For those of you with barely-there nails:
If your nails have been bitten down to nubs or cut super short, some of these shapes won't work, but that doesn't mean that your manicure can't look fab. Ask your nail technician to follow the shape of your nail–does it look more round or more square at the moment? And if you are looking to grow out your nails (New Year's resolutions, anyone?) here are Schell's top tips:
1. Put on cuticle oil every night. When nails get moisture, they can grow and stay strong. Schell likes Hydrating Cuticle Treatment by Deborah Lippman, $20.
2. Keep up with your manicures. If you tell your manicurist that you are aiming to have almond or oval nails, she will start rounding them out so that your nails can grow into the shape.
3. Get down with gel. Gel manicures help nails grow out because they provide reinforcement that prevents nails from breaking as easily. If you're going to get gel, just make sure to never peel it off yourself, and get the color replaced every two weeks.