Let Your Predatory Side out to Play with the Claw Nail Shape Trend
Brace yourselves, nail fanatics! The claw is back and sharper than ever. You thought those deliciously dangerous talons were just a fleeting celebrity fad from the 2010s? Nope, the claw nail shape trend has returned with serious animal appeal.
Swiss nail artist Nadia Theubet is currently turning heads with wildly curved acrylics. At first glance, they seem like extra pointy stilettos. But wait until you see the killer side profile! The thick, rounded apexes jut out like the claws of a velociraptor or big cat. But she’s not the only artist on the attack. Michelle Nguyen (AKA Coca Michelle) has also created tantalizing talons for Megan Thee Stallion.
Before you get too freaked out by the potentially hazardous vibes, Theubet swears her curved creations are surprisingly sensible for everyday wear. Typing is actually easier as the finger pads are free. Though she does admit removal is a long process and there's a significant risk of snagging if you're not careful.
But really, what's beauty without a little gamble? If you're ready to tap into your inner animal and let loose your fierce side, the curvaceous claw nail shape might be the badass mani you've been craving. It's time to get wild!
Claw Nail Shape
Big Cat Claw Nail
Here’s a set created by Nadia Theubet using acrylics. Notice how the claw arches up and out, leaving the finger pad exposed. It’s like a big cat’s claws that are non-retractable. The translucent off-white color enhances the illusion.
Acrylic Clear & Cover Colors
Megan Thee Stallion’s Fang Nails
Coca Michelle crafted these claws for the diva early in 2024. She named them the “New Fang Shape” and included a snake emoji in the description.
Compare them to the claw nails above. Although they have a high apex, see how the tips here are lower? It really seems like they are fangs!
Kitty Claw Nails
Similar to a house cat’s nails, these extensions have a darker part that Nadia Theubet added. It creates the illusion of the quick, the part with nerve endings and blood flow. Although these claw nails aren’t retractable like a house cat’s claws, they are perfectly shaped to play the role. Also note that the artist’s own nails (this is her hand) are trimmed short to accommodate this style.
Flower Claws
Claw nails are sometimes called thorn nails. But this is the first time we’ve seen them encapsulating real flowers and leaves! When you sculpt claw nails, what would you include inside them? Glitter for a magical twist? Blood for a Halloween costume?
Polygel Claws
Designed by Jimmy @bugnails, these claw nails were sculpted with clear polygel and painted with gel polish for the rotted root effect. The artist was inspired by Megan Thee Stallion’s fanged fingertips.
In our opinion, it was a stroke of genius to use polygel instead of acrylics. For one, poly gel is easier to work with as it won’t harden until cured in a nail lamp. It’s odorless, too. And best of all, it’s lighter in weight but just as strong as acrylics. We invite you to experience how fun nail art can be with the innovative Lavis Poly Extension Gel!
Lavis Poly Gel
Raptor Claws
The artist explains that these scary talons were made for a Dragula event. They sculpted them on a flat form and attached them with hard gel. The final step was stabilizing each one with acrylic. Look closely and you’ll notice the finish is iridescent.
Fairy Claws
How can you get claw nails to sparkle so beautifully? Coat them with cat eye gel polish or reflective glitter gel, then polish it off with a glossy top coat. Can you envision the enchanting results if you use a magnet to create patterns?
LAVIS Cat Eye CE9 - 12 - Gel Polish 0.5 Oz - LAVIS LOVE POTION COLLECTION
Spiky Claw Nails
This look harks back to the original claw nail shape trend in 2011. It’s easier to achieve than the rest of the talons we’ve admired above. Instead of painstakingly crafting claws with acrylics or polygel, shape soft gel extensions instead. They can be trimmed and filed just like a natural nail.
LDS - 17 Square XL Half Matte Nail Tips (Full Cover)
How to Model Claw Nails
Are you up to the challenge of doing claw nails? Then it’s time to do a test run. First, round up a few images of your favorite shapes and pick one with the best viewing angles. You’ll especially want to be able to see the arch from the side, but it’s also handy to see how the thick bottom tapers up to a point.
You could try examining your cat’s claws if they will let you. Did you know that a housecat’s nails are made of keratin just like a human’s? They have no feeling and grow continuously, which is why a scratching post is essential. But if you must trim a cat’s claws, be cautious because the pink park, the quick, is sensitive and will hurt and bleed just like a human’s nail bed.
Before you try giving yourself or a patient friend some claw nails, we recommend practicing on a curved form. You could use sticky tack to secure an old press-on nail to a surface and build on top of that.
Then there’s the debate of what material to use. Hard gel is likely too gooey for this purpose. Poly gel is far and away easier for beginners than acrylics but choose the tool that you are most familiar with. We carry both materials in our store. There are eighteen colors of poly gel, but these can all be painted any shade you like. Of course, there are hundreds of acrylic colors, too. Your fang nails could be very vibrant indeed!
Start by preparing the form with a base coat for good adhesion. Build the base of the claw—it will be the widest part. You could sculpt the tip all at once if it’s small, or gradually build out to a nice, sharp point for some seriously scary talons. You’re working in three dimensions, and it takes some getting used to. It may take a few tries until you’re satisfied, but remember, your skills will be in high demand. Once people get a look at your pointy masterpiece, they will want a set for themselves.
Conclusion
It’s your turn to try the newest nail shape to claw its way to the top. Fang, raptor, thorn, or claw nails make for a wild manicure that’s oddly comfortable! If you need to stock up on supplies before you begin, our home page lists the latest sales. And while you’re there, don’t miss the new arrivals to see the trendiest colors and most innovative styles and materials.
