Nail shapes are much like the silhouettes of gowns and dresses—everybody has their go-to that makes them feel their best. From almond to natural and stiletto, there are quite literally dozens of different shapes and sub-shapes to choose from. While none really go out of style, there are some nail trends that come to be associated with certain eras and aesthetics.
Take the flared duck nail shape—a favorite of one of our manicure muses, Ice Spice—for example. In the ‘00s, the style was never more prominent. It was one ofthedominant nail shapes, heavily associated with icons of the era like Snooki's short-lived reign as the queen of reality TV on The Jersey Shore. Usually donned with flashy designs and charms, it quickly left the trend cycle until the re-emergence of Y2K aesthetics made it inescapable. Now it's back and better than ever.
A similar resurgence is happening with the square nail shape. However, unlike duck nails, a square-shaped manicure is whole lot more versatile (and therefore inescapable). Ahead, we're breaking down everything you need to know about the new-again square nail trend. Plus, how to recreate it at home.
The Trend
To say square nails have ever been a full-on fashion faux pas would be a lie. Truthfully, blunt, squared nails have never gone out of style, and as far back as you look, you will always be able to find someone sporting the nail shape. However, we haven’t seen this big of a square nail revival since the early 2000s when they were at their peak.
Since the latter half of 2022, square nails have been on a steady rise, with celebrity cosigners and online relevance at an all-time high. In fact, short square nails have appeared on Kim Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, and more in the past few years.
This return to simplicity made sense with the end of the work-from-home era as more office-centric styles began to take hold. Many of us swapped our long almond nails for short square ones to be more functional. Rita Remark, NY-based manicurist &essieGlobal Lead Educator, told Byrdie in 2022, “Longer, dramatic nails have been the trend for a few years now, so shorter, more utilitarian lengths feel edgier. While I don't think long nails are suddenly on their way out—quite the contrary—I do think that a bit more length variety is on its way in.”
Almost two years later, she was proven right. Square-shaped tips are everywhere, taking over salons in a variety of lengths, styles, and designs.
As of 2024, you can’t scroll through Instagram or watch a red carpet without seeing someone sport a square nail. Since January,Megan Foxwore the shape in half-a-foot-long length,Ice Spicewore an extended version of the shape to the Grammys,Dua Lipatried short square nails out in chrome, andJennifer Lopezditched her usual almond for medium-length square nails at the Golden Globes. And that's just in the past few months.
The trend has spawned countless interpretations—from all those aforementioned celeb looks to square nails in buzzy colors like dark red, mismatched shades, stone gray, and even the naked French design. Regardless of length, color, and form, square nails are clearly having a renaissance.
How to Get the Look
There is no limit to the ways to wear this trend. You choose a variety of sizes, lengths, and designs to put your own twist on square nails. Considering the style's simplicity, you might already know how to achieve the look yourself. However, we have you covered with the step-by-step to make it perfect, ahead.
Julie Kandalec, NYC-based celebrity manicurist, gave us the perfect tip for finishing off the filing process and making sure they are even. “Working in the center of the nail, gently file the tip as square as desired,” she says. “Tip: If you tilt the nail file downwards as you file, the edge will be more rounded. For a perfectly square nail, hold the file at a 90-degree angle while you shape.”
As with creating any nail shape, you want to start on clean nails. So, start by removing any lingering nail polish with remover.
Then, cut your nails to the desired length—this would also be the time to apply any tips or press-on if you want.
Next, simply file down your nails to your desired square shape.
For a perfect square nail shape, you will want to file your nails straight across the tip, especially on any curved section of your nails, to even them out.
Then, buff the surface of your nail for an smooth nailbed before applying your favorite base coat. Wait for it to dry before applying any color or designs.
Once dry paint any color of your choice, create a French tip, add rhinestones, whatever you want! Just seal it in with a top coat, and you’re good to go.
Think slim neon French tips on neutral nails and the crisp freshness of the Baby Boomer manicure, which makes its triumphant return in 2024. Press-on nails are also becoming more prevalent—great news for lazy nail-art lovers or last-minute manicures that can be done en route to your destination.
All three experts agree that "softer" shapes are the current favorite, while dramatic silhouettes, like my beloved stiletto nails, are becoming passé. "I think this may be because of the surge in popularity of lower-maintenance beauty routines," says Nguyen.
If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.
Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, are long and narrow with a squared-off tip. They are named after the shape of a coffin, and are sometimes also called "stiletto nails." Coffin nails are a good choice for people with short, wide fingers, as they can make the fingers look longer and more slender.
Another nail trend for summer 2024 guaranteed to appeal to the minimalists out there is the transparent French: instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating altogether softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip–often provided ...
One of the most talked-about nail trends for 2024 is the chrome manicure. This trend involves applying chrome finishes to the nails, giving them a futuristic and reflective appearance. The chrome trend is versatile and can be incorporated into various nail art designs, from geometric patterns to ombre effects.
While we're used to seeing pastels and floral-inspired colors in the spring, this year, spring nail colors are bolder and brighter. Think fiery reds, splashy blues, and even vivid yellows alongside classic springtime hues like lavender and pink.
OVAL. The oval shape is considered to be a more traditional shape. It features straight-filed sides with softer, rounded edges towards the top. This shape offers a natural and feminine look.
One study found that men were more likely to rate a woman as attractive if she was wearing red nail polish. The study also found that men were more likely to approach a woman who was wearing red nail polish. Another study found that men were more likely to remember a woman's name if she was wearing red nail polish.
Certain colors and shades can create the illusion of longer nails. For example, light and neutral colors like beige, nude, pale pink, and light gray can make your nails appear longer. On the other hand, darker colors like black, navy blue, and dark red can make your nails look shorter.
Having a longer or narrower point increases the chances of your client catching their nails on something and breaking it. The wider edges in square or natural-looking shapes offer more support for the nail, and rounded nails create a softer edge that is less likely to scratch and tear while doing everyday tasks.
"An almond-shaped nail is slim on the sides and wide on the base, coming to a rounded peak," says Deborah Lippmann. "This shape will lengthen and make short fingers look slim." To get the look, file the sides and make sure the tip is narrow, so the free edge mimics a peak shape.
Soft girl nails will still reign supreme for spring/summer 2024, but we will see a slightly bolder and varied shade range, as Bello hints. “Rather than a loud pop of colour, we will see baby blues, periwinkles, lilacs and everyone's current favourite, peach.”
This month is all about embracing the winter season and its sleek elegance. Try a cool-toned gray or silver shade to create a modern andsophisticated manicure. Alternatively, go for a frosty blue or icy mint green hue to capture the crispness of the season.
Los Angeles-based Celebrity Nail Artist, Queenie Nguyen predicts, “ombré nails with a white chrome topping” to be on trend for 2024. “The chrome finish will add a unique touch to the classic ombré nails,” she adds.
As of 2024, the nail trend in Korea is all about simplicity and elegance. Many people are opting for minimalist designs that feature simple lines, geometric shapes, and muted colors. This trend is all about creating a sophisticated and understated look that is perfect for any occasion.
Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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