Ava Monroe
Square nails are a classic and timeless nail shape that is easy to achieve and less prone to breakage. If you're looking to achieve this look, it's important to start with clean, dry hands and nails. Then, use a nail file to file the edges of your nails at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed. File in one direction, not back and forth, to avoid cracking your nails. Next, file the corners straight and square, and finish by smoothing out the edges by filing the outside edges slightly. For a less sharp look, you can file the corners slightly rounded for a softer square shape.
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What You'll Learn
Wash and dry your hands before filing
Achieving the perfect manicure requires more than just filing your nails. In fact, you should always start by washing and drying your hands. This step is important because it removes excess oil and debris from your nails and hands, which could interfere with the filing process and affect the final result.
To wash your hands effectively, wet them with warm water and lather them with gentle hand soap for at least 20 seconds. Pay special attention to your nails and the skin underneath them, spending at least one minute cleaning these areas. You can use the tips of your fingers to ensure that you thoroughly cleanse your nails and the surrounding skin.
After you have finished lathering, rinse your hands and dry them completely with a clean towel. Make sure that your nails are totally dry before you start filing. Filing wet nails can make them more prone to breakage and rough edges. Allow your nails to air-dry for 3 to 5 minutes after washing to ensure they are completely dry.
Once your hands are clean and dry, you can move on to the next step of shaping your nails. Remember to choose the right nail file for the job and always file in one direction, rather than back and forth, to avoid cracking your nails.
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Cut nails short before filing, unless you want square-shaped nails
If you want square-shaped nails, there's no need to cut your nails short before filing. In fact, it's recommended to keep them relatively long so that you have more nail to work with.
However, if you don't want square-shaped nails, it's best to start by cutting your nails short. This is especially important if you're aiming for a curved shape, such as oval or almond nails. By cutting your nails short, you can create the desired curve more easily.
For square nails, use nail clippers to cut straight across the end of each nail. This will create a flat edge. If your nails are already short, you can skip this step and go straight to filing.
When filing your nails into a square shape, hold the nail file perpendicular to the edge of the nail. Begin by filing the edges at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed, then file the corners to make them straight and square. Remember to file in one direction, from the edge towards the center, rather than back and forth. This will help prevent cracking and breakage.
If you prefer a less sharp look, you can soften the square shape by slightly rounding the corners. To do this, hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle to the corner of the nail and use a smooth, rounding motion. Continuously check the corner of the nail after each stroke to ensure you don't over-file.
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File in one direction, not back and forth
When shaping your nails, it's important to file in one direction, rather than back and forth. This is because filing in one direction reduces the risk of nail breakage and cracking.
To start filing, hold the file parallel to the side of your nail. Keep the file flat against the nail tip as you work, to further protect against breakage. File from the side to the centre of the nail, and repeat on the opposite side.
If you are filing your nails square, begin by filing the edges at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed. Then, file the corners straight and square. If you prefer a softer look, you can file the corners slightly rounded, for a rounded square look.
If you are shaping your nails into a squoval, a combination of a square and an oval, begin by cutting your nails straight across into a square shape. Then, use a 240-grit file to round off the corners. File in one direction, using a smooth, rounding motion to create a rounded shape.
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File the edges at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed
To file your nails into a square shape, start by filing the edges at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed. This means holding the nail file perpendicular to the edge of your nail. Keep the file flat against the nail tip as you work to reduce the risk of breakage. File in one direction, from the edge towards the centre, rather than back and forth.
If you're right-handed, you might find it easier to file the nails on your left hand first. Position your left hand so that your fingers point towards you, which will help you to see your work more clearly.
As you file, remember to be mindful of your form. You'll be making hundreds of individual strokes, so keep checking that you're happy with the shape as you go.
Once you've filed the edges, you can move on to the corners. File the corners straight and square, or slightly rounded for a softer, more rounded square look.
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Smooth the free edge of each nail with a 400-grit file
To achieve a square nail shape, use a nail file to file the edges of your nails. Begin by filing the edges at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed, then file the corners to make them straight and square. It's important to file in one direction only, not back and forth, to avoid cracking your nails.
Once you have achieved the desired square shape, you can smooth the free edge of each nail with a 400-grit file. This is considered an extra-fine grit and is ideal for finishing touches. It will smooth and shine your nails, removing any ridges and stains.
Hold the file perpendicular to the tip of your nail and lightly sand from the top to the underside. This will ensure your nails are ready for a manicure or polish.
A 400-grit file is also suitable for use on natural nails, unlike coarser files which can damage the nail. It is soft enough to create a smooth shine without causing any thinning.
You can also use a 400-grit buffer to bring shine to your nails, either natural or with acrylics. Start with a lower-grit buffer and work your way up to 400-grit to add shine and remove any scratches.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by cutting your nails to the desired length. Then, file the edges of your nails at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed. File in one direction, from the side to the centre, and avoid filing back and forth. Next, file the corners straight and square. Finish by holding the file parallel to the opposite side of the nail and file from the side to the centre again.
To smooth out the edges, use a 400 or higher grit nail file and lightly sand from the top to the underside of the nail.
Before filing, thoroughly wash and dry your hands with soap and warm water to get rid of any oil or debris that might interfere with the process.
