Which condition may indicate a need for a change in nail shape?

The need for a change in nail shape is most significantly indicated by the presence of ingrown nails. When nails grow improperly into the surrounding skin, this can cause pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Altering the shape of the nail can help prevent further embedding into the skin. Addressing an ingrown nail often requires cosmetic intervention, including reshaping the nail to reduce pressure on the skin and allow for healthy growth.

While weak, broken, and chipped nails may also warrant attention in terms of nail care or modifications, they do not typically necessitate a change in nail shape in the same way that ingrown nails do. Weak nails might require strengthening treatments, broken nails could necessitate repairing, and chipped nails often need a touch-up, but these conditions do not fundamentally change how the nail should be shaped for health and proper growth.