The Great Millennial vs. Gen Z Nail Shape Debate

Millennials and Gen Z seem destined to be pitted against each other for all eternity. Whether its jeans, side parts or manicures the internet loves to point out how the two generations differ. Most recently talk of Millennial and Gen Z nail shapes has been buzzing on TikTok.

Basically the younger generation is claiming short nails are in while longer almond nails are cheugy. However, Millennials aren’t letting go of their go-to manicure that easily. We asked manicurists who work on clients of all age to weigh in on the trend. “I think both generations have embraced both shapes and styles incorporating their own elements in their nail sets making them both a timeless aesthetic for their own generation,” says celebrity nail artist Elizabeth Garcia. To get a better understanding of what separates a Millennial mani from a Gen Z set in the eyes of the internet, read on.

Featured Experts

Millennial Nails

One thing that tends to set Millennial and Gen Z nails apart at first glance is the length. “Millennial nails are longer, and some people think that almond shape is a giveaway that someone is a millennial (like no-show socks and side parts!), ” says celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec. Millennial connotation or not she notes that her clients tend to lean toward more almond-shaped nails. “They’re just more flattering! My preference is almond, as well,” she says, adding that they’re also more timeless, in her opinion. Garcia agrees, noting she likes “going for a mid to long length almond nail because it elongates your hands and fingernails, giving the client a more youthful look.”