Caleb Foster
Oval-shaped nails are a popular choice for those who want longer-looking nails without the drama of sharp corners and extra length. They are versatile, flattering, and effortless. This nail shape is achievable at home with the right tools and techniques. Whether you are working with natural nails or enhancements, the process of shaping nails into an oval form involves filing and buffing to create softly rounded edges. This guide will explore the steps to achieving the perfect oval-shaped fake nails, from preparation to finishing touches, ensuring a salon-quality manicure without leaving your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common shapes | Square, oval, almond, and stiletto |
| Oval nail characteristics | Softly rounded, flattering on every hand, and never too much or too little |
| Tools | Nail file, straight-edged clippers, emery board, board file |
| Technique | File the corners of a square nail or bring the sidewalls to the center of the free edge |
| Tips | Use minimal pressure and let the grit of the file do the work; start with a middle straight point and blend the sides |
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What You'll Learn
Use a nail file to shape the fake nails
To make fake nails oval-shaped, you will need a nail file and a pair of straight-edged clippers. Start by cutting the free edge of your fake nails with your clippers, shaping them into a triangle. However, the triangle should be much less pronounced. Essentially, you are just cutting the corners of a square nail.
Now, grab your nail file. If you are working on natural nails, an emery board is ideal. If you are working on enhancements or fake nails, a board file is more suitable as it is more sturdy. Starting from the outside, work your way in, using your file to shape each nail towards the centre to create a soft tip. File the sidewalls of your nails from corner to centre, gradually curving the file to round the tip. Alternate between sides as you refine the shape to ensure that the rounded shape remains balanced.
When filing natural nails, work in a single direction from the outside edge to the centre of the nail to help prevent splitting. Artificial nails can be filed in any direction, but short strokes are recommended, filing from side to centre to achieve a nice, smooth surface and an even barrel shape. As you file, constantly check your work by viewing the nail from all directions. Don't rely solely on sight; run your fingertip over the nail to feel for bumps.
Let the grit of the file do the work for you. Use mild pressure to ensure that your nails are rounded evenly. Once you have finished filing, you should be left with a beautiful, softly rounded nail.
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File the surface to help adhere the glue
When applying fake nails, it's important to prepare the surface of your nails to ensure the glue adheres properly. Start by using a nail buffer to buff your nails, creating a slightly rough surface. This crucial step will help the fake nails stick better and give you a longer-lasting manicure.
After buffing, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This step creates a smooth base and ensures a seamless fit for your fake nails. Clean your nails with alcohol or nail polish remover to eliminate any natural oils or residue that may interfere with the adhesion of the glue.
Now, it's time to gently file the surface of your fake nails. Use a nail file to roughen the surface slightly. This step will create a coarse texture on the fake nails, enhancing the glue's grip. Be careful not to overdo the filing, as you don't want to damage the nails.
Once the surface of your natural and fake nails is prepared, you can start applying the glue. Apply a thin, even layer of nail glue to your natural nail or the back of the fake nail, or both, for extra strength. A small dot of glue in the centre is enough; you don't want to use too much to avoid it seeping out from under the nail.
Finally, carefully place the fake nail over your natural nail, ensuring the bottom curve aligns perfectly with your cuticle. Press it down and hold it firmly in place for at least 10 seconds to allow the glue to bond securely. Repeat these steps for each nail, and you'll have a flawless set of oval-shaped fake nails in no time!
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Apply a thin layer of nail glue to the back of the fake nail
To apply fake nails, start by applying a thin, even layer of nail glue to the back of the fake nail. Be careful not to use too much glue, as you don't want it to seep out from under the nail. A little goes a long way, especially if you're using a squeeze tube. Dotting the middle of the fake nail with glue and pressing it down for 5-10 seconds should be enough to adhere it to your natural nail.
If you want to be extra careful, you can also apply a small amount of glue to your natural nail. This can help to ensure there are no air bubbles when you stick the fake nail on. Line up the fake nail with your natural nail's cuticle, gently lifting the cuticle area slightly and tucking the fake nail underneath. This will give a more seamless and natural look.
Once you've applied the fake nail, press down and hold it firmly in place for a few seconds to let the glue bond securely. Repeat this process for the rest of your nails, and you'll have a flawless set in no time!
If you do happen to get glue in unwanted places, dip a small cleaning brush in acetone (nail polish remover) and carefully go over the area. Be careful not to saturate the brush too much, as you don't want the acetone to get between the fake and real nail.
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Align the fake nail with your natural nail's cuticle
When applying fake nails, it's important to take your time and follow a few key steps to ensure a neat and secure finish. After preparing your natural nails by removing old polish, soaking them in warm water, and pushing back your cuticles, you're ready to begin the application process.
Take your fake nail and apply a thin, even layer of nail glue to the back of it. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it may squirt out from the sides. Now, carefully align the fake nail with your natural nail's cuticle, ensuring it's centred and doesn't overlap with your cuticle. The bottom curve of the fake nail should line up perfectly with your cuticle.
Once aligned, press the fake nail down firmly and hold it in place for at least 10 seconds to allow the glue to bond. You can also recite the ABCs in your head to roughly time 20 seconds, as recommended by nail expert Hanna. Make sure there are no gaps between the fake nail and your natural nail, and that it's securely attached.
Repeat this process for the rest of your nails, and you'll have a flawless set of fake nails with a neat cuticle alignment. Remember, a good-quality nail glue will ensure your nails stay firmly in place, giving you a long-lasting and salon-worthy finish.
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Use a nail buffer to smooth out any rough edges
When shaping fake nails, it's important to smooth out any rough edges for a flawless finish. This is where a nail buffer comes in. Nail buffers are sponge-like blocks with different grit sides, ranging from coarse to fine. They are used to smooth the surface of natural nails or enhancements, adding shine and removing ridges.
To smooth out any rough edges on your fake oval nails, start by identifying the grit side of your nail buffer. The grit side is the coarse or rough side of the buffer, which is usually numbered. If your buffer is not numbered, it will have a distinct texture that feels rough to the touch. This side is used for buffing and smoothing.
Hold the buffer parallel to your nail, placing the grit side onto the nail. Use gentle, unidirectional strokes to buff your nail in an X shape. Make sure to buff gently and use only a few strokes to avoid over-buffing, which can damage your nails. Repeat this process for each nail, ensuring all rough edges are smoothed out.
Once you have finished buffing, you can move on to polishing and shining your nails. Use the finer grit side of the buffer or a separate nail file to polish your nails. Hold the buffer or file parallel to your nail and use unidirectional strokes in an X shape to smooth and brighten the nail surface. Again, be careful not to overdo it, as too much polishing can weaken your nails.
After buffing and polishing, you can add a final shine to your nails by using the smooth side of the buffer. Apply light pressure and move the buffer in tiny circular motions over the entire surface of each nail until you achieve a glossy look. This step will give your nails a healthy shine without the need for nail polish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can shape oval fake nails by using straight-edged clippers to cut the free edge of the nail into a triangle. Then, use a nail file to shape the rest of the nail into an oval shape.
When filing your fake oval nails, make sure to use minimal pressure and let the grit of the file do the work for you.
Oval-shaped fake nails give your fingers a longer appearance without being too dramatic or getting in the way.
