And especially if you’re attempting the at-home mani, an expert file can make your tips look salon-professional.
Your nail-shaping basics.
it’s possible for you to’t sport an immaculate, expert-level nail shape without some filing 101.
“This way the nail won’t bend.”
The 7 common nail shapes.
It’s not impossible, but the first four are certainly easier to tackle.
With that, let’s dive in.
The result should yield a perfect half-circle on your fingertip.
Square
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have square-shaped nails.
These have defined, sharp corners and a geometric, modern feel.
Don’t touch those cornerslet those edges remain angled and sharp.
Oval
According to Lin, this traditional shape elongates the fingers and is oh-so natural-looking.
“It won’t work on a short, short nail,” notes Elle.
Squoval
A mixture of square and oval shape (get it?
),“squoval” nailshave a flat, squared-off tip with rounded corners.
“Start by filing the top of your nails straight across,” says Lin.
“Then go in on the sides to round the corners of your nails.”
A stiletto isn’timpossibleto file down yourselfyour nails just have to be quite long already.
“It’s not impossible,” says Elle.
“But will it maintain?
“This nail shape is really for the brave!”
“An almond shape also requires a bit of a longer nail,” says Lin.
Then file as you would an oval shape, really focusing on smoothing those sides.
How to know which shape is best for you.
Same goes for round, oval, and so on.
The takeaway.
Ready to try at home?
you might master yourat-home maniwith our guide.
