Ava Monroe
Almond-shaped gel nails are a universally flattering and versatile nail style. The almond shape is slender and elegant, elongating the fingers and is achieved by tapering and pointing the top of the nail without making it too sharp. This simple nail style can be created at home and is a favourite of celebrities and fashionistas. To shape almond gel nails, it is important to prepare the nails by removing any old nail polish and cleaning the nails. Then, cut the nails to the desired length, before using a nail file to shape the almond style.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Firstly, ensure you have the right tools. You will need nail polish remover, soap, a towel, nail clippers, a nail file, and a buffing block. If you are working on natural nails, you will also need an emery board. If you are shaping gel overlays, you will need something sturdier, like a board file. Additionally, you will require a lamp for curing the gel nails.
Start by removing any old nail polish with the nail polish remover. Be sure to use a non-acetone remover if you have acrylic or gel nails. Then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to eliminate any dirt, oil, or residue. Dry your hands and nails completely with a clean towel.
The next step is to trim your nails to your desired length using nail clippers. If you prefer, you can also use a nail file to shape the length. Aim for a length that is slightly longer than your desired almond shape to allow for shaping and filing.
Now, use a buffing block to smooth out any rough edges and create a smooth surface for shaping. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to achieve a clean and neat nail shape.
Finally, it is essential to determine the direction of nail growth before placing the form. Cut the form to fit the natural tunnel of the nail perfectly, ensuring that the gel does not flow under the nail plate. Secure the form, making sure the wings are joined evenly, and clamp it 2 to 3 numbers lower than the planned nail length.
With these steps, your nails will be healthy, clean, and ready for shaping into the elegant almond form.
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Filing technique
Preparing your nails properly before shaping them into the almond form is crucial for achieving a clean and polished look. Start by removing any old nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover if you have acrylic or gel nails. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any dirt, oil, or residue, and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
Use nail clippers to trim your nails to your desired length, aiming for a length that is slightly longer than the desired almond shape to allow for shaping and filing. You can also use curved-edge nail clippers to get the shape started and save time filing. Cut the free edge into a triangle, which will form the pointy tip of the almond shape.
Now, it's time to file your nails into an almond shape. Use a nail file with a fine grit or an emery board to shape and refine the almond shape. File from underneath and work diagonally from the edges toward the centre. Move the file in a single direction only, not back and forth, and take your time. Make the rounded point of the tip mirror your cuticle. It might be easier to use a washable marker to draw a straight line down the centre point of each nail as a guide. Remember, it's better to remove too little than too much of the nails.
For natural nails, use an emery board, and for gel overlays, use a board file, which is more sturdy. When filing, let the grit of the file do the work and apply very minimal pressure. For the free edge of the nail, use a medium grit (180 to 220), and for smoothing the finished manicure, use a fine grit file (240 to 600).
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Smoothing and shaping
Now, you're ready to start shaping. If your nails are too long, use nail clippers to trim them to your desired length. Aim for a length that is slightly longer than your desired almond shape to allow for shaping and filing. When cutting, cut the free edge of your nails into a triangle shape.
Next, you'll use a nail file to shape your nails into an almond shape. If you are working on natural nails, use an emery board. If your nails are gel overlays, you'll need something sturdier, like a board file. File your nails diagonally from the edges toward the center, moving in a single direction only, not back and forth. Take your time and make the rounded point of the tip mirror your cuticle. It might be helpful to use a washable marker to draw a straight line down the center point of each nail as a guide.
Once you've achieved the desired shape, smooth the surface with a buffer to remove any scratches and create a smooth, polished finish. A fine grit file (240 to 600) is ideal for smoothing. You can also use a buffing block to smooth out any rough edges.
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Finishing touches
Once you have achieved the desired almond shape, there are a few more steps to take to ensure your nails are neat and tidy. Firstly, use a buffing block to smooth out any rough edges and create a polished finish. You can also use a fine grit file (240 to 600) to smooth the surface and remove any scratches.
Next, you'll want to focus on your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back your cuticles, creating a clean and neat nail shape. Then, ask your client to wash their hands to get rid of any nail dust or cuticle residue.
Finally, you can apply your chosen nail polish. It's a good idea to apply a nail strengthener or base coat before your polish to protect your nails and make the colour last longer. Choose your favourite colour and apply it to your newly shaped almond gel nails! You can also add trendy nail art, such as a French manicure, ombré colours, or something more avant-garde.
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Design ideas
Almond-shaped nails are a classic and elegant choice. Here are some design ideas to try out:
French Manicure
Add a twist to the traditional French manicure by painting pastel tips on your almond-shaped nails. You can also add a gold and white dotted border to enhance the almond shape further. For a subtle and invisible take on the French manicure, paint a faint tip that blends seamlessly into the base.
Abstract Art
Abstract nail art is a great way to experiment with your artistic side. Try painting white abstract lines against an ombré pink base or black abstract lines on a bare nail to create a negative space design. You can also add two finishes in one nail look by choosing an accent nail with minimal designs, such as black heart decals, against a matte background.
Colour Choices
A simple paint job without any design can be elevated by choosing an interesting shade such as a robin egg blue or Essie Gel Couture Bridal Collection by Monique Lhullier in "Sage You Love Me". For a bold colour choice, try a glazed blueberry combo or a watermelon-inspired shade.
Fruit Designs
Get creative with fruit-inspired designs by painting strawberries on your nails. Start by painting a nude base colour and then use a nail art line brush to create upside-down egg shapes. Once dry, add little white seeds using the tip of your art brush. You can also dress up a bare almond-shaped nail with simple cherry designs all over.
Chrome Nails
Chrome and almond-shaped nails are a perfect match. While a glazed, neutral chrome colour is always a good choice, you can also experiment with a blueberry glazed combo or a glazed lavender or jade green for a pop of colour.
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Frequently asked questions
Preparing your nails properly is crucial for achieving a clean and polished look. Start by removing any old nail polish with a non-acetone remover if you have acrylic or gel nails. Then, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any dirt, oil, or residue. Dry your hands and nails thoroughly with a clean towel. Next, use nail clippers to trim your nails to your desired length, aiming for a length slightly longer than the desired almond shape. You can also use a nail file to shape the length of your nails.
You will need a nail file with a fine grit or an emery board to shape and refine the almond shape. A buffing block is also essential for smoothing the surface of your nails and removing any rough edges. Additionally, you will need a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back your cuticles, creating a clean and neat nail shape.
To achieve the almond shape, file your nails diagonally from the edges toward the center, moving in a single direction only. Make the rounded point of the tip mirror your cuticle. It might be helpful to use a washable marker to draw a line down the center point of each nail as a guide. Remember to take your time and remove too little rather than too much nail.
After shaping your nails, smooth the surface with a buffer to remove scratches. Then, use a cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently push back your cuticles and create a neat nail shape. Ask your client to wash their hands to remove any nail dust or cuticle residue. Finally, apply a gel base coat, a top coat, and any desired nail polish or nail art. To maintain your almond gel nails, consider using a nail strengthener or base coat to protect your nails and extend the life of your manicure.
