Doing your own nails at home is popular, and so are online courses that teach nail shapes and manicure technique. This guide covers three things: the common nail shapes in plain terms, the safety points the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) gives for manicures, and a checklist for deciding whether an online nail course is worth paying for. It is general information, not medical advice. If a nail changes colour, shape or texture, or becomes sore, ask a doctor.

We have not tested any nail course, tool or product named here. A course can teach technique; it cannot promise you a result, a licence or an income, and results may vary.

The common nail shapes

The names are used loosely, so check pictures in any course or tutorial before you rely on a label.

  • Oval: a rounded tip with softly curved sides.
  • Square: a straight free edge with sharp or slightly softened corners.
  • Round: a tip that follows the curve of the fingertip.
  • Almond: tapered sides coming to a rounded point.

Length and shape affect how easily a nail catches on things, so pick a shape you can keep up with, and file in small steps.

Safety points from the AAD

Source: American Academy of Dermatology, "Manicure and pedicure safety" (aad.org/nail-care-secrets/manicure-pedicure-safety). Read in full. Last checked: 18 October 2026.

  • Cuticles: the AAD says to never cut or forcefully push back your cuticles, to prevent infection. If you must push them back, do so only gently after a shower or bath.
  • Tools: if you go to a salon often, the page suggests considering buying your own tools to be used there.
  • Salons: check whether the technician has the needed experience or licence, whether the station looks clean, and whether the technician washes their hands between clients. If the salon does not look clean, the AAD says to move on.
  • Pedicure foot-baths: they should be thoroughly disinfected before you use them, because improperly cleaned ones can harbour bacteria and fungus.
  • Shaving: nicking your skin before a pedicure raises infection risk, and the AAD advises waiting at least 24 hours after a pedicure before shaving your lower legs.
  • Artificial nails: if you get a rash or other reaction, tell your doctor which products you used.

The page does not list specific signs of infection, so we do not either. When in doubt, ask a doctor.

Before you pay for an online nail course

  1. Read exactly what it covers. One example is the Oval Nail Shape Mastery course from VEL Academy, whose sales page describes nine video lessons on a Russian manicure workflow: removal, cuticle work, gel levelling, shaping, colour and top coat. Compare the lesson list with what you actually want to learn.
  2. Check the cuticle advice against the AAD points above. A course that teaches cuticle work should explain the risks. Ask the seller before you buy how its cuticle advice compares with what dermatologists say.
  3. Check the format and length. That course lists video lessons, self-paced access, "90+ min" of content and a certificate of completion. A certificate of completion is not a licence to work on clients; check your own state or country's rules if you plan to do nails professionally.
  4. Check the price and the refund terms. That course lists $59.99 as a one-time payment and a 60-day money-back guarantee on its page. Terms can change, so read them at checkout.
  5. Ignore income and career promises. No course can guarantee income or a career.
  6. Know what you need to buy. Tools, lamps and products are extra. Get these from sellers that list what is in the box.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, manicure and pedicure safety; VEL Academy, Oval Nail Shape Mastery sales page (course details as listed there on 18 October 2026).