What to look for when choosing a nail shape for a manicure
Usually, when choosing a nail shape, it is advised to design the tips so that they mirror the outline of the cuticle. This is a good tip, but far from universal. To find the shape that's right for you, also consider other factors and how they relate to each other. Here are some of them.
Convenience
The rule that a manicure of extreme length is inconvenient in everyday life does not always work, because all people are different. But it may well turn out that long, oddly shaped nails will actually cause difficulties when playing sports (for example, volleyball). Or they will interfere with putting on tights and fastening small buttons.
Nail quality
As a rule, for strong nails there are no restrictions on the shape and length. But it happens that the plates are naturally thin, weak and often flake off. In these cases, artificial strengthening materials can be used to help. But it’s better not to experiment too much: the longer such a nail, the higher the likelihood that it will break very quickly. The same applies to pointed forms. So for fragile nails, short or medium length and a rounded shape are more suitable.
Desired length
The shorter your nails, the less likely you are to damage them. But the longer length looks very impressive and is perfect if you want to try a complex design.
Possibility to do your own manicure
Decide where you will get your manicure done - at home or in a salon. Unusual, complex shapes (almond-shaped, “ballerina”, “stiletto”) are best left to the master. This means that caring for them will require regular financial investments. If you are not ready to visit a beauty salon often, it is better to opt for an oval or “soft square”.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
Traditionally, it is believed that a short nail plate needs to be visually lengthened. This is where recommendations like “square nails suit only women with thin fingers” come from. If this is important to you, these kinds of tips are really worth listening to. If you like everything about yourself (and this is great), try any form.
Variants of shape according to the bend of the cuticle
In modern nail service, three types of cuticle are distinguished, taking into account the line of its bend. A seemingly small nuance can play a decisive role when choosing a form. It happens:
- square;
- oval;
- triangular.
The oval cuticle is considered the most universal - its owners can choose the design to their taste. In other cases, everything is also quite simple - a square (soft or pointed) is suitable for a square; an oval, almond or extravagant stilettos are perfect for a triangle.
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When to choose a square nail shape
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Square nails not only look elegant and neat, they also give you the opportunity to experiment with the design. French and various geometric patterns look especially good with this shape.
Convenience
Let's immediately highlight the obvious disadvantage of this form: sharp edges can cling to everything around. They can also easily scratch your own or someone else’s skin, so you need to be extremely careful with square nails.
Nail quality
“Square” is suitable for any nails, even weak ones. Although if the length is long, too fragile and thin plates may break. So people with problem nails should choose a short or medium length.
Desired length
Square manicure goes well with any length. Most importantly, do not forget to take into account the quality of your nails. If the length is long, the plates can be strengthened with acrylic powder.
Possibility to do your own manicure
It is very easy to give your nails a square shape: you just need to file them in a straight line so that there are clear corners at the free edge. Moreover, as the plates grow, they will have to be trimmed from time to time in order to maintain the desired shape.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
This shape is most suitable for an elongated nail bed, but not too narrow. But with wide plates or trapezoidal nail shapes, the “square” will no longer look so elegant.
The square shape is very beautiful and is perfect for girls with elongated nail beds. Whatever the length of the free edge, the manicure will look good.
Alina Toropchenko, nail service master
Creating a Square Shape
Not everyone knows how to make the right square shape of a nail plate, although all this is very simple, easy and can be done by beginners. You need to prepare a nail file and simple nail clippers, which can be replaced with scissors.
Step-by-step creation of a “square”:
- With a quick and precise movement it is necessary to cut the edges to the desired length, for this you need to use only tools that are well sharpened. Scissors with a straight blade will help you trim your nails correctly. The end result should be the perfect shape.
- The edges of the nail plate are treated with a nail file.
- To check whether your nails are filed straight, you need to attach them to a nail file. If everything is done correctly, the corners of the nails will be on the same line.
- Now the sides of the nail plate are filed. You need to work clearly along a line parallel to the growth of your nails so that their tips are perfectly square.
- Finally, the nail plate is treated with a special buff and the dust is washed off from the hands. When the procedure is completed, the skin should be moisturized with some nourishing product.
If you want your nails to be square with rounded edges, then using a nail file you can slightly round the sides. After this, file all the nails with a soft buff so that they do not peel off.
When to choose a “soft square” nail shape?
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Perhaps there is simply no better canvas for experimenting with different geometric designs, stripes and holes than a “soft square”.
Convenience
A “soft square” is very similar to a regular one, only the edges are slightly rounded so that they are not so sharp. The manicure looks just as impressive, but wearing it on a daily basis is much more convenient.
Nail quality
Everything that has been said about a clear “square” also applies to the soft one: the shape can be worn on weakened nails, but at the same time give preference to a short length, which will be more difficult to damage.
Desired length
Choose any length you like. Although, with very long nails, you may have to use additional strengthening methods.
Possibility to do your own manicure
“Soft square” is one of the simplest shapes. You can make it yourself at home. As in the previous case, the nails are filed in a straight line, and then you need to slightly round the corners.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
The same rule applies here as with a clear “square”: if you want to visually correct a wide plate, it is better to choose a narrower, streamlined shape, such as oval.
Current nail polish colors for wide nails
Varnishes in dark, rich shades can visually reduce the area of the nail plate and distract attention from imperfections in shape.
You can very successfully use beige, light pink varnishes, as well as a transparent base, provided that the nail is accented with a bright or dark color varnish.
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Varnishes of different colors, painted vertically, go perfectly together on a wide nail. The smooth flow of a light tone to a darker tone at the regrown end of the nail allows you to veil the not entirely successful shape of the nails.
A very good option for wide nails is the French classic diagonal manicure.
When to choose an oval nail shape
Convenience
The oval shape is suitable in most cases, even for those who lead a very active lifestyle.
In my opinion, the oval shape requires the least amount of maintenance. Such nails do not have corners, and in everyday life, when we are faced with household work (washing dishes, cleaning shoes, whatever), the likelihood of damaging the manicure is much less.
Alina Toropchenko
Nail quality
“Oval” is suitable for any nails, even the weakest ones. After all, it is difficult to break a smoothly shaped nail, even if the plate itself is fragile and thin.
Desired length
The length of the free edge can be any, even just half a millimeter.
Possibility to do your own manicure
Of all the shapes, oval is the most unpretentious: a few movements with a nail file are enough to maintain a neat appearance.
“Oval” is more versatile due to the fact that the nail looks like a natural extension of the finger, and the shape is easy to repeat at home.
Alina Toropchenko
Shape of fingers and nail bed
The oval shape is suitable for any fingers, it makes the hand graceful and even visually lengthens the short nail plate. Therefore, if you can’t decide on a manicure, start with the “oval” and you definitely won’t get into trouble.
The most fashionable nail shapes 2020
Over time, some fashion trends become irrelevant. They are being replaced by new, more in demand and popular ones. The same goes for the shape of your nails. For the 2020 season, sharp, square and rectangular plates are a thing of the past. The trend is naturalness and smooth lines. Preference should be given to an oval or slightly rounded shape. However, this only applies to your manicure. The leg plates remain straight invariably. Only in this case will they grow without causing you discomfort.
- Oval.
Oval nail shape is still considered a fashion trend in the nail industry.
It is as natural as possible and helps to visually lengthen your fingers. This option is universal and will harmoniously combine even with short plates. The 2020 season nail design for short oval-shaped nails can be bold and interesting. In this case, combinations of different colors and matte monochrome are perfect.
- Almond.
The almond shape itself is very graceful and elegant.
It looks harmonious on a long nail plate. We recommend choosing it for those with strong nails, because in the process of wearing a manicure there is a high probability of their damage. At the same time, you can always use a strengthening procedure using extensions or gel. The almond shape is similar to the oval shape, but is distinguished by a more elongated and elongated tip. French is ideal for it as a decorative covering.
The almond-shaped nail design for the 2020 season can be absolutely anything. Plain coating or geometry, French manicure or liquid metal, sparkles or rhinestones - in any case, this option will remain relevant. In order for it to be tender and attractive, the length of the plate must be at least 5 mm. The almond shape, due to its softness in the lines, makes the fingers more feminine and graceful.
- Ballerina nail shape.
Do you feel like your nail plate is too wide?
The “ballerina” nail shape, which is also often associated with a dancer’s shoes – pointe shoes, will help to narrow it down visually. It is something between a square and an almond. This type of shape is very original and will definitely attract the attention of others. Marble or matte coating, as well as fashionable metallic stripes, will perfectly highlight the advantages of the “ballerina”.
- Non-standard.
Do you want to stand out among the crowd with an original nail shape?
Do the previous options seem too boring and uninteresting? Try a pipe shape with tubes or an edge shape with triangular ends. Another hit of the current season is beveled edges of nails. The form is called “lipstick” and is not inferior in originality to its predecessors. In combination with it, all types of designs will look great, from a plain coating of pastel shades to a bright manicure rich in decorative elements.
- Long nail shapes.
This season, long nails are losing their relevance. Fashion stylists advise shortening the plate, because the trend is a loose tip that extends slightly beyond the edges of the fingers. But if you are used to long nails, don't give up on it. Choose a manicure that will visually make it shorter.
- Short nail shapes.
Long extended nails are becoming a thing of the past. This is especially true for the “aquarium” design, which involves the use of a large number of decorative elements (sparkles, colored foil). This does not mean that you need to give up extensions altogether. You can use this procedure to correct imperfections in your plates by lengthening them just a little.
The ideal length of nails is 1.5 cm from the fingertip. Pay special attention to the correction. Neatness is always in fashion, and this season is no exception. Carry out the correction about twice a month, and then your plates will look well-groomed and attractive.
What nail shape do you like? It's incredibly difficult to resist the trendy nail designs of the 2020 season. Even fans of the round shape will want to change it up and experiment.
When to choose almond-shaped nails
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Convenience
The almond shape is quite convenient, since due to the lack of corners it almost does not break.
Nail quality
You can give the almond shape only to medium and long nails. If they are too weak, it will be difficult to grow them back, so in this case you will definitely need artificial strengthening.
Desired length
As mentioned above, you won’t be able to make an “almond” look on short nails, and the free edge will first have to be grown out. But if you don’t want to wait, you can resort to extensions.
Possibility to do your own manicure
It’s practically impossible to do this without the help of a professional. The fact is that the smoothly tapered tip of the nail, reminiscent of an almond in outline, should not be oval or too sharp. And only experienced craftsmen can perform such delicate work.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
“Almond” is definitely worth a try if you want to visually lengthen a short nail plate. In this case, the nail will look like a natural extension of the finger, so the brush will also visually become more graceful.
How to make pointed nails
The most important task in this case remains the question of how to make a sharp nail shape. After all, if a girl has a different shape, for example, oval, she needs to work properly with a nail file so that her nails become sharp. Therefore, the process is not an easy task, but first you need to look at the nail preparation process step by step.
First you need to purchase good, high-quality and expensive tools. These can be files, scissors, cuticle tools and various sanding files. If you use low-quality tools in the process, your nails may deteriorate and break over time. Nails need to be filed only in one direction, and the force of pressing the file against the nails should be soft, there is no need to press hard on the nail plate.
For proper filing, it is necessary to control the number of movements with the nail file; for example, 7-8 filings in one direction is considered normal. Also, the filing process should not take place frequently, once a week is enough, and the nails should always be clean and dry.
To see what sharp nails look like, you need to look at photos on the Internet. If this shape suits your nails and you want to make it, you can begin the filing process. To get sharp nails, one session of filing is not enough; the shape will appear over time. But every time you file your nails, the file should have a special angle, and you need to direct the file towards you when working.
When to choose a stiletto nail shape?
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Convenience
The stiletto resembles an almond shape, but ends with an even sharper tip. The main disadvantage is that it is very easy to break such a nail. Most likely, you will have to, for example, press the doorbell not with your fingernail, but with a bent finger. But this form won’t hurt when typing on the keyboard. On the contrary, it’s even convenient to do this with her, as well as to pick up small things.
Nail quality
This type of manicure is created, as a rule, by extensions. Natural nails are rarely so strong that the tip remains intact.
Desired length
There are simply no short stilettos. The free edge must be medium or even long.
Possibility to do it yourself
The “stiletto” shape is even more capricious than the almond-shaped one. To decorate your nails in such an extravagant way, it is better to immediately go to a salon, where they will give you special strengthening or even extensions.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
“Stilettos” are suitable for almost any hands and fingers and visually elongate the nail plate.
Manicure design for wide nails
On wide nails, a French manicure looks very romantic and gentle, a manicure created with the help of dots looks mysterious, a small floral print looks amazing, and a manicure with graphic designs is original.
A very simple but effective manicure will visually narrow wide nails, in which the side parts of the nail are painted with dark varnish, and the middle with transparent or beige. This option is quite suitable for office style or for business meetings.
By painting wide nails with translucent or natural-colored varnishes, you can achieve a good result - well-groomed hands and non-standard shaped nail plates are not noticeable.
Fans of the “simple geometry” style can decorate their manicure with several thin vertical lines. Simple but tasteful!
Dark-colored coatings will visually narrow wide nails - blue, green, black, wine varnishes can become the first assistants in creating a stylish look.
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A cat-eye manicure with a vertical stretch that visually lengthens the nail looks impressive.
The classic French manicure is as beautiful as always, even on a wide nail, especially when it is made in the form of a thin line.
A polish with shimmer will focus attention on the shine and distract the eye from the imperfect shape of the nails.
A selection of photos of manicure designs for wide nails will demonstrate its charm and originality.
When should you choose a “ballerina” or “pointe” nail shape?
Photo: Dina Shuba / Shutterstock
Convenience
“Ballerina” is a cross between a “stiletto” and a clear “square”. But this form is a little more practical, since the corners are not as vulnerable as in the first and second cases.
Nail quality
This complex structural shape is only suitable for strong nails.
Desired length
“Pointe shoes” are performed only on nails of medium or long length and, as a rule, by extension. Although it is also quite possible to give natural plates this shape.
Possibility to do your own manicure
It is difficult to take care of such nails on your own, so it is better to have the desired shape maintained by a specialist. Yes, and most likely you will need to do strengthening and leveling, and you can only get a high-quality result in a salon.
Shape of fingers and nail bed
“Pointe shoes” are perfect for those who want to try “square”, but are afraid that it will visually widen their nails. At the same time, even large fingers will look elegant thanks to the tapering edges.
Short wide nails
There is a certain category of women who, due to their occupation, cannot afford long nails. These are athletes, musicians, health workers, masseuses and some other professions. Among them there are definitely owners of wide nails.
Professionals offer many manicure designs for short wide nails so that this category of ladies can look charming. There are nuances verified by practice.
- Thin lines of the design visually make such nails longer and more graceful.
- It is not recommended to apply large designs and decor on nails of this shape. You will have to put a taboo on a large amount of small decor, acrylic modeling and limit the number of polish colors on one nail to a maximum of three.
- For a dark-colored French manicure, mark the end of the nail with a thin line.
- A manicure of the same tone, but in different shades with black inserts, looks beautiful.
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The design should not be complicated, without excesses in the form of rhinestones or sparkles. Taking these nuances into account, you can create a beautiful manicure for wide nails and give your hands with a non-standard nail plate a sophisticated, flawless look.
Soft square
This nail shape, as the name suggests, is based on a square. The only difference is the soft, smoothed corners. This shape is suitable for short nails, and looks good in the middle version. As in the case of the square, the only exception will be fingers with overly wide nail plates. The advantage of a soft square is that this shape is not as susceptible to deformation as a square, and moreover, manicure flaws and unevenness of the coating are less visible on it.
"Pointe shoes", "coffin" or "ballerina"
For several seasons now, this nail shape has been a favorite among fashionistas. This is easy to explain: “pointe shoes” are the perfect shape for short and long nails, for wide and narrow, for any shape of fingers. True, there are a number of certain conditions. So, owners of wide nails should opt for the average length of the free edge of the nail. For everyone else, you can use both short and long sizes. “Pointe shoes” are a kind of mix connecting a triangle and a square. The base is precisely a triangle, that is, the edges of the nail plates rush towards the center, but at the tip of the nail there is a pronounced perpendicular cut with sharp corners. The tip of the nail forms a kind of trapezoid. As nail experts say, the “ballerina” shape is a very fragile shape, and there is a high probability of damage to the corners. If the nails are quite thin, they can curl into cones and the shape simply disappears.
Beautiful nail shape: rules for choosing a natural plate
Let's start with the fact that few women can boast of a strong and smooth natural nail plate. As a rule, we all have multi-format marigolds. Often, they can differ in the size of the nail bed, the nature of the bend, the direction of growth and the type of shape of the nails. Moreover, these differences in nails can be observed not only on different hands, but even on the same hand. If the nails have not yet reached super-length, then the differences are not very noticeable and can be easily corrected, but as the nail plate grows, its “individual” features begin to become noticeable.
Therefore, hence RULE No. 1
for natural nails – the length of the free edge should be short or medium. Long nails are prohibited.
Photo from the site: pilka.su
For owners of soft and thin plates, the choice is even less wide - only a short edge. And all because too thin nails, as they grow, begin to bend, curl, and even the most neutral shape of the free edge will look crooked and sloppy on them. In addition, a weak plate is more susceptible to creases and moving away from the nail bed, and a long size can provoke a similar situation.
Hence RULE No. 2
– for thin nails only a short length is acceptable.
Photo from the site: manikyres.ru
RULE #3
for natural nails - when choosing a nail shape, proceed from the structural features of your hands, fingers and the natural configuration of the nails. Only a long thin brush with aristocratic fingers and oval nails with an elongated nail bed can be considered universal. Absolutely any nail shape will suit these hands. In all other cases, strict consideration of individual characteristics is required. But we will talk about this in more detail with photo examples below, when we look at the different shapes of nails.
On a note
To decide on the nail shape that suits you specifically, conduct a small experiment - cut different shapes from foil or paper and glue them to the plates. The shape that will visually lengthen and stretch your brushes will be the ideal option for you.
When choosing a nail shape for a manicure, you should also take into account the realities of your daily life, namely: the specifics of your work, daily responsibilities, and typical preferences. For example, doctors, athletes and mothers of small children are shown only short nail lengths without sharp corners and edges. Hence RULE No. 4 - when choosing the shape of your fingernails, take into account that they should not cause discomfort when working and eliminate the risk of injury to you and others.
Photo from the site: mylove.ru
Natural nails require the same length. So, even if one nail is broken, mercilessly file all the other nails to the new “standard”. In other words, RULE No. 4 says - it’s better that all nails be short than multi-level. There is nothing more ridiculous than a manicure with nails of different lengths.
