Anyway, I think it would be a good idea to cover the basics and do a post on nail shapes.
The shape of your nails can have a huge affect on the overall image, weather you require a classic, modern, stylish, practical or simple look.
The Oval
This is the classic nail shape which suits both wide and narrow nails, and is versatile enough to look elegant and beautiful on both long and short nails. However, oval nails are not always the most practical shape as they may break more easily than other nail shapes.The look can be acheived by evenly filing each side of the nail, making sure that both sides are symetrical into a gentle and rounded tip.
The Round Shape
Similar to the oval, the round nail shape is created by filing a sharper point then that of the oval, which is still gentle and elegant.
The Square
This is the typical shape used in a french manicure and acrylic or gel nails. It can be created by filing perfectly straight and symmetrical sides, with a blunt edge, giving a strong and fashionable nail shape.
The 'Squoval'
In simple terms, the squoval shape is simply the best of both the square and the oval the oval. It is one of the most popular nail shapes due to it having the classic elegance of the oval, but with much more strenth, which means that it is a very practical, everyday shape. This shape can be acheived by filing a square shape, and symetrically rounding the corners, giving a softer look.
The Almond Shape
This is a shape which is frequently seen to be worn by Rihanna, creating a structured, femme-fatale, dominating look. The look was also a popular choice of Marilyn Monroes. This nail shape looks good on longer length nails, and the pointed shape means that breakage is easy, so it can be a difficult look to pull off. The shape can be aquired by filing the side walls of the nail about half way down the nail into a pointed shape, until the desired point is acheived.
My favourite nail file to use is a crystal nail file which my auntie got me for Christmas a few years ago. They generally cost about £10 (although cheaper versions are available), mine is from Marks and Spencer. I hate the feeling of normal nail files and crystal ones do a lovely gentle job without the wierd feeling! And they last FOREVER!
http://www.marksandspencer.com/Marks-and-Spencer-Crystal-Nail/dp/B00263GI3C?extid=ps_ggl_BeautyHands,NailsFeet_HNFCrystalNailFiles&kwid=100680076_Google+Adwords
Remember: When you file your nails, only file in one direction. This is because filing from side to side can weaken the nail, so that they are more prone to breakages.
:) Ah this is really interesting . I like the oval nails best - not sure i'm brave enough to try the almond! Lovely blog x
ReplyDeleteAw thank you! I know same haha :) xx
Deletethis is so helpful! i never knew that filing in more than one direction weakened the nail. Won't be doing that anymore!
ReplyDeleteI found out the hard way haha I didn't think it would actually make much difference, but it does! xx
DeleteI had never even thought about nail shape until I read this its so interesting! I now also know how to not file my nails, I had no idea there was a wrong way to it. :)
ReplyDeleteburntredd.blogspot.com
Thank you! Thats very nice to hear! xx
DeleteHi
ReplyDeleteThis is really useful and you have presented it in such an interesting an easy to read way. Thank you, I have been looking for an article like this on nail shapes for ages.
If you get a chance then I would love it if you would take a look at my nail blog www.wonderlustnails.blogspot.com