The 4 traditional nail shapes
Square nail
The square shape is defined by a straight nail with sharp corners at each end of the nail. It is perfect for people with long hands and slender fingers. Strong nails are particularly suited to this shape, as it highlights their natural strength.
👉 How to shape square nails? Once your natural nails are long enough, start by filing the sides straight with a white nail file, then finish by filing the tip to create a perfectly horizontal edge. To find out how to file your nails properly, read our dedicated article here.
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Rounded square nail (or squoval nail)
The rounded square shape, also known as squoval nails, combines the straight edge of a square shape with slightly rounded corners. This shape is particularly suited to fragile or regrowing nails, as it reduces the risk of breakage. Rounded square nails are a softer alternative to the classic square shape, while retaining a neat, structured appearance.
👉 How to create squoval nails? Follow the same steps as for square nails, but gently round the corners with a natural nail file. The result is as elegant as it is easy to maintain.
Round nail
If you have short fingers or brittle nails, the round shape is your best ally. It visually elongates the fingers while preserving nail strength. Ideal for people with a shorter nail plate, the rounded nail is both practical and aesthetic. If you like this shape and your nails can handle a little length, opt for an oval nail shape, super elegant while remaining practical.
👉 How do you create rounded or oval nails? Nothing could be easier! File the edges of your nails following their natural curve. Then, using a gentle motion, slightly round the tips for a soft, harmonious finish.
Almond-shaped nail
The almond shape is a timeless classic, ideal for those with long, healthy nails. This elongated shape evokes an almond, with tapered edges that meet at a slightly rounded tip. It is an excellent choice for creating the illusion of longer fingers and a confident yet understated look.
👉 How do you create almond-shaped nails? Start by filing the sides of the nail diagonally to create a soft point, then round off the tip to avoid an overly angular look. Regular upkeep is essential to maintain a clean nail shape.
Once you've found your ideal shape, it's time for colour: explore the full range of Green Flash™ gel polishes for a radiant, long-lasting manicure, whatever your nail shape.
Which colours should I choose for my nail shape?
While you’re free to embrace every fantasy, here are a few colour recommendations to enhance each shape:
Square nails, dark nails
On square nails, opt for dark nail polish colours, deep and pigmented shades. Clove, Aubergine or Anthracite polishes highlight the crisp structure of the square shape and give it a characterful look right to the fingertips.
Squoval nails, let it shine!
On rounded square nails, soft, luminous colours such as Active Shine, Satin or Lemonade add a delicate touch to your lovely nails. They brighten the shape while highlighting its elegant simplicity.
Round nails, all about transparency
On round-shaped nails or oval nails, sheer or vibrant shades such as Beige, Hortencia or Pomegranate create the illusion of elongating the nail bed and slimming the fingers, while keeping things delicately refined. These shades add depth and dimension to round nails while retaining a soft touch.
Almond-shaped nails: anything goes
With this almond nail shape, you have plenty of choice when it comes to polish colours. The boldest can dare chrome or glitter-effect polishes, but classic shades ranging from nude to deep red polishes will also make an impact.
(@look8thenails).
Which nail art suits my nail shape best?
Chic, minimalist nail art for square nails
Minimalist lines and dark shades: why not try our Mystic Twist nail art? Apply a coat of Pale Rose polish, then apply a coat of Mystic purple polish in 2 brush strokes without covering the entire nail. Use the shape of the brush to create an openwork design.
Brown Gradient is ideal for embracing the Mocha Mousse trend. Start with a Orme base, then dab on a sponge loaded with three shades of the same colour (here Orme, Terracotta and Chestnut). Seal it all with a suitable Top Coat for a flawless manicure.
(@m.o.n.a.j).
Subtle nail art for rounded square nails
Dare to try Sparkly Twist, a gradient variation of the French Manicure that combines a Satin pink nail polish base with a touch of Holo biodegradable glitter, delicately sprinkled along the nail edge using a glitter brush. Don't forget to seal your manicure with a coat of Top Coat.
Finally, the Reverse French enhances the square shape with its soft colours (here Wisteria and Lemonade). On a nude nail, apply them delicately along the edge and at the base of the nail using a fine nail art brush.
(@m.o.n.a.j).
Classic nail art for round nails
The French manicure is the great classic of nail art, a timeless favourite that works beautifully on round nails. It can also be reinvented in different variations, such as the French Manicure Glow (over an Active™ Glow Raspberry or Blueberry care polish base), the Mini French (a finer line along the edge than a classic French manicure) or the Reverse French (the line is drawn around the nail contour rather than along the edge).
(@matejanova).
XXL nail art for almond-shaped nails
Long, well-prepped nails offer prime space for nail artists, pros and amateurs alike. It's the perfect time to try original designs and/or play with contrasts between a matte or glossy finish on the same nail polish shade (here, a wavy effect with Matte Top Coat over a Aubergine nail polish base).
Fans of cute & warm manicures, Winter Chestnut nail art is for you, alternating French, wavy and full-colour effects with Hortencia and Chestnut shades.
Try a more artistic manicure by drawing shapes in two different shades, here Mystic and Hollyhock, over an iridescent pink Satin base. The tip: use a fine brush to draw the outlines, then fill them in with your nail polish brush.
(@look8thenails).
We hope you’ve found the nail shape that suits you among these tips, and that our suggestions have inspired you to create beautiful, perfectly filed nails that are beautifully enhanced. And now, it’s your turn!
