Caleb Foster
Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval shapes, resulting in a flat or square top edge with slightly rounded corners. This nail shape is universally flattering and can be achieved at home with the right tools and technique. The process involves cutting nails straight across, then filing the tips and sidewalls in one direction to create a smooth, rounded appearance. It is important to use the correct type of nail file and to avoid over-filing to prevent damage to the natural nails. With practice, anyone can master the squoval shape and enjoy its classic and elegant look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail shape | Squoval (combination of square and oval) |
| Top edge | Flat or square |
| Corners | Slightly rounded |
| Cutting technique | Cut nails straight at the top |
| Filing technique | File in one direction, not back and forth |
| Filing angle | Hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle |
| Filing motion | Use a smooth rounding motion |
| Filing frequency | Check the corner of the nail after each stroke to avoid over-filing |
| Filing tools | Emery board, 180-grit board file, 200-grit nail file, 240-grit file, 400-grit file |
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What You'll Learn
File at a 45-degree angle to round the corner of the free edge
To cut your nails into a squoval shape, you'll need to start by cutting your nails to a flat, square shape with slightly rounded corners. Then, grab your nail file and position it at a 45-degree angle at the corner of your nail. It's important to hold the file at this specific angle to achieve the perfect rounded corner, a key characteristic of squoval nails.
Use a smooth, rounding motion to pull the file over the corner of the nail, repeating this process 3-4 times. Remember to pause and check the corner of your nail after each stroke to ensure you don't over-file. The goal is to create a smooth, rounded edge that softens the sharp square shape.
The 45-degree angle is crucial to achieving the desired rounded corner. By holding the file at this angle, you can gently shape the corner without filing away too much nail. It allows for precise control and helps to prevent over-filing, ensuring a consistent and balanced result.
Additionally, the 45-degree angle complements the natural curve of the nail's edge, creating a seamless blend between the straight sides and the rounded corner. This angle is the sweet spot for crafting the squoval shape, ensuring your nails have the desired blend of straight edges and subtle curves.
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Cut nails straight across to achieve the flat, square top edge
Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval shapes, resulting in a flat or square top edge with slightly rounded corners. To achieve this look, you should start by cutting your nails to this shape.
When cutting your nails, it is recommended to cut straight across, making a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. This helps to prevent bending and weakening your nail at the sides. Nails should be cut straight across at the beginning of the opaque, overgrown tips, being careful not to cut past the opaque tips to avoid exposing the sensitive skin underneath.
If your nails are not already close to a squoval shape, you may need to trim them to the correct general shape. To achieve the flat, square top edge characteristic of squoval nails, cut your nails straight across, following the natural line of the free edge, which is where the nail ends at the tip of the finger.
After cutting your nails, you can use a nail file to refine the shape and smooth out any rough edges.
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File in one direction to prevent cracking
To cut your nails into a squoval shape, you'll need to start by cutting your nails to a flat, square top edge with slightly rounded corners. Then, file them with a 240-grit file in one direction, instead of back and forth, to prevent cracking. Filing back and forth can cause damage to the nail, making it weaker and more jagged.
When filing, hold your fingers towards your face by making a half-fist, with the underside of your wrist facing up and nails bent towards your face. Start from one of the outside corners and file towards the centre. Repeat the motion on the other side, going slowly to ensure you don't take off too much nail too quickly.
After you've achieved the desired length and shape, go over your nails with a 400-grit file and use a buffer to smooth out the edges. You can also use a nail oil and cuticle oil to help repair frayed nails and prevent future breakage.
Remember, the most flattering nail shape may be the one that mirrors your natural nail bed shape, which is largely determined by the shape of your cuticle and nail bed.
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Smooth edges with a buffer
Buffing your nails is an important step in achieving smooth, shiny, and healthy-looking nails. It helps improve blood circulation and removes buildup and residue, promoting nail growth. To smooth the edges of your squoval nails with a buffer, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean, dry, and properly prepped. Remove any old nail polish with nail polish remover. Wash your hands and nails to get rid of any oils or dirt that might interfere with the buffing process.
Next, use a nail file to shape your nails. For squoval nails, you want a flat, square top edge with slightly rounded corners. File your nails in one direction, avoiding the back-and-forth motion, to prevent cracking and damage.
Now, you can begin buffing. Hold the buffer parallel to your nail. Place the large grit side of the buffer, which is the coarser side, on your nail. Using gentle, unidirectional strokes, buff your nail in an X shape. Remember to buff each nail gently, using only six to eight strokes. Repeat this process for each nail.
After buffing, use the finer grit side of the buffer to polish your nails. Again, hold the buffer parallel to your nail and use unidirectional strokes, but this time, buff in an X shape to smooth and brighten your nails.
Finally, use the smooth side of the buffer to shine your nails. Place the smooth side on your nail and, using light pressure, move the buffer in tiny circular motions over the entire surface of your nail until you achieve a glossy look. Repeat this step for each nail, and you're done!
Buffing your nails is a great way to smooth out the edges and achieve a healthy shine. However, it's important to remember that over-buffing can damage your nails, so it's recommended to stick to buffing your nails once a month.
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Squoval suits all hands and nail lengths
The squoval nail shape is a universally flattering look that suits all hands and nail lengths. It is a hybrid of square and oval nail shapes, with a flat or square top edge and slightly rounded corners. This combination of straight tips and curved edges gives the best of both worlds, offering a bold yet soft look that is elegant and chic.
Squoval nails are structurally sound and easy to maintain, making them a practical choice for those who work with their hands. They are also a good option for those who have weakened their natural nails with harsh removal methods, as the rounded edges reduce the risk of chipping compared to square nails.
The squoval shape is versatile and suits a variety of nail colours and techniques, including dip powder nails, gels, and acrylics. Light and dark colours both look great, with classic shades such as vibrant reds and dark licorice black being popular choices. The shape also provides more surface area for nail art designs, making it a favourite among those who enjoy experimenting with different looks.
Additionally, the squoval shape is easy to achieve at home and does not require long nails. All you need are some nail clippers, a buffer, and a nail file. This makes it a convenient and accessible option for those who want to try out this trendy and flattering nail shape.
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Frequently asked questions
A squoval nail shape is a combination of square and oval shapes. It has a flat, or square, top edge with slightly rounded corners.
The squoval shape is universally flattering and suits all hands, whether the nails are long or short. It is also easy to achieve at home and less prone to breaking than super long lipstick nails.
First, cut your nails straight across at the top using fingernail clippers. Then, file the tips in one direction using a glass or emery board nail file, curving the corners slightly to soften them. Repeat this process on each nail to achieve a full set of squoval nails.
