Today I have another instalment of my Manicuring 101 Series for you! I keep receiving comments/emails about how you're all really enjoying this series so far and that you're excited to learn more and I'm really glad to hear that.
For any of my newer followers who haven't seen any of the Manicuring 101 Series yet, check out the Tutorials tab at the top of the page and you'll find links to all of the other instalments from this series.
Today's post will be a discussion of the different types of nail shapes that you can have and how you should go about achieving them. Today's post will tie in with the next post in the series which will be a discussion of the many different types of nails files available and how to use them properly.
Keep reading for a info on nail shape!
There three most common nail shapes are: square, squoval and oval. Let's take a look at each of these shapes and how you can achieve them.
Square:
The square nail shape is one of the strongest nail shapes you can have because the full width of the nail remains at the free edge. However, this shape isn't usually flattering on shorter nails as it can make hands look blunt and heavy; the square shape is best used to draw attention to longer nails.
If you would like to create this shape for your nails, you should hold your nail file at a 90° angle perpendicular to the finger and file straight across, in one direction.
FYI, I usually sport the square shaped nails.
If you would like to create this shape for your nails, you should hold your nail file at a 90° angle perpendicular to the finger and file straight across, in one direction.
FYI, I usually sport the square shaped nails.
Squoval:
The squoval nail shape is the generally the most popular nail shape as well as the most universally flattering shape. The nail is still able to maintain most of its natural strength but the corners are slightly rounded for a softer, more feminine appearance.
If you would like to create this shape for your nails, you should first start by following the directions for creating the square shape. Once you're satisfied, you'll want to hold your file at a 65° angle and carefully round the corners. As you move your file from the corner to the middle of your nail, work your file from the 65° angle to a 90° angle.
Oval:
This is a more traditional nail shape but it's still very popular. The tip is rounded instead of squared but the sides of the free edge are able to grow straight, which maintains the strength and structure of the nail.
If you would like to create this shape for your nails, allow the sides of your nails to grow straight but hold your file at about a 40° angle and round only the tip of the free edge.
That ends our discussion of three of the most common nail shapes you can have and how you can achieve them. There are a couple of other nail shapes that you can have, but most opt for one of the above shapes.
If you have any questions, send me an email by going to the Contact tab at the top of the page or leave me a comment on this post.
If you have any questions, send me an email by going to the Contact tab at the top of the page or leave me a comment on this post.
As I mentioned above, the next post in this series will be a look into the many different types of nail files and how to use them properly.
Hope this post was helpful!
(The nail shape images came from the Sally Hansen UK website.)
I love the squoval nail shape but I never manage to file my nails this way! Do you use glass nail files? I would love to see a video tut about to get my nails look like that!
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