
Squoval nails are a popular nail shape that combines the practicality of straight tips with the softness of curved edges. The word 'squoval' is a hybrid of 'square' and 'oval' and is designed to define a nail shape that has rounded edges on a squarish nail. This nail shape is universally flattering and can be worn on both long and short nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Part square and part oval |
| Popularity | Very popular |
| Practicality | Easy to maintain |
| Appearance | Universally flattering |
| Length | Can be worn on both long and short nails |
| Finger length | Creates the illusion of longer fingers |
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What You'll Learn

How to file squoval nails
Squoval nails are part square and part oval, combining the practicality of straight tips with the softness of curved edges. They are universally flattering and can be worn on both long and short nails.
Here's how to file squoval nails:
- Wash and dry your hands with warm water and gentle hand soap to get rid of extra oil on your nails and hands. Rinse your hands, and dry them completely with a towel.
- Wait 3-5 minutes before filing as wet nails can be more easily damaged than dry nails.
- Start with a square nail shape. When the sidewalls are straight, tilt the file underneath the corners and file back and forth from underneath up. This will gradually take the corners off.
- File your nails in one direction, instead of back and forth, so you don't risk cracking them.
- Hold the nail file at a 45-degree angle at the nail's corner to begin rounding the corner of the free edge. Use a smooth rounding motion to pull the file over the corner of the nail to make a rounded shape.
- Don't be afraid to pause between filing. Continuously check the corner of the nail after each stroke to ensure you aren't over-filing.
- Repeat the previous step on the remaining nail corners until you have a full set of squoval nails.
- Go over your nails with a 400-grit file and rub them with a buffer to smooth out the edges.
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Squoval nails are universally flattering
Squoval nails are easy to maintain and can be worn on both long and short nails, depending on your preference. If you're looking to elongate your fingers, you might want to go for longer squoval nails. On the other hand, shorter squoval nails will enforce strength and are less likely to break. They're also great for beginners as they're easy to DIY at home.
The squoval nail shape is achieved by starting with a square and, when the sidewalls are straight, tilting the file underneath the corners and filing back and forth from underneath. This will gradually take the corners off. It's important to remember that you only want to round the part of the tip that is past the free edge so you don't remove anything from the sidewalls at the stress area and the nail remains strong.
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Squoval nails are easy to maintain
The squoval shape is flattering on both long and short nails. If you want to elongate your fingers, you can opt for longer squoval nails. On the other hand, shorter squoval nails will give the illusion of longer fingers while still being easy to maintain.
To achieve the squoval shape, start with a square nail. When the sidewalls are straight, tilt the file underneath the corners and file back and forth to gradually round off the corners. It's important to only round the part of the tip that is past the free edge so that you don't weaken the nail.
The squoval nail shape is a classic that looks good on everyone. It's no wonder that it's a popular choice for those who want a nail shape that is both stylish and easy to maintain.
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Squoval nails are a classic shape
Squoval nails are universally flattering and can be worn on both long and short nails. If you're looking to elongate your fingers, longer squoval nails are the way to go. However, shorter squoval nails enforce strength and are less likely to break. They are also easy to maintain and give the illusion of longer fingers.
According to Gibson Tuttle, the 90:10 rule applies to squoval nails: 90% of the shaping work is done with your nail clipper and 10% is done with the file. This way, you define the nail shape with your clippers and finesse it into the perfect final shape with your file.
Dermatologist Dr Dana Stern says: "Much like the little black dress, the squoval is a classic nail shape that works with any polish. It's also super easy to achieve."
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Squoval nails are good for beginners
Squoval nails are a great option for beginners as they are easy to achieve and universally flattering. The name 'squoval' is a hybrid of the words 'square' and 'oval', and the shape is a combination of the two. Squoval nails are practical and easy to maintain, with straight tips and curved edges, and they can be worn on both long and short nails.
To achieve the squoval shape, start with a square nail. When the sidewalls are straight, tilt the file underneath the corners and file back and forth to gradually take the corners off, creating rounded edges. It's important to remember to only round the part of the tip that is past the free edge, so you don't remove anything from the sidewalls at the stress area, keeping the nail strong.
According to Gibson Tuttle, 90% of the shaping work is done with a nail clipper, and the remaining 10% is done with the file. This way, you can define the nail shape with the clippers and then finesse it into the perfect squoval shape with the file.
Squoval nails are a classic shape that looks good on everyone, and they are a great option for beginners as they are easy to DIY at home and give the illusion of longer fingers.
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Frequently asked questions
A squoval nail shape is a combination of a square and an oval. It has the practicality of straight tips with the softness of curved edges.
Start with a square shape and when the sidewalls are straight, tilt the file underneath the corners and file back and forth from the underneath up. This will gradually take the corners off.
Squoval nails are universally flattering and can be worn on both long and short nails. They are also easy to maintain and less likely to break than other shapes.
Squoval nails are very versatile and can be combined with dark or light nail polishes in nude or pastel shades.











































