Isla Bennett
Square nails are a modern yet classic nail shape that suits anyone, but they are particularly well-suited to those with long fingers and slim nails as they visually shorten fingers and add width. To achieve square nails, you should first trim your nails straight across the top to create a straight-line finish. You can then use a file to smooth the edges, being careful not to file too much and end up with a rounded shape. If you want to take your at-home manicure to the next level, you can buff your nails, tend to your cuticles, and apply a base coat, two coats of nail polish, and a top coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Clippers, nail file, cotton pad, nail polish remover, cuticle oil, buffer |
| Preparation | Remove old polish, clean nails from cuticle to tip |
| Cutting | Cut nails straight across the top to create a straight-line finish |
| Filing | File from the middle, straight across to achieve a flat top and sharp edges; file edges down if too sharp |
| Buffing | Buffing primes nails for lacquer |
| Cuticles | Gently push back cuticles with small circular movements, working from corner to corner |
| Nail Polish | Apply two coats, allowing nails to dry between layers |
| Maintenance | Base and top coats contain vitamins and minerals that strengthen nails |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail clippers to cut nails straight across the top
To cut your nails into a square shape, you'll need a set of nail clippers and a nail file.
Nail clippers are cheap, simple, and widely available. They have a curved edge designed to make it easier to trim your nails. Toenail clippers are larger and have a straight cutting edge. Fingernail clippers are smaller and have a concave edge.
Before you start cutting your nails, it's important to soften them. You can do this by soaking them in water for a few minutes or by cutting your nails right after a shower or bath. Softer nails are easier to trim and less likely to split.
Now, you're ready to start cutting. If you want all your nails to be the same length, use your shortest nail as a guide for how much nail growth to leave when cutting the others. You can start with your chosen nail and cut it straight across the top with multiple cuts. Then, move on to the other nails, cutting them down to the same length.
If you cut your nails with multiple snips, you avoid putting too much pressure on the nail plate, which can cause cracking. Make 3 or 4 cuts for each nail, going from one corner to the other. Avoid cutting your nails in one go.
Once you've cut your nails to the desired length, you can use a nail file to smooth the edges.
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File nails from the middle to create a flat top
To create square-shaped nails, it's best to start with medium- to long-length nails. If your nails are a little longer, use clippers to clip your nails straight across the top, creating a flat, straight tip. If your nails are shorter, simply file them straight across to create the flat tip.
Next, you'll want to file the edges of your nails into a square shape. File the edges at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed, then file the corners to make them straight and square.
Amy Lin, the founder of nail care brand Sundays, recommends filing from the middle outwards to achieve the flat top that is quintessential to square nails. She also recommends filing in one direction, instead of back and forth, to avoid cracking your nails.
Once you have flat tops on all your nails, flip your hand over and spread your fingers so they are pointing straight up. Check that your fingertips are parallel and fix any that are uneven.
Finally, smooth out any rough edges with a buffer, but be careful not to overdo it, or you'll wind up with more of a "squoval" nail shape.
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Smooth sharp edges with a file, but don't overdo it
Square nails are flat across the top with straight, sharp corners. They are a modern yet classic nail shape that works for anyone, but those with long fingers and slim nails may find this look particularly flattering as it visually shortens fingers and adds width.
If you want a square shape, Amy Lin, the founder of nail care brand Sundays, recommends filing from the middle. Filing straight across will give you the flat top of a square nail and help create those sharp edges.
If the edges are rough or too sharp, gently file them down to be smooth. But be careful not to overdo it – if you file too much, you'll end up with rounded edges, which will spoil the square shape you're aiming for. You can use a fine nail file to gently round off the corners and prevent sharp edges, but only do this very slightly, so the overall shape remains square.
It's important to go slowly when filing your nails. If you file too fast, you'll take off too much nail too quickly, and it will be hard to achieve your desired shape. You don't want to bring the file back and forth across the nail in a sawing motion, as this can fray the nail and even damage the nail bed and cuticle.
Glass nail files are often recommended because they're gentle on the nails and easier to clean. They also smooth and seal the freshly filed edges as they go, preventing breaks and peeling.
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Buff nails to prime them for nail polish
Buffing your nails is an important step in achieving a long-lasting manicure. It helps create a better surface for nail polish to adhere to and makes your nails feel smooth and even. Here is a step-by-step guide to buffing your nails to prime them for nail polish:
Step 1: Choose the Right Tools
Select a nail buffer with multiple grit levels. A 4-way buffer block is a common choice, offering varying levels of coarseness from coarse to soft. If you're using a buffer block, ensure the grit is 100 or 120. For a file, use a 180-grit option or a finer grit for better results.
Step 2: File Your Nails
Start by filing your nails to your desired length and shape. Use the coarsest side of the buffer block or a separate nail file. Hold the file at a right angle to your nail and always file in the same direction, from the outer edge to the centre. Avoid filing back and forth, as this can damage your nails by splitting and weakening them.
Step 3: Buff Your Nails
Use the second coarsest side of your buffer block or a separate nail buffing tool. Buff your nails in an "X" shape to smooth out ridges and create a uniform surface. Remember to apply light pressure and avoid over-buffing, as this can weaken your nails. Each nail only needs 6-8 strokes.
Step 4: Polish Your Nails
Switch to the finer grit side of your buffer block or a separate nail polishing tool. Polish your nails with 4-6 "X" shaped strokes to remove any imperfections and make your nails even smoother. This step will help the nail polish adhere better and extend the life of your manicure.
Step 5: Shine Your Nails (Optional)
If you're not planning to apply nail polish, you can use the smooth side of your buffer block to add a natural shine to your nails. Use light pressure and small circular motions to buff your nails to a glossy finish.
Step 6: Clean Your Nails
Before applying nail polish, ensure your nails are clean and free of any residue. Use a dusting brush to gently remove any residual dust or particles. You can also use a cotton square soaked in nail oil remover or alcohol to wipe down your nails.
Step 7: Apply Cuticle Oil (Optional)
If you're not applying nail polish, consider massaging a small amount of cuticle oil into your nails and cuticles. This will add extra shine and moisture to your nails, giving them a healthy appearance.
Now that your nails are buffed and primed, you can proceed to apply your chosen nail polish for a long-lasting and flawless manicure. Remember to always buff and polish your nails with gentle, unidirectional strokes to avoid damage.
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Push back cuticles with small circular movements
Pushing back your cuticles is a great way to prevent them from splitting or getting infected, and it also allows nail products to sit better on the nail surface.
To push back your cuticles with small circular movements, you can start by removing any existing nail polish with a non-acetone polish remover. This will prevent small chips from getting pushed into your nail beds and causing an infection. Then, wash and dry your hands.
Next, you can apply a cuticle remover or cuticle oil to your cuticles. You can leave this on for a few minutes to allow the product to soften and penetrate the cuticles. If you are using cuticle oil, you can rub it in with small circular motions and then soak your hands in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes.
After your cuticles are softened, you can use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back the cuticles. Work the pusher or stick in small circular motions across the nail, applying gentle pressure. Be careful not to push too hard or scrape your nails with the stick.
Once you have pushed back your cuticles, you can remove any excess product with a cotton pad and wash off any remaining residue. It is recommended to sanitise the nail surface with hand sanitiser to remove any leftover residue. Finally, you can apply a moisturising product to your cuticles, such as nail oil or a thick, rich skin cream.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove any old nail polish, dirt, and debris from the nail bed. Then, cut your nails straight across the top to create a straight-line finish. Use a nail file to smooth the edges, and you're done!
Square nails are low maintenance and look good on everyone. They are also modern and cool, and they visually shorten fingers and add width.
File your nails from the middle, straight across to create a flat top. Filing straight across will also help create sharp edges. If the edges are too sharp, gently file them down to smooth them, but be careful not to over-file and wind up with a more rounded shape.
