acrylic set (open in new tab) to finding the best nail shape, there are many. You want to choose a shape that accentuates not only the length of your nails, but also the shape of your fingers and the width of your nail bed.

To determine which shape is right for you, we consulted manicure expert Elissa Schell of V Spot Nail Spa (opens in new tab) to get a primer on each shape, from how to identify the styles to choosing the right angle for the tips. It's the ultimate guide to nail shapes and nail color recommendations that will make your hands look their most beautiful.

Essentially, this is a perfect square with no soft edges. However, it is best suited for those with short nails and narrow nail beds. Because the edges are straight, it is more durable and less likely to break than other shapes. Plus, it's the perfect shape for a low-maintenance manicure. Pair a square-shaped manicure with a bold dark color like OPI's Complementary Wine (opens in new tab).

This shape is similar to a square nail, but with much softer edges. A nice combination of square and oval. Match a soft square manicure in an eye-catching shade like Essie's Bed Rock 'n' Roll (opens in a new tab).

Shell recommends round nails for clients who tend to think of their fingers as short or chubby. Similar to square nails, round nails have straight sides but rounded edges. The round or almond shape elongates the nail bed and makes the fingers appear wider and slender. Pair them with a muted gray, like Essie's Without a Stitch (opens in a new tab).

The almond-shaped nails are elongated at the sides and wider at the base, approaching a peak reminiscent of an actual almond. This slim silhouette is ideal for medium to long nails and creates the illusion of extra length. It is a very beautiful shape, but this shape reduces the strength of the natural nail and makes it more prone to breakage. Use gel polish or reinforce with acrylics, or add just a bit of sparkle to an almond-shaped manicure by going for a bronze tone like OPI's Fall-ing for Milan (opens in a new tab).

Ovals are similar to the almond shape, but with softer, more blunt tips. With apologies to nail biters, ovals and almonds only suit long nails. The oval shape looks most attractive on wide nail beds and is the perfect base for nail art. Try a sheer pink for an oval-shaped manicure, like Dior's Incognito (opens in new tab).

A big misconception is that almonds are stilettos. The small sword nails popular among celebrities have a more drastic point. Besides, pinwheels are not possible because natural nails do not have sufficient strength to hold their shape. If you want this style to last longer, opt for nail reinforcements like acrylics. For nail color, keep it bold by matching a perfect pop of red, like Christian Louboutin's Edgypopi (opens in new tab), with pinwheeled nails.

Coffin-shaped nails are similar to stiletto nails, but the square-cut tips make them look like coffins. This is popular among those who like long nails and is a cool shape for those who want to try something different. If your natural nails are long and strong, you can create a coffin shape, but acrylic nails hold up better. For a coffin-shaped manicure, pair it with a solid shade like OPI's Less is Norse (opens in new tab).

If your nails are chewed down to the nub or cut super short, some of these shapes won't work. Have your manicurist follow the shape of your nails (whether they look round or square now)."

Also, if you're looking to grow out your nails, read Shell's advice.

If your nails have moisture, they will grow and stay strong. Shell's favorite is Deborah Lippmann's Hydrating Cuticle Treatment (opens in new tab). And for a serious nail care kit, try Ariana's Nail Kit (opens in new tab), which includes cuticle oil, a miracle nail buffer for lasting shine, and a smoothing mineral hand treatment.

Gel manicures reinforce nails so they don't break easily and help them grow. If you do gel nails, never remove them yourself and have the color changed every two weeks. If you want to save money on gel nails, invest in inexpensive, easy-to-remove, at-home gel nail polish like Essie's Gel Couture (opens in new tab) or OPI's Infinite Shine Long-Wear Lacquer (opens in new tab).