As we get older, it’s completely natural for our bodies and skin to display signs of aging. We primarily see this on our faces and necks, but it’s also fairly common on our hands.
On the hands, mature skin can manifest as wrinkles, loose skin, dryness, roughness and more noticeable veins and tendons, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. These features can sometimes result in the hands looking a bit bonier or smaller.
Again, these changes to the hands are totally normal. However, if you are unhappy with how your hands are evolving as you age, there is one easy and natural way to flatter your hands: with a manicure.
But what type of manicure is best at elongating mature hands? As it turns out, there are a few nail shapes, lengths and colors that are up to the task.
To learn more, we spoke with Jacqueline Pham, a New York-City based nail artist and celebrity manicurist for Color Street. Pham’s nail art has been featured in magazines including Vogue and Allure, and her celebrity nail clients include Tiffany Haddish and Nick Jonas.
Keep reading to learn more about the three nail shapes of “old money nails” that can help elongate mature hands and make them look extra beautiful.
Related: Anne Hathaway’s ‘Clean Girl’ Nails Are the Manicure Trend Everyone Is Asking For Right Now: How To Recreate the Look
How To Prevent Hands From Showing Signs of Aging
Besides aging, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) notes a few activities that can accelerate signs of aging on our hands: smoking, unprotected sun exposure and fast weight loss.
To prevent your hands from displaying signs of aging, the ASDS recommends keeping your hands moisturized with a product containing vitamin C, as well as using sunscreen on your hands whenever you go outside during the day.
Related: 25 Minimalist Nail Ideas That Are Subtle Yet So Stunning
What Is an ‘Old Money’ Manicure?
An “old money” sensibility or fashion sense involves being subtle in your display of wealth.
So when it comes to an old money manicure, you’ll want to do your nails in a natural, clean and delicate way that evokes quiet luxury. This manicure simple and subtle and avoids bright colors and funky designs.
Related: 9 Nail Colors That Look Especially Good on Women Over 60, According to Manicurists
3 Nail Shapes To Elongate Mature Hands, According to a Celebrity Manicurist
Here are the shapes that are especially flattering for aging hands, according to a nail artist.
1. Soft almond
Mariia Demchenko / Getty Images
“If your hands have become more delicate over the years, soft almond is one of the most flattering shapes you can choose,” Pham tells Parade. While an almond nail comes to a point at the end, much like an actual almond, a soft almond nail involves filing the point into a softer, more rounded tip.
“This shape naturally elongates the fingers because of the gently tapered shape,” she explains, adding that this look is “refined,” and “gives the ‘old money’ or ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic that works for mature hands.”
To achieve a soft almond nail at home, use a glass nail file to “file the sides slightly inward and soften the tip into a rounded point,” Pham says.
The best color for a soft almond manicure, she explains, is a sheer pink or creamy nude. Or, you can even pair it with a classic French manicure.
Related: Why ‘Safe’ Nail Colors Can Actually Make Mature Hands Look Older
2. Oval
Inessa Bologova / Getty Images
Whether your nails are long or short, oval is a classic shape that can help elongate the fingers.
“Oval nails visually lengthen the nail bed while keeping the hands looking soft and elegant,” Pham explains. “The shape never goes out of style and is true understated elegance, complementing every nail length.”
Plus, oval nails are pretty easy to do yourself. Just “round the tip evenly while keeping the sides slightly tapered,” she says.
For an oval manicure, she recommends a soft shade, such as ballet pink, ivory or beige to “keep it simple and classic.”
Related: How To Get the Perfect Princess Nails, According to a Professional Nail Technician
3. Squoval
Mariia Demchenko / Getty Images
If you like the look of square nails but aren’t sure about going quite so rigid, try squoval nails.
“Squoval nails combine a square shape with softened corners for a clean, polished finish,” Pham explains. “This classic shape gives mature hands a sophisticated appearance without looking trendy.”
To achieve squoval nails, start by filing straight across the tip of your nail to create a square shape. Then, “gently round the corners” using a glass nail file.
Pham advises using a classic ballet slipper, rosy beige, greige or glossy nude shade for a squoval mani.
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Sources:
Jacqueline Pham, manicurist and nail artist. What Can Make My Hands Look Younger? American Academy of Dermatology Association. Aging Hands. American Society for Dermatologic SurgeryHence then, the article about the old money manicure 3 elegant nail shapes that instantly elongate mature hands was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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