Squoval nails are having a moment. As seen on countless celebrities and influencers, this trending nail shape has quickly become one of the most requested in-salon. Softer than square, sharper than oval, squoval nails are elegant, chic, and universally flattering.
There are several decisions involved when having a manicure. Do you want nail art or no nail art? How about a pastel polish or something bright? And what about nail shape? Before your appointment, it’s always good to do some research and scroll through freshnail designsthat will inspire your next nail look. And as for nail shape, why not consider the famous squoval.
Sitting somewhere between square and oval, squoval nails are the best of both worlds. “Squoval is an extremely popular shape and a favorite among nail techs, too,” saysSophie Louise Martin, luxury gel manicurist, and natural nail specialist, “it’s the perfect shape to create an effortless, chic manicure.” It’s also easy to do DIY. Here, we break down everything you need to know about squoval nails, including a step-by-step guide to nailing this shape at home. You’re welcome!
Your complete Squoval nails guide
What nail shape is squoval?
Squoval is the goldilocks of nail shapes. Not too round and not too square – squoval sits somewhere in the middle. “The squoval nail shape is square with soft, rounded edges,” explains Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of award-winning London nail salon,Townhouse, “which is why it’s the ultimate crowd pleaser.”
“It takes the boldness of the square edge and combines it with the softness of oval corners,” continues Juanita. Increasingly popular in-salon, Juanita believes this is down to its sophisticated look as well as, “the fact that it suits most hands, nail art trends and polish colors.”
What length works best with squoval nails?
(Image credit: Townhouse)
The beauty of this look is that it suits everyone and every nail length, but a squoval shape works especially well withnail designs for short nails. “It’s a shape that works well for most nail lengths,” confirms Huber-Millet, “versus almond, stiletto, and ballerina shapes which are better suited to longer nails.” According to Martin, “the best length for a squoval shape is short and neat with a little bit of length above the smile line.”
Benefits of squoval nails
As well as suiting different lengths, squoval nails work well with most nail techniques, including dip powder nails, gels, and acrylics, plus they suit a variety of colors. “Both light and dark colors look great on squoval nails,” says Huber-Millet. “Personally, I love classic colors such as vibrant reds and dark licorice black for squoval nails,” adds Martin.
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It's the perfect shape for nail art, too. “We love to liven it up with nail art as well – the squoval sides provide more surface area for gorgeous designs,” continues Huber-Millet. Which is great news for anyone consideringFrench tip nails. Nail design aside, “squoval nails are a lot more structurally sound than an oval or square,” says Martin. “Ovals can be quite weak in the middle as they are missing the support of the corners, while squares can catch on the corners, causing chips.” Essentially, squoval is the perfect middle ground, and an ideal shape if you've weakened your natural nail with harsh removal methods (ask any expert is acetone bad for your nails and the reply is a resounding yes)
How to file squoval nails
(Image credit: Sophie Louise Martin)
Another bonus of the squoval shape is that it’s easy to nail at home. “All you need to create squoval nails are some nail clippers, a buffer, and a nail file,” says Huber-Millet. Follow this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: “Use your clippers to cut straight across your nails to create a square shape at your desired length,” says Huber-Millet. If your nails are already short, skip this step.
Step 2: “Take your nail file and file straight across the top of the nails and down the two sidewalls to create the perfect square,” says Martin. “Note that it’s always best to file with long strokes rather than a seesaw motion,” adds Huber-Millet.
Step 3: “Using long, gentle strokes, pull your file to the centre of the nail from the sidewall to round the edges,” says Martin. “This will remove the sharpness,” adds Huber-Millet. Top tip? “Only do this a couple of times – as you don’t want to turn the nail into a round shape,” warns Martin.
Step 4: “Take your buffer and gently buff away any frayed edges of the nail for a super smooth finish,” says Martin.
Our beauty team recommends...
Brushworks Toe and Nail Clipper Set | RRP: $8.30/£5.99
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This nourishing treatment protects nails from breakage, splitting, and staining. It also strengthens nails thanks to a co*cktail of vitamins and minerals.
One style that's a crowd-pleaser if you're not sure, is "squoval". It combines the neatness of a straight square shade, with the softness of an oval "the nail is predominately square with rounded edges," explains Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of top London nail bar, TOWNHOUSE.
One style that's a crowd-pleaser if you're not sure, is "squoval". It combines the neatness of a straight square shade, with the softness of an oval "the nail is predominately square with rounded edges," explains Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of top London nail bar, TOWNHOUSE.
Keep the nail and tool moving to avoid working in one spot for too long. Angle the nail slightly to form a smooth dome to the tip of the free edge. On both the centre and tip zones you can move the file side to side in contact with the nail, taking care to lift regularly to avoid heat build up.
Start from one of the outside corners and file toward the center. Don't file back and forth across the entire nail tip because it can damage the nail. When you achieve the desired length and shape on one side, file from the opposite corner toward the center. Go slowly.
File most shapes from the edges toward the center.
For squared nails, though, start filing perpendicular to the tip until you have a flat end, then only file the outside edges slightly to smooth them out. As you work on rounded shapes, alternate filing either side of the nail to ensure a smooth and symmetrical curve.
Never use a nail file with a grit coarser than 240 on the surface of natural nails – buffers can be coarser, as they have a cushioned layer which offers more protection. A 180 grit nail file should be fine for shaping the natural nail edge – if nails are very soft or damaged, a 240 grit file may be better.
The most feminine nail shape is widely considered to be the almond shape . This shape mimics the natural curve of a woman 's nail bed and gives the illusion of longer , more delicate fingers .
they're easy to shape, low maintenance and, because they're entirely curved, they have no sharp edges or corners to snag on clothing or surfaces. this shape is recommended for anyone, however you may want to opt for a squoval if your nails are very short.
As a guide, the three middle fingers (index, middle and ring) should be the same length and the pinkie and thumb should be the same length as each other when placed side by side from the cuticle on the pinkie to the corner of where the natural nail free edge ends on the thumb (see photo below) to achieve a harmonious ...
There really is an optimal length to cut your fingernails. “You do want a nail to extend past your finger pad,” says dermatologist and author Dr. Rajani Katta.
Grit 240 file: Grit 240 is used to shorten the natural nail and file it into shape. This is the softer nail file and is therefore intended for natural nails. When you stick to grit 240, you are sure that you can file on the free edge of the nail (forward AND back) without destroying it.
The different types of nails files are designed for different uses, so it is important to select the right one. For natural nails, a fine-grit cushion file is gentle yet effective. Basically, the higher the grit number, the smoother the file. Coarse files (80-100 grit) are best for acrylic nail extensions.
But first, be sure to clean and dry your nails properly. It is crucial not to file nails while wet; Lin explains, “When we file wet nails, the nail absorbs a lot of water and becomes softer, [meaning] it can become quite easy to break the nail or over-file, especially if the client has longer nails.”
She told 21Ninety coffin, stiletto, or round nails are the best nail shapes for fat fingers. “[Stiletto nails] are extremely tapered, giving your thick fingers a slim and lengthened appearance,” Littlewood said. Coffin nails also offer this lengthening effect, but with a more squared tip at the end.
"If you want a square shape, start filing from the middle," says Amy Lin, the founder of sundays—a nail care brand focused on wellness. Filing straight across will not only give you the flat top quintessential of a square nail, but it will help create those sharp edges, too.
Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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