Noah Sinclair
Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval shapes, with a flat or square top edge and slightly rounded corners. This nail shape is flattering for everyone and can be worn on both long and short nails. To achieve the squoval shape, you can start by trimming your nails with a nail clipper or sharp manicure scissors to the desired length, keeping the final shape in mind. Then, use a nail file, preferably 240-grit, to file the top edge straight across. Hold the file at a 45-degree angle to round the corners of the nails, creating a smooth curve. Repeat this process for each nail, checking from different angles to ensure symmetry. With practice, you can easily master the squoval shape and enjoy the versatility and elegance it brings to your manicure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail shape | Squoval (square and oval) |
| Nail length | Long or short |
| Nail clippers | 90% of shaping work |
| Nail file | 240-grit file for shaping natural nails |
| Filing technique | File flat into a square, then round the corners |
| Filing angle | 45-degree angle |
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What You'll Learn
File straight across the top edge
To create a squoval nail shape, you'll first want to trim your nails to the desired length, leaving a straight-line finish across the top edge. This can be done with a sharp, clean pair of manicure scissors or clippers. If your nails are already short, you can skip this step.
Next, take a 240-grit nail file and file straight across the top edge of your nails. This is called the "free edge" of the nail, where the nail ends at the tip of the finger. Hold the file between your thumb and index finger at a slight angle to the nail's edge. File in one direction, instead of back and forth, to avoid cracking your nails.
After filing the top edge, you can move on to filing the sidewalls of the nails to create a square shape. Then, you can begin rounding the corners of the nails to achieve the final squoval shape.
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Round off the corners
To round off the corners of your nails to achieve the squoval shape, you can follow these steps:
- Start by trimming your nails to the desired length, keeping in mind the final squoval shape you want to achieve.
- File the top edge of your nail straight across using a nail file, such as a 240-grit file. This top edge is called the “free edge” of the nail, and it's where the nail ends at the tip of your finger. Hold the file between your thumb and index finger, positioning it at a slight angle to the nail's edge. Gently run the file across the free edge in one direction 3-4 times, being careful not to file against your finger skin.
- Hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle to the corner of your nail. Begin rounding the corner of the free edge by using a smooth, rounding motion to pull the file over it, creating a rounded shape. Take your time with this step and check the corner of your nail after each stroke to ensure you don't over-file.
- Repeat the rounding technique on the remaining nail corners until all your nails have a beautiful squoval shape. Remember to check your nails from different angles to ensure they look symmetrical and well-rounded.
- If needed, use a 220/280 Flex Buffer to smooth out any sharp edges or imperfections, giving your nails a flawless finish.
Achieving the perfect squoval shape may take some practice, but it's a classic and flattering look that will make your nails stand out!
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Check your nail shape from all angles
Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval shapes. They have a flat, square top edge and slightly rounded corners. The squoval shape is achieved by filing straight across the top edge and then rounding off the corners in one long stroke to connect the sides and the free edge.
To ensure your nails are perfectly squoval, it is important to check your nail shape from all angles. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Usual filing view
This will give you an overall picture of the nail shape. From this angle, you can check the general shape and length of the nail. Compare the length against the other nails and make sure they are all relatively the same.
Side view
From the side, you can check the sidewalls, form, or tip fit, apex, and upper and lower arches. You can also see if the convex and concave are identical and symmetrical through the entire length of the nail. The convex is the exterior curve of the nail, and the concave is the interior curve or 'the tunnel'.
Down the barrel
This angle allows you to check the C-curve shape and thickness, as well as the convex and concave.
Straight on
From the front, you can check the free edge shape and sidewalls.
Backside
This angle allows you to check the form or tip fit, sidewall thickness, and consistency.
Client's perspective
Hold the client's hand upright and then bend the fingers down back towards the client to look down the barrel from the back of the nail. This will allow you to see if the convex is a perfect tunnel all the way to the free edge.
Remember to continuously check the corners of the nail after each stroke to ensure you aren't over-filing.
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Use a 240-grit nail file for natural nails
Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval shapes, with a flat or square top edge and slightly rounded corners. They are a universally flattering shape that can be worn on both long and short nails.
To achieve the perfect squoval shape, you'll need a nail trimmer and a 240-grit nail file. The 240-grit file is ideal for shaping natural nails as it is not too coarse, so it won't take off significant length. It is also safe and soft, preventing damage to even the most fragile nails.
When filing your nails into a squoval shape, start by trimming your nails with a sharp, clean pair of manicure scissors to create a rough squoval template. Be careful not to cut into your skin. Then, use the 240-grit file to shape the top edge of each nail. Hold the file between your thumb and index finger at a slight angle to the nail's edge. Gently run the file across the top edge in one direction 3-4 times, being careful not to file against your skin.
Once you've achieved the desired shape and length, you can begin rounding the corners. Hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle at the nail's corner and use a smooth, rounding motion to pull the file over the corner. Check the corner of the nail after each stroke to ensure you aren't over-filing. Repeat this process on the remaining nail corners until you have a perfect set of squoval nails.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to achieving the squoval shape. With time and patience, you'll be able to master this classic and flattering nail shape.
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Trim nails to the desired length first
To achieve the perfect squoval shape, it's important to trim your nails to the desired length first. This will ensure that you have a neat base to work with and help you create a uniform shape for all your nails.
Start by assessing the current length and shape of your nails. If they are already fairly short, you may only need to do some light trimming to create the ideal base for your squoval shape. On the other hand, if your nails are longer, you will need to trim them down more significantly.
When trimming your nails, it's best to use sharp, clean manicure scissors or a nail trimmer. Carefully cut your nails, making sure not to cut into your skin. Take your time and trim slowly, as rushing this step may result in uneven lengths or unwanted angles. If you're unsure about the exact shape you're trying to achieve, you can use a picture as a reference. Remember, you can always cut off more length, but you can't add it back once it's cut!
As you trim, try to create a relatively flat edge across the top of your nails. This will serve as the foundation for the square aspect of your squoval shape. However, don't worry too much about making it perfect at this stage, as you will refine the shape later during the filing process.
After trimming, assess the length from all angles. Hold your hand with your palm facing up and then straight with your palm down. Compare the length of each nail to ensure they are relatively consistent. This will help you achieve a more uniform squoval shape during the next steps.
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Frequently asked questions
A squoval nail shape is a combination of a square and an oval shape. It has a flat or square top edge and slightly rounded corners.
Squoval nails are universally flattering and can be worn on both long and short nails. They are also easy to maintain and less prone to breaking compared to super long nails.
You will need a nail trimmer or sharp manicure scissors and a 240-grit nail file. You may also want a 220/280 Flex Buffer to smooth out any sharp edges.
First, trim your nails to the desired length with the nail clipper, defining about 90% of the final shape. Then, use the file to refine the shape. File the top edge straight across, then round off the corners in one long stroke to create a smooth curve. Check your nails from all angles to ensure they are symmetrical and file any areas that need further shaping.
