Not only does nail color make a statement—it tells a lot about a personality, say nail experts. Next to the face, the human hand is a person’s most expressive feature—and your clients will be looking to you, the professional, to make sure they’re in tip-top shape.

Nail shape and color speak volumes about personality and are a reflection of the client’s style. Short, square nails always work for dark colors, but OPI’s Suzi Weiss- Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director, says her go-to nail shape is the squoval, a square with slightly rounded edges, because it is universally flattering. “Squoval is always a favorite of mine,” she says, “and will be a frequently worn look for the new year.”

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