Liam Carter
Squoval nails are a popular nail shape that combines the practicality of square nails with the softness of oval nails. This hybrid shape is universally flattering and can be worn on both long and short nails. To create squoval nails, you'll need a nail trimmer and a nail file. First, cut your nails to the desired length, ensuring they are straight at the top. Then, use your nail file to shape each nail towards the centre, rounding off the sharp edges to create a soft, square tip. Repeat this process on each nail until you have a full set of beautiful squoval nails. With a little practice, you can easily achieve this classic nail shape at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail shape | Part square and part oval |
| Nail length | Can be worn on both long and short nails |
| Nail clipper | 90% of the shaping work is done with a nail clipper |
| Nail file | 10% of the shaping work is done with a file, preferably a glass file |
| Filing technique | File the sidewalls starting from the side of the nails and file towards the centre of the nail to round off the sharp edges |
| Filing direction | File in one direction to prevent stress on the nails |
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What You'll Learn
File in one direction
Filing your nails in one direction is a crucial step in achieving the perfect squoval shape. Squoval nails are a blend of square and oval, combining the practicality of straight tips with the softness of curved edges. This versatile shape suits all hands and can be adapted to your preferred nail length.
To begin the filing process, use a nail trimmer to cut your nails to the desired length, ensuring they are straight across the top. This step creates a foundation for shaping and reduces the workload for your file, preventing damage to your nail tips. It is recommended to leave enough length so that filing down doesn't weaken your nails.
When filing, use a glass nail file with fine grit, which is more hygienic and precise than a standard emery board. Glass files are also gentler on your nails, smoothing and sealing the edges as you file, reducing the risk of breaks and peeling. Start by placing the file on the sidewall of your nail. Instead of filing straight up, angle your file towards the centre, gently rounding off the sharp edges to create the signature squoval shape. Repeat this motion on each nail, always filing in one direction, to achieve a consistent and smooth finish.
As you refine the shape, focus on maintaining a straight line across the centre of your nails while softening the edges. This technique defines the unique squoval contour, resulting in nails that are both elegant and easy to maintain. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, you'll master the art of shaping squoval nails effortlessly.
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Use a glass nail file
Glass nail files are a great way to achieve the squoval shape. Squoval nails are a hybrid of square and oval nail shapes, with straight tips and curved edges. They are universally flattering and can be worn on nails of any length.
To get the squoval shape, start by cutting your nails to the same length with fingernail clippers. You want to cut them straight across the top, which will help define the shape. Then, use a glass nail file to file the tips of your nails in one straight motion. Avoid filing back and forth, as this can put stress on your nails.
Next, you will file the sidewalls of your nails. Starting from the side of your nail, file up towards the tip in one motion. This will help you achieve the rounded edges that characterise squoval nails.
To create the squoval's blunt square look, place your glass file on the sidewall of your nail. Instead of filing straight up, file towards the centre of your nail to round off the sharp edges.
Finally, you can add polish for a pop of colour or leave your nails natural.
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Cut nails straight at the top
To grow squoval nails, you'll need to start by cutting your nails straight across at the top. This is an important step as cutting your nails at an angle can result in painful hangnails. Cutting straight across also helps prevent bacteria growth and keeps your nails clean.
When cutting your nails, it's best to start by soaking them in water for a few minutes to soften them and make them easier to trim. Then, use nail clippers to cut your nails straight across, making multiple small cuts rather than one large cut. This will help prevent bending and weakening your nail at the sides.
After cutting, use a nail file to shape your nails. For squoval nails, you'll want to taper the edges slightly and then round them off. This can be easier to achieve if you file your nails while they are painted.
Remember, the most flattering nail shape may not be the one that is trending, but rather the one that mirrors your natural nail bed. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find the shape that works best for you.
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File the sidewalls
Filing your nails is a delicate process, and it's important to be cautious of a few things to avoid damaging your nails. Firstly, make sure you have a good quality, gentle nail file with a grit of 240 or 180. These are often labelled as emery boards, which are perfect for natural nails.
When filing the sidewalls of your nails, it's important to be extra careful. Filing the sidewalls can reduce the nail plate width, which weakens the nail and makes it overly flexible. This can lead to bending, which can then cause stress fractures near the sidewalls. Over-filing can also lead to adverse skin reactions and irritation, as the soft tissue underneath is more exposed to nail coating products.
To avoid these issues, it's crucial not to over-file the sidewalls. Pay close attention to the amount of pressure you're applying and the duration of filing. It's recommended to file in one direction, as sawing back and forth can cause nail layers to split.
Additionally, when shaping your nails into a squoval shape, it's best to follow the natural \"smile line\" of your nail. This means filing your nails according to their natural shape, rather than forcing a square or oval shape. If you want to elongate your fingers, go for longer squoval nails. On the other hand, shorter squoval nails will be stronger and less likely to break.
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Repeat on all nails
To achieve the squoval look, you'll want to start by cutting your nails to the desired length, leaving them straight at the top. This can be done with a nail trimmer or fingernail clippers. Remember, squoval nails can be worn on both long and short nails, so cut them to your preference.
Now, grab your nail file. You'll want to use a 240-grit glass nail file, as this is more hygienic and will allow you to be precise with your filing without causing damage to your nail tips.
For each nail, place your file on the sidewall and, instead of filing straight up, file towards the centre of your nail. This will help you round off the sharp edges, creating the soft, rounded tips characteristic of squoval nails. Remember to file in one direction only to prevent putting stress on your natural nails.
Repeat this technique on all nails.
Once you've nailed the rounding technique, repeat this process on the remaining nail corners until you have a full set of beautiful squoval nails.
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