Do
you know the ideal nail shape for your manicure? Discover five different nail
shapes and how to file them.
Oval
The
tapered side walls of the oval create an elegant shape for women. Oval shapes
flatter both wide and narrow nail beds, and add length with a graceful tip. To
achieve the perfect oval shape, file side walls straight to make sure they're
even. Then, shape the side walls into a rounded oval, making sure the angles
are even on each side.
Square
With
strong side walls and sharp or rounded tips, this shape is classic French. The
square is ideal for a bigger nail bed (it tends to make smaller nail beds look
shorter and wider). To create this timeless shape, file the side walls straight
and make sure they're perpendicular to the free edge of the nail. Once you've
got the perfect square, angle your emery board and bevel the nail.
Square Oval (Squoval)
Combining
the elegance of the oval with the strength of the square, the squoval is a
popular nail shape for most fingers. First begin with a square with straight
and even side walls. File the corners until your free edge is rounded and
beveled. Remember, you still want strong side supports—don't go too file-happy.
Round
As
one of the most conservative shapes of the bunch, the round shape is ideal for
men and those who like to maintain short nails. This shape is flattering for
wide nails, and gives the illusion of a thinner nail bed. File the side walls
straight like a square, then round the free edge into that perfect swooping
circle.
Almond/Point
The
pointed nail is a popular style for acrylic and
nail art designs, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia. This
avant-garde shape is popular among celebrities—Fergie and Lady Gaga are always
rocking it! And while it's not favored for the everyday look, this extreme
shape can actually slenderize and lengthen the fingers. File the side walls
evenly and taper until you've reached the desired tip.
Deciding Your Shape
How
do you decide which nail shape is right for you? If your nail beds are wide,
try a squoval shape. If they're narrow, try a sharp square shape to widen and
strengthen. If you keep short nails, a rounded shape is your best bet for
low-maintenance style. You can also look at the lunula (the half-moon
shape on your nail bed) for nail-shaping guidance. If it's more
curved, try oval or rounded shapes. If it's flat, you're better off shaping
your nails square or squoval.
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