Squoval nails: what they are and how to file them on any nail length (2024)

FAQs

Squoval nails: what they are and how to file them on any nail length? ›

You'll need to cut and trim your nails into a square shape first. Then, you can use a 180-grit nail file to round off the sharp corners, creating the rounded square shape that is known as the squoval. Be sure to file in one direction to avoid any jagged edges.

One style that's a crowd-pleaser if you're not sure, is "squoval". It combines the neatness of a straight square shade, with the softness of an oval "the nail is predominately square with rounded edges," explains Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of top London nail bar, TOWNHOUSE.

You don't need to cut the nails if they're already short, but if they're uneven, cut them all to about the same length. Start on the outside corner and file toward the middle, then do the opposite corner. Don't saw back and forth.

Never use a nail file with a grit coarser than 240 on the surface of natural nails – buffers can be coarser, as they have a cushioned layer which offers more protection. A 180 grit nail file should be fine for shaping the natural nail edge – if nails are very soft or damaged, a 240 grit file may be better.

if you're unsure where to start, choose a shape that most closely resembles the shape of your cuticles, ie: if you have straight cuticles, choose a square shape. this trick will give you the most balanced and sturdy nails, but don't feel limited to just this method.

Best nail shape: Almond and Oval. Tapered shapes like almond elongate shorter or wider fingers. We recommend that you opt for rounded shapes in general, especially if you have a wide nail bed.

Square or squoval nails have a straight, blunt tip and corners. Perks are they give a clean, polished look and make fingers appear slender. The sharp edges offer a fierce statement. Drawbacks are the potential for snagging and corners breaking.

A fashionista's favorite, the almond nail shape is basically an elongated oval shape with slightly tapered sides and tip. This nail shape can elongate and slim your fingers and nail beds, making it an ultra-chic and sexy nail shape for just about anyone.

First off, a good rule of thumb for picking screws or nails for your project is this: The length should be twice the thickness of the wood you're driving through. So if you're driving through a one-by-four board, which is ¾” thick, then you should opt for a 1 ½” long screw or nail.

As a guide, the three middle fingers (index, middle and ring) should be the same length and the pinkie and thumb should be the same length as each other when placed side by side from the cuticle on the pinkie to the corner of where the natural nail free edge ends on the thumb (see photo below) to achieve a harmonious ...

What is the best file to shorten nails? ›

Grit 240 file: Grit 240 is used to shorten the natural nail and file it into shape. This is the softer nail file and is therefore intended for natural nails. When you stick to grit 240, you are sure that you can file on the free edge of the nail (forward AND back) without destroying it.

-To create a squoval shape, I run the file along the sides of my nails, and then bring it around the corners to round them off. I angle each corner down just a little bit to soften the straight edge. -Don't forget to check all the angles and fix any wonky spots!

Prep Your Nails

But first, be sure to clean and dry your nails properly. It is crucial not to file nails while wet; Lin explains, “When we file wet nails, the nail absorbs a lot of water and becomes softer, [meaning] it can become quite easy to break the nail or over-file, especially if the client has longer nails.”

She told 21Ninety coffin, stiletto, or round nails are the best nail shapes for fat fingers. “[Stiletto nails] are extremely tapered, giving your thick fingers a slim and lengthened appearance,” Littlewood said. Coffin nails also offer this lengthening effect, but with a more squared tip at the end.

"If you want a square shape, start filing from the middle," says Amy Lin, the founder of sundays—a nail care brand focused on wellness. Filing straight across will not only give you the flat top quintessential of a square nail, but it will help create those sharp edges, too.

Deep Square Nails

The deep square nail shape is a modern and bold choice for those seeking a sleek and edgy look. This shape is distinguished by its straight sides and a squared-off tip, creating a strong and impactful aesthetic.