Coffin Nails (Ballerina Nails): 240+ Trendy Designs & Shape Guide (2026)

Chinese: 棺材甲 / 芭蕾甲

Length: Long

Difficulty: Hard

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐

Maintenance: High

Coffin nails — also called ballerina nails — feature tapered sides that narrow to a flat, squared-off tip, resembling a coffin shape or the flat toe of a ballet slipper. This shape gained massive popularity through celebrity culture and social media, becoming one of the most requested shapes in nail salons worldwide. Coffin nails provide a generous surface area that serves as a perfect canvas for nail art, ombre gradients, and French tip variations.

Pros & Cons

Is this shape right for you?

✅ Pros

Large flat tip provides excellent canvas for nail art
Highly fashionable and Instagram-worthy
Creates an elegant, elongated finger silhouette
Versatile — works with minimalist to maximalist designs
Perfect for ombre, French tips, and intricate patterns

❌ Cons

Requires long nails — nearly impossible on short natural nails
Prone to breakage at the narrow taper points
Usually requires gel or acrylic reinforcement
High maintenance — needs regular fills and reshaping
Not practical for very hands-on work

Best For

Who should choose Coffin?

Nail art enthusiasts

The flat, wide tip is the ultimate canvas for detailed designs, 3D art, and gradient effects.

Long nail beds

The tapered shape looks most proportional on naturally long or extended nail beds.

Fashion-forward individuals

This shape makes a bold style statement for those who love being on-trend.

How to File Coffin

Step-by-step shaping guide

Start with long nails — coffin shape requires significant length. Use extensions if needed.

File the sides — angle your file inward on both sides to create a taper (narrowing toward the tip).

Square off the tip — instead of rounding, file the tip straight across to create the signature flat edge.

Even out the taper — ensure both sides narrow at the same angle for a symmetrical coffin shape.

Refine and smooth — use a buffer to smooth all edges and eliminate snag points.

240+ Coffin Designs

Tap any image for inspiration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between coffin and ballerina nails?

They are the exact same shape. 'Coffin' refers to the shape's resemblance to a casket, while 'ballerina' compares it to the flat toe of a ballet pointe shoe. The terms are interchangeable.

Are coffin nails high maintenance?

Yes, coffin nails require regular maintenance. They typically need fills every 2-3 weeks, as the narrow taper is prone to lifting and breakage. Most people use gel or acrylic to maintain the shape.

Can coffin nails be short?

While coffin nails are traditionally long, a 'short coffin' variation exists where the taper is subtle and the length is moderate. However, the signature coffin look is best achieved with longer nails.