What Nail Salon Shape Should I Ask For?

Picking the ideal shape can make or break a manicure. That is why it is crucial that you consult your manicurist about which shape would suit both your personality and finger length best.

Round nails follow the natural curves of your fingers, looking great with any color palette. Square oval — also called squoval — nails combine the advantages of both square and oval forms for an attractive finish.

Round

Round nails are an iconic classic. Boasting softly rounded edges that adhere to the natural shape of your fingertips for an attractive symmetry, round nails are great for adding personality with fun nail art or bold colors; yet remain sleek and elegant when kept simple with soft hues.

Round nails are low maintenance, easy to keep healthy at home and look fantastic elongating fingers naturally (unlike square or stiletto shapes). Round nails are also an ideal choice for anyone who works with their hands regularly.

Ferrari believes selecting an appropriate nail shape requires taking into account your personal style and lifestyle. She advises selecting one which will not lead to breakage and upkeep issues; choose something which aligns with your daily activities for best results.

Square

This classic nail shape is ideal for anyone seeking a sophisticated, elegant appearance. Additionally, its tapered shape can help make fingers appear thinner.

This fashionable nail shape features a flat top and two flat sides, which may be slightly rounded off to prevent them from snagging stockings or tights. It is an adaptable style suitable for nails of all lengths; however, shorter nails may not look as appealing with this shape.

Don’t forget to tip your nail tech! They work hard to give you an incredible manicure, so showing your appreciation should not go unnoticed. Aim to give 15-20% of the total cost as your tip.

Squoval

At Instagram’s nail polish showcases, it can be easy to be distracted by stunning colors and designs for nail polish, but figuring out your ideal nail shape may prove challenging. Luckily, there are some easy rules you can abide by when it comes to choosing nail shapes that best complement you and what would look most flattering on you.

Squoval nails are an innovative, universally flattering nail shape that features flat tops with curved sides that curve downward at their corners. “Combining elements from both square and oval designs, this shape features softer edges but still maintains that classic flat edge,” according to Winder.

For an effortless squoval look, trim and file your nails into an approximate squoval shape before filing them to create a rough template that can be refined at the salon. Use a nail file to round off sharp corners and smooth the edges.

Curved

No one likes walking out of a salon after spending money only to be disappointed with their nails. Selecting an ideal nail shape is key, yet communicating that goal with a salon artist may prove challenging.

Oval nails are created by filing down both the sides and tips, creating more intense curvatures in their shape. Oval nails elongate fingers while making shorter nails appear longer – an attractive feature suitable for anyone.

Mountain peak nails feature slim side walls tapering into a round tip, similar to stilettos but less sharp. This dramatic nail shape requires strong reinforcement via acrylic or hard gel application to achieve this look on natural nails.

French

Consider your personal style when determining a nail shape; consult a nail technician who can assist in selecting one that best complements both your natural nails and personality.

If almond and stiletto nails had children, this hybrid shape might be the result. Ideal for those who enjoy the dainty style of an almond nail but want something with more edge, it offers the perfect compromise between delicate elegance and edgier appeal.

The lipstick nail can be achieved by filing away one side of a nail to form an angled tip that resembles that of lipstick bullet. This dramatic nail shape will elongate fingers but is not recommended for those who use their hands often.