24 Nail Extension Designs 2023 That Are Here to Stay!

Pointed nails can be worn in one of two ways: almond or stiletto. Almond nails have a slightly rounded pointed tip, while stiletto nails feature sharper pointed ends that skew more dramatic.

Given the different types of pointy nails, the possibilities are truly endless—especially since the extra-long shape offers more room for nail art. But if long nails aren’t your thing, short stiletto nails are also a great option that makes your hands and fingers look elongated. And now, with the endless array of press-on options, you don’t even have to commit to acrylics or gels.

Ahead, discover 50 stiletto and almond-shaped nail ideas you’ll want to copy ASAP.

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Cotton Candy Tips

cotton candy pastel tipped stilletto nails

We love this look on Khloe Kardashian, which marries a French tip with a fun trend for spring: cotton candy hues. Here, each nail tip gets a different pastel shade, ranging from pink to green.

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Chrome Tips

lizzo chrome nails — @eriishizu / Instagram

Lizzo’s chrome stilletto nails are pure decadence. We love the extra length and the skinny tip, which adds an interesting shape to pair with the striking hue.

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Technicolor Tips

technicolor tipped stilleto nail manicure — @vivianmariewong / Instagram

These technicolor tips are the perfect way to highlight your almond-shaped pointy nails. The angled tip gives this look more of a modern look versus a regular “full tip” manicure. To recreate this style, choose a rainbow of colors for the tips while keeping the rest of your nails neutral. Check out the Olive and June Rainbow Snowcone Set ($54) for five bright colors to recreate this look.

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Neon Tie-Dye

stilleto shaped nails with a tie dye design

Want something a little more bold? These almond-shaped neon tie-dye nails are sure to turn heads. All of the different colors on each nail add a touch of uniqueness, too.

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Gradient Pink Tips

gradient pink tipped french manicure on stiletto shaped nails

French tips are always a classic, but add pink to the mix and it becomes so sweet. Here, each nail gets a different shade of pink for the tip, ranging from ballet slipper to vibrant H๏τ pink.

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Rose Quartz

Pointy nails are bold for their shape alone. Still, Lizzo’s rose quartz-inspired nails add a subtle head-turning element to the already-fierce shape.

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Color-Blocked Nails

Stilletto nails with colorblock design in pink navy and orange

Whether you have pointy daggers or almond-shaped points like the nails above, this color-blocked mani will look great. You can go with a more intricate look, by using several colors on each nail or just use two colors. What is important is to have contrasting blocks or patterns of color on each nail. Add in a simple white line of varying patterns on each nail for more depth and contrast.

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Tiny Hearts

KHLOE KARDASHIAN'S PINK AND RED STILLETTO SHAPED MANICURE WITH HEART DETAIL

While pink hearts might make you think of Valentine’s Day, we think they’re great all year round. Case in point? Khloe Kardashian’s almond-shaped, French-tipped nails with tiny hearts are cute every day of the week.

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Pierced and Pointy

pierced and pointed stilleto nail manicure with pink and white and gold details

These pierced and pointy nails make quite the statement. Pierced nails work best on long, artificial nails. Natural nails may not be strong enough. Use a nail piercing tool ($15) and choose between small hoops or delicate charms.

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Glitter Swirls

stilletto nail manicure with pink and white and gold detail

Feeling a bit extra? These pinky ɴuᴅᴇ nails are accented with white and gold glitter swirls that add an unexpected twist.

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Checkered Nails

Checkered nails are having a major moment. They have a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you are wearing your favorite pair of Vans sneakers. Recreating this look takes a steady hand and attention to detail. You can leave this style to your favorite manicurist or try some checkered press-on nails, such as the Chillhouse reusable non-toxic nails ($16).

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By the Sea Waves

wavy blue stilletto nail manicure — @luna_nail_therapy / Instagram

This wavy manicure would be the perfect look if you are heading to the beach. To recreate it, layer different shades of blue with white. You can also use a small sponge and paint the colors on the sponge and then press onto each nail.

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Minimalist Stars

simple stilletto nail manicure with french tips and gold star details

This upgraded French manicure has gold accents and white stars to give your nails a fresh twist. This would look fabulous on almond-shaped pointy nails or more dagger-shaped points. You can paint on the stars or use Star Nail Art Stickers ($8).

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Holographic Points

holographic stilletto nail manicure in shades of blue — @alchemyxnails / Instagram

Pointy nails look fabulous with nail polish that helps them stand out. Case in point: These amazing holographic nails that change color in the light. Recreate this look by brushing on Shade Shifter Multichrome Nail Polish ($11).

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Cow Print Nails

cow print black and white stilletto nail manicure — @nailsfascination / Instagram

While cow print looks great on all nail shapes, there’s something to be said about displaying the print across a longer canvas. After all, the longer the nail, the more splotches you can fit in.

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Super Woman-Approved

super woman inspired stilletto nail manicure

These pointy, almond-shaped nails are playful and eye-catching with pops of cobalt blue and golden yellow throughout. And, given the tips are painted white, you could even say this is just yet another take on the modern French manicure.

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Confetti Cuties

red white and blue Americana themed stilletto nail manicure — @mood.amberdee / Instagram

Stilletto nails get a bad rap for being too intense, so to help soften your set, consider polishing your pointy digits with this abstract, confetti-inspired nail art. While we love this fun color combo, the options are truly endless with which shades you can pair together.

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Out of This World

holographic tipped long stiletto nails — @noodle_yess / Instagram

These extra-long, stiletto nails look interstellar. With a pinkish-ɴuᴅᴇ base and glittery silver holographic polish, it’s no wonder the contrast immediately caught our eye.

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Red Daggers

ultra red pointy stilletto nail manicure

Stiletto nails are known for being flashy, so let’s take it up a notch with classic red polish and textured details that you won’t be able to miss.

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Pretty in Purple

purple holograhic stilletto nails with crystals

These dark purple pointy nails fade from a dark base to light tips, with holographic gemstones and flecks extending in the same pattern. If you love the glimmer pattern but can’t get on board with the color, consider going lighter with a soft lavender or dusty rose hue.

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Festival Ready

festival-themed stilletto nails featuring shades of purple blue and pink

Each of these almond-shaped nails has a different type of nail art, which is perfect for festival season. Thanks to their soothing color palette, they also won’t look out of place at the office.

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Dainty Almond Nails

almond shaped stilletto nails in white with metallic detail

These single-striped, almond-shaped nails offer up a little edge while being polished with a demure pale pink shade. They’re topped off with a high-shine topcoat and, if you look closely, you’ll even notice a few teeny tiny base gems.

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Terracotta Tips

These neutral pointy nails are painted in a gorgeous terracotta shade that makes them approachable yet spicy. They can be worn from fall to summer without ever looking out of season. To copy the look, be sure to pick up a bottle of Smith & Cult’s Nail Lacquer ($18) in Tang Bang.

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Joke’s on You

joker themed stilletto nail manicure — @nailsby_jnh / Instagram

If you’re making the foray into pointy nails as part of a costume, you can never go wrong with adding a cinematic twist to your digits. These Joker nails fit the bill. Of course, they’re super intricate so you’ll likely need a pro to help you paint them on.

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Flower Power

stilletto nails in shades of blue with one flower detailed nail — @jhohannnails / Instagram

The best thing about pointy nails is that, while you can totally cover them in nail art, they look seriously great with solid coats of color accented with minimalist details. Take these blue floral nails for example. With a trendy tonal fade and perfectly-placed petals, these stiletto nails are simple but stunning.

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Flame-Thrower

Prefer a more intricate nail look? These pointy nails feature orange and yellow flames paired with a neutral base coat that looks H๏τ.

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Pucci Style

pucci inspired stilletto nails on Latto — @envious.nails / Instagram

Latto’s Pucci-inspired nails are bringing the ’70s back in the best way. We especially love how each nail is a slightly unique design, which creates a fun, visually stunning look.

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Two-Toned Tips

two toned tip nails in purple pink and blue — @kylabowienails / Instagram

Shades of purple and blue combine for a simple mani that looks cool. The angular design is one of many modern French manicure renditions and it can be recreated in any color (or shade combination).

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Up in the Clouds

purple and blue cloud designed stilletto nails

What we love about almond-shaped nails is that they give a softer take on the pointy nails trend, so they’re great for anyone trying to ease into the look. And the blue and purple cloud detailing? Absolutely dreamy.

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Swarovski Crystal Detailing

swarovski crystal black and gold stilletto nails

We love this look which features Swarovski crystals on each pinky nail, while other nails are detailed with black French tips and gold flecks.

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Dreamy Jelly Nails

If you’re open to gel nail extensions, these pointy nails will make you want to call your manicurist, stat. They feature translucent purple tips layered with fluffy white clouds, holographic stars, and tiny gems for an end look that’s nothing short of ethereal.