Squoval shape
The squoval shape is a popular and versatile nail style that perfectly blends the best features of both square and oval nails. It offers the modern, strong look of a square nail but with the soft, elegant curves of an oval, creating a universally flattering and practical design.
To achieve the squoval shape, your nail technician will file the sidewalls of your nails straight, similar to a square shape, but then gently round off the sharp corners. The free edge of the nail maintains a subtle curve, not as pronounced as a pure oval, nor as straight as a pure square. This shape is incredibly popular because it's easy to maintain and suits most nail lengths, from short to medium. It provides a clean, polished look without being overly dramatic.
This shape is ideal if you're looking for a style that's both chic and highly functional. Unlike the traditional square shape, which can be prone to snagging or breaking at the sharp corners, the squoval is much more durable and less likely to chip or split. It's perfect for those with an active lifestyle or anyone who finds oval nails too classic or square nails too harsh. The squoval shape flatters almost all hand and finger types, making fingers appear more elongated and slender without excessive length. It’s an excellent choice if you work a lot with your hands or simply want a sophisticated, low-maintenance look.
A common mistake when filing squoval nails is to round the corners too much, turning them into a true oval. Remember, the essence of the squoval is to keep the side walls relatively straight and only soften the *corners* to eliminate any sharp angles. Think of it as a "softened square" rather than a "flattened oval."