Square nail shape: new manicure designs for square long and short nails (photo)

An extremely necessary and beautiful shape for nails is “square”. Having begun her victorious journey back in the early 2000s, she continues to hold the leading position in the design of nail plates even now, despite the emergence of a daring rival - the “ballerina” shape.

Now we will talk about how to properly give your nails a “square” shape. Of course, our recommendations will be needed primarily by those who are just planning to master the practical fundamentals of the specialty, and also by those who perform manicures at an amateur level. We have prepared a detailed summary of how to properly shape your nails.

There are different types of square shapes

Sharp square . With this shape, the nail has sharp corners. This has its downsides. Corners can chip and catch. This is not very practical for women who lead an active lifestyle. This applies to natural nails.
Soft square . In this form, the corners are smooth, this form is suitable for almost any woman with any shape of the nail bed.

For the convenience of wearing this shape, nails in 2022 are not and will not be done in 2022, they are too long. Many people prefer short square nails or medium length ones.

If you are doing your manicure at home, you need to prepare your home manicure tools.

About nail care

In order to experiment with nail shapes, nail designs and extensions, you should improve the health of your nail plates. You can do this at home. Professional nail technicians talk about four important points that help make this part of the body healthy:

Firstly, it is important to eat properly and nutritiously. The body must have enough vitamins. It is a strong immune system that helps your nails look healthy and strong.
Secondly, it is important to follow hygiene procedures. Wash your hands on time, preventing dirt from appearing under your nails. When in public places, hands should be treated with antiseptic or antibacterial wipes.
Thirdly, every day your nails should be treated with oil to moisturize and nourish the cuticle.
Fourthly, you should not forget to give your nails relaxing and restorative procedures at least once or twice a week. For example, dip them in a concentrated solution of water with salt and lemon juice. It is recommended to make baths from decoctions of plantain, parsley, nettle, celandine, chamomile, etc.

In the salon, in addition to extensions and classic professional manicure, there are various care procedures. To improve the health of your nail plates, you can order:

paraffin bath;
honey-wax sealing;
recovery complex IBX, etc.

Additional Information. Professionals advise not to wear extended nails all the time. Every 2-3 months there is a break for 30-40 days. During this period, the nails will be able to return to normal and recover. Otherwise, after constant extensions, the nail plates will become lifeless, and it will be difficult to restore them to health.

Tools and supplies for manicure at home.

File. Choose something that is not metal. A file on a cardboard base is perfect.
Pusher or orange stick.
Manicure scissors or special nippers.
Buff for polishing nails.
To soften the cuticle, you need to purchase a liquid remover.

Before starting a manicure, disinfect the tools with an antiseptic.

If you want to apply gel polish, you will need a UV lamp or LED lamp for drying your nails, a primer, a base, and a top coat.

How to choose a nail file

The main tool for giving the chosen shape to our nails is a nail file. Nowadays there are a huge number of different files available for sale, which differ both in the material from which they are made and in the degree of abrasiveness. I think you will agree that in order to do a manicure with your own hands at a professional level, first of all, you need to understand nail files like a real pro. Therefore, I propose to arrange a small educational program on saws.

Glass files

This version of files is very gentle and gentle on nails. If you have a weak nail plate that is prone to peeling and crumbling, choose a glass file.

Glass files are “eternal”. If you're tired of constantly buying files because their abrasive coating wears off, buy a glass or crystal copy and forget about this problem forever!

Advice
I really love glass nail files. I like that they go “like clockwork”, they cut very finely, but surprisingly effectively, and they give a smooth, polished edge. But, alas, you cannot carry such a file in your purse. I once had a similar sad experience. Something shifted in the bag, and my beautiful (and expensive) nail file crumbled into pieces; even the suede case couldn’t save it. Since then I have only used glass files at home.

Crystal files

They have the same properties as glass. They do not spoil the nails, they are filed evenly and smoothly. You can even use a crystal nail file to treat the cuticle without damaging the skin.

Important!
Another advantage of crystal and glass files is their inertness, thanks to which they are not afraid of any disinfectant solutions, which, you see, is very convenient and hygienic. If you don't break your little helper, it will serve you for a lifetime. The disadvantages of such files include their fragility.

Ceramic nail files

Coated nail files made from ceramic can have varying degrees of abrasiveness. They are suitable for nails and cuticles.

Manufacturers of ceramic files claim that their products are suitable for peeling nails. Such files do not wear out and, theoretically, can last forever. In life, of course, everything is not so rosy, since chips may appear on the nail file.

Pomegranate files

The abrasive particles here are made of garnet crumbs. Spraying is usually applied to a wooden base.

These are durable files that last for several years of regular use, but they are very rough and are suitable for extended nails or for quickly cutting the length of natural nails, followed by polishing, for example, with a glass nail file.

Important!
Spraying on files can be not only garnet, but also from other materials, for example, aluminum oxide (stone file) or silicon carbide. Different types of spraying work differently. It also matters how large the particles are used for spraying, but we’ll talk about that later. For the quality and durability of the file, it is of great importance how dense and durable the spraying is, and whether it allows you to wash and disinfect the tool. All these points must be paid attention to when purchasing.

Paper-based files

These files are practically disposable and are more suitable for salons. They're pretty inexpensive.

Usually, a cardboard base is sprayed on, which allows you to process nails. Previously, such files were not waterproof and could not be disinfected, but now special resistant materials are used, or the files are sold complete with a special disinfectant. In my opinion, this is a good option for a handbag or for travel.

Foam plastic files (polyethylene)

These files and buffs are very nice. They are a little soft, flexible and very delicate.

Typically, one side is for filing and the other for polishing the nail plate. The advantage of plastic files is that they are gentle on the nails, but the disadvantage is that you cannot seriously remove the length with such a file, that is, it is not universal. Over time (I would say quite quickly), polyethylene files wear out and cease to perform their functions.

Metal files

As the name implies, the base of such files is made of metal, hence the property of the file - its strength. The abrasive surface can be organized in one of two ways:

spraying of mineral chips;
laser processing of metal.

Laser-processed files are practically eternal, while those with spraying may wear out over time, but are also very durable and reliable.

I love metal nail files for their strength and durability. You can carry them in your purse, take them with you on trips and not be afraid that you will be left without a tool at the most inopportune moment. But they are still a little rough for sensitive nails, and since mine are just like that, I only have a metal file on duty, in my cosmetic bag. I use it only in situations when my favorite glass file is out of reach.

What is abrasiveness, and how to choose a file based on this criterion

To file a nail, the file must have the property of abrasiveness. Outwardly, this is expressed in the fact that its surface is not smooth, but rough to one degree or another, due to which it cuts the nail.

The roughness of files is measured in special units called grit. It is these units that will help us learn how to choose the right file for our nails, which can be artificial or natural, and the latter can be quite durable or, conversely, thin, fragile, and prone to delamination. An incorrectly chosen nail file that is too rough will turn your nails into rags, and a nail file that is too gentle will result in you spending hours puffing away at your manicure.

Advice
The basic rule: the less grit, the more aggressive the file. It's easy to remember. The number of grits indicates how many abrasive particles fit on a square centimeter of the surface of the file. The fewer there are, the larger they are, and the larger they are, the rougher the file. Sometimes two values are indicated separated by a dash. This means that the two sides of the file have different degrees of abrasiveness. Such files are practical: we cut off the length with one side and polish the other.

Let's take a closer look at which file is suitable for which nails:

60–80 grit is a very coarse file only for artificial nails, mainly for cutting lengths.
100–150 grit - also save this file for extended nails, it is suitable for giving them the intended shape.
150–240 grit characterizes the file as medium-hard. This file should still not be used on natural nail plates. But for the final processing of artificial nails, it will be just right.
Files from 240 grit and above are already suitable for processing natural nails.
240–400 grit - soft files, suitable for processing natural nails.
Files with an abrasiveness of 400 to 900 grit are soft enough to prepare the nail plates for polishing.
900–1200 grit indicates that this is a very gentle file or buff, designed to polish the nail plates and give them a wonderful shine.

After processing, create a square nail shape

It is necessary to file all nails in the free edge area to the same length. It is necessary to file your nails parallel to the cuticle, and the movement of the file should be in one direction.
Check that all nails are the same length.
We begin to round the corners. Using a nail file, carefully make rounding movements from the side walls to the end.
Use a soft file to go over the entire edge of the nail. So that it is smooth, without tubercles and other imperfections.
Finally, buff the entire nail bed.
Apply essential oil to the cuticles and nourishing cream to your hands.
Lubricate the cuticles with essential oil and your hands with nourishing cream. This will increase local immunity and metabolism, which will speed up the process of regeneration of new cells and improve the condition of the natural manicure.
After treating your nails, you can apply varnish or a strengthening compound.

Tips for long-lasting manicure

To prevent the polish from cracking the day after your manicure, follow these rules:

choose high-quality varnishes, bases and tops from proven brands with a suitable shelf life; Do not dry your fresh manicure with a hairdryer - it is better to wait for it to dry naturally; wear gloves in the cold season - this will not only help keep the skin of your hands smooth, but also protect the coating from chipping; avoid mechanical damage to the coating: open the lids carefully, try not to pick your nails; Do household chores (cleaning, washing) wearing gloves.

The habit of cleaning with gloves will not only extend the life of your manicure, but will also allow you to always have soft and gentle hands.

Manicure for short square nails (photo)

You can do different types of manicure on short square nails.

It could be:

geometry;
painting decoration;
French;
matte manicure;
and many other different ideas can be applied in nail design.

Delicate nude manicure with an accent on the middle finger in the form of gold rhinestones, on the ring finger there are sparkles, and on the little finger there is a gold stripe.

The short, square nails are finished in white polish, accented with a silver moon on the middle finger, and a beautiful design on the ring finger in a clear base.

Beautiful nude manicure on short square nails. Rub on the ring finger and little finger. Black manicure looks impressive on square short nails.

Delicate manicure in blue and white tones. With a star pattern on the thumb and forefingers. Pink shades look great on short, square-shaped nails.

A calm manicure in beige tones and a strict graphic design is suitable for the office.

A manicure in pink pastel colors looks great on short square nails. A manicure in lilac tones goes well with soft square-shaped nails.

Pink matte manicure looks very beautiful on short square nails. It can be complemented with rhinestones on one or two nails. Beautiful manicure in white combined with lilac, accented with rhinestones. Black manicure on short square nails with an accent on 2 nails in the form of glitter on a milky polish with a black thin stripe. Geometry on short square nails. Manicure in nude style. Geometry on short nails. Nude manicure for short nails with a light design.

Gray, beige colors in manicure for square nails. Matte finish for short nails. Black, gray tones in manicure. Marble manicure on short square nails. Manicure in light colors with a geometric pattern and rhinestones. Gray matte color in manicure, and original graphic designs on a beige tone. Stylish white manicure with a black graphic pattern. Delicate pink manicure with stripes on the ring finger. Burgundy manicure for short square nails with a beautiful design. Feminine manicure in burgundy and pink on short nails. Neat peach manicure with a triangle pattern on short square nails. Nude manicure on short nails with a soft square shape. Beautiful matte manicure. Drawings of flowers in black.

A light manicure looks great on short, square-shaped nails. A wonderful combination of matte black finish and white varnish. Using a design slider. Delicate milky color on short square nails. Interesting cactus design on the ring finger. A manicure in light pink colors is suitable for young girls. A milky manicure with a twig pattern on the nails of one hand. Beige manicure on square nails. Gold glitter, dots, rhinestones.

Basic rules for filing

The most important thing about how to file your nails correctly is to never perform the action on wet or damp nails. They will certainly lead to damage and delamination. It’s better to file them first, and then do further manicure using a bath

Work with extreme caution so as not to injure the delicate skin around you. Perform the procedure once a week; with proper filing, you will not need more

A glass file is suitable for giving a beautiful shape. And the ceramic one will complete the process by grinding and correcting the plate. Hold the nail file according to the rule: thumb on the bottom, the rest on top. Each time, move from the edges to the center, and not from side to side, as this will only harm your nails.

Start the procedure with the little finger, then move on, do not forget to carefully round the edges. Smooth the top edge of the nail and treat only its outer edge. Be careful that they do not turn out to be different shapes and look the same. Choose it according to your taste; an oval is considered the most optimal, but a square will require careful work from you.

Note

Do not forget that the best solution would be to choose the same length, even if it is short, than to keep different lengths if you have one broken nail.

French for short square nails

Pink French manicure for square nails.

A beautiful French manicure for short nails with a design on the ring nail – a heart with sparkles.

Delicate colored French manicure for short square nails. Matte French with black accents.

Classic French with silver foil. Unusual French manicure with silver sparkles. French manicure with gel polish with a pattern for short nails.

An original French manicure for short nails with a cute design. Classic French manicure using rhinestones. Unusual colored French on short square nails. Classic French on short nails using large colored rhinestones and small rhinestones. Matte combined colored French on short square nails. Original French color manicure on short square nails.

A fashionable colored jacket with an interesting pattern for short square-shaped nails. French manicure colored with glitter on short nails. French black manicure on short nails with rhinestones. Delicate wedding manicure for the bride on short nails. A classic French manicure on short square-shaped nails with a black heart pattern. Gentle French manicure on square nails with a watercolor flower pattern. A simple and stylish matte French look on short nails. Festive burgundy jacket with rhinestones. French nude manicure with decorative elements on square nails. Unusual French manicure on square nails with a butterfly design. Classic jacket with black design. Pink matte French on short square nails. A beautiful bride's French manicure for short, square-shaped nails.

Classic French manicure for short nails with rhinestones. French moon manicure for short square nails. Lunar manicure, French manicure for short square nails. Classic French manicure with a silver pattern.

How to do a French manicure

French manicure or French manicure is perhaps the most popular nail design option. In a classic French manicure, the master covers the entire nail plate with pastel-colored varnish - pink, beige or peach, and emphasizes the free edge line with white. In modern versions of the French manicure, there are no strict rules for choosing a shade: you can use bright or dark colors, decorate the free edge with glitter, and complement the manicure with stickers and drawings.

You can do a French manicure in different ways. If your base polish has a thick, opaque texture, you should first apply it to the entire nail plate, and then decorate the tips with a contrasting shade. And if you chose a translucent coating, you can first draw a line on the free edge, and then paint the entire nail with tinted varnish. In the latter case, the manicure will look less contrasting, but no less elegant.

You can carefully draw the tips for a French manicure in the following ways:

Use stickers for a French jacket - this option is suitable for beginners.
Apply white polish and then remove excess with a flat brush dipped in nail polish remover. This can be done if you plan to apply the coating after finishing the free edge.
Using a thin brush to design your nails is exactly what professional manicurists do.

This video contains detailed instructions on how to quickly and accurately do a French manicure.

Manicure for long square nails (photo)

Manicure for long square nails in beige color. Delicate manicure for long nails with glitter. French manicure in black on long square nails. Beautiful blue matte manicure on long square nails. Clean white matte manicure on long square nails.

Pink manicure gel polish with a pattern and sparkles.

Festive manicure for long square nails, moon manicure.

Abstract matte manicure design on square nails. Pink French triangle on long square nails. Classic French manicure on long nails with a sharp square shape. Colored jacket with a milky finish on long nails. Beige manicure with a dream catcher pattern, long square feathers on the nails. Manicure in black matte color with a pattern on long nails. Marble manicure and matte black finish on long square nails.

Bright red glossy manicure on square shaped nails. Matte black manicure with white graphic design. Black French manicure with a cat pattern on long nails. Stylish matte manicure with a twig pattern. Blue matte manicure on medium-length square-shaped nails. Romantic manicure in lilac tones on medium-length nails with a dream catcher design. Black white manicure with silver on square nails. Delicate blue matte manicure with silver on soft square nails.

Black French manicure with Marilyn Monroe design sliders on sharp square-shaped nails. Lavender manicure with purple flowers on square nails. Pink glossy gel polish with rhinestones on each nail. Manicure with rubbing and rhinestones on long square nails. Matte black manicure, square marble nail design. Manicure in black and white with rhinestones and patterns. Beautiful matte beige manicure with a pattern on medium-length square nails.

White manicure with inscriptions on square nails.

Instructions: manicure at home with varnish

Let's start with instructions on how to do a manicure at home with regular polish. Despite women's fascination with long-lasting gel polish, many still remain committed to regular polish.

The question arises - what are the instructions here? I painted it, dried it and went. In fact, proper application of polish involves more steps, and also increases the wear time of the polish and reduces the impact on the nail plate.

For proper coverage you will need:

degreaser;
base for varnish. It will help smooth out minor roughness and level the surface for applying varnish. The brands Domix, ruNail, Solomeya, Kinetics have them;

colored varnish. Choose gel polishes from the “free” category. Essie, Zoya, OPI have these. The essence of these free-coatings is that they do not contain aggressive chemicals that damage the nail plate;

cotton pad or lint-free wipes;
varnish fixer – OPI, Zoya, Pronail, Irisk.

cuticle oil. Choose natural oil, without mineral impurities. Only in this case will it be beneficial - the cuticle will soften, there will be no hangnails

Pay attention to Aravia, Nano Professional, CND oils.

If you have liquid tape, have it ready too - it will help protect the skin around the nail plate and prevent the polish from running.

Degrease the nails using a napkin or disk moistened with a degreaser;
If you have liquid tape, now is the time to apply it to the skin around the nail;
Wait until the product has completely evaporated and apply the base coat. Start applying with your little finger. Do not try to paint the entire surface in one motion - the side edges will still have to be tinted. First, make a stroke in the center, closer to the base, move the product towards the cuticle, and then stretch it along the side edges, as shown in the figure;

Wait until the base is completely dry. This usually takes 3-5 minutes;
Apply colored varnish. The application pattern is the same as in the figure above. Also start from the little finger and move towards the big toe. If the color does not apply evenly - it leaves streaks, stains, then after the first layer has completely dried, apply the second;
When all 10 fingers are painted, let them dry. Drying time depends on the coating manufacturer - from 5 to 15 minutes;
Apply varnish sealer. It will make the surface more glossy and also increase the wear time.

In an attempt to speed up the drying of the polish, girls dip their nails in cold water. Do this gently - the varnish does not dry, but hardens, which means that after returning to normal temperature it may smear. If you don’t have time to wait, use special dryers for varnish - they reduce the drying time by 2 times.

When all layers are dry, apply oil to the cuticle to soothe it after a hygienic manicure and provide additional hydration.

Manicure design for square nails (photos of new products)

Pastel manicure in gray-blue color with broken glass technique. beautiful delicate manicure with silver foil. Manicure in gray matte tones with a brush stroke pattern.

Beautiful matte manicure using acrylic sculpting technique on square-shaped nails.

Fashionable manicure using a design on the nails. French manicure on sharp square nails using glitter.

Modern fashionable youth manicure in light colors using foil. Youth manicure in pastel colors using slider designs. Fashionable, current manicure with colored moon on square-shaped nails.

Milky manicure on short square nails with a twig pattern. Manicure for square nails colored French blue. Current manicure with a pattern on rectangular nails.

Beautiful manicure with cat eye rhinestones and transparent acrylic painting. Fashionable interesting manicure black blue gel polish. A beautiful combination of matte and glossy gel polish and beautiful black branches on rectangular nails. A neat French nail design with a sharp rectangular shape and silver sparkles. Beautiful white manicure with sparkles and inscriptions. Current manicure in light colors with glitter on half the nail.

Bright burgundy manicure with beautiful flowers on white. A fashionable manicure in purple shades with a design for two nails and transparent droplets. Combined manicure with interesting elements in gray. Gradient black lines on medium length white nails. Nail design with black white and beige gel polish.

Matte gel polish, lettering, watercolor drawings are always in trend. Delicate manicure in pink with a convex pattern in gray. A simple French manicure with a black stripe on one nail. White manicure with nail sliders on square nails.

Stylish manicure on nails with glitter, black gel polish, beige polish.

Delicate pink jacket with a beautiful purple flower. Original manicure with a triangular pattern, white and peach polish, silver polish.

Design options for an extravagant beveled square

This angle is created only on extended plates. Because this variety requires clear lines and a beveled corner, which is not easy to do. Nails should be perfectly shaped and have a strong plate. The square shape of the nails and the beveled tip look bold and original.

In this variation, rhinestones are glued to the tip of the nail. The overlays will cope with the load, and the design of the protruding edge will only emphasize the originality of the form. For special occasions, you can make an aqua design - your nails will look extravagant and unusual.

New manicures for square nails

Bright manicure for short nails with leopard print. Matte nails with an abstract bright design.

Calm manicure in delicate tones with shiny accents. Matte manicure, color gradient, trend of the season. Blue manicure with a bright pattern on rectangular nails.

Manicure gel polish blue with gold stripes and sparkles, pictures design sliders. Gradient technique, and one nail is covered in rhinestones.

Current manicure in gray with a pattern of white apples. Unusual white manicure with an interesting pattern. Tropical flowers on beige gel polish.

Neat white manicure with an inscription, black lines, square rhinestone. Matte gray manicure for short nails with original designs.

Fashionable manicure blue gel polish, tropical leaves nail stickers. A modern youth manicure in bright green on one hand, on the other a white manicure with green stripes. Watercolor manicure flowers on light nails. Bold manicure in dark colors with an original design. Autumn manicure matte peach color, white flowers, black twigs.

Unusual manicure with a landscape pattern on rectangular nails.

A fashionable, interesting manicure in pleasant colors on square-shaped nails. Modern bright unusual manicure, black gel polish, drops, color gradient.

Multi-colored manicure on beautiful square nails. Lemon manicure with glitter polish accent. Delicate manicure in blue colors, with a watercolor pattern and gold sparkles. A bold black manicure, colorful foil adorns the nails.

New manicure matte beige, stylish design. Gradient nail polish with gel polish for short nails. A very gentle manicure in white and pale pink polish for short nails. New manicures for short nails with a butterfly pattern. Bold bright manicure orange matte gel polish with a cool pattern.

Manicure with matte dark gray gel polish and a beautiful pattern.

Prevention

In order to minimize the risk of pecking nails, you must adhere to the following rules:

Wear gloves when washing dishes or when using aggressive chemicals.
Extensions should only be carried out by a qualified and experienced technician.
Normalize your diet, monitor the level of protein and calcium in the body.
Take vitamin complexes and calcium, vitamin D3 on a regular basis.
Learn how to file your nails correctly.
Treat diseases in a timely manner.
Avoid injuring your fingers and nail plate.
Lead an active lifestyle to boost your immunity.
Use manicure tools correctly and regularly disinfect them.
Don't bite your nails.
Regularly smear your hands with moisturizing cream and your nails with oils.

Following simple conditions will help reduce the risk of deformation of the nail plate. The main thing is to consult a doctor in a timely manner, do not self-medicate and use only proven home recipes, along with treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Hand care is an important part of self-care. Having spent a little time on basic procedures, skin and a well-groomed manicure will delight not only the owner, but also those around her.

Basic rules for sawing

You need to cut out using a special tool. To ensure everything turns out beautifully, it is recommended to use only coated glass fixtures. Processing of natural plates is always carried out using a soft coating. Coarse abrasive files can cause damage, which will subsequently cause deformation.

What rules should you follow:

During the procedure, do not press hard on the instrument, otherwise you can cut off excess and damage the plate.
Never start the procedure if your fingers are wet. Otherwise, after the procedure they will cling to everything.
The surface of the plates should not be polished too much, especially if varnish is planned. Otherwise it won't last long. Only the free edge needs to be filed.
Cuticles and hangnails must be removed during the process, otherwise the manicure will look sloppy.
Do not use iron files, which can cause severe damage to the plate.

We should not forget about daily nail care using special oils and creams. If the plates are fragile and peel, then it is recommended to purchase medicinal varnish and use it regularly

It is important to exclude the presence of a fungal infection, as evidenced by changes in density and color

Fragile plates cannot be polished intensively even with the most finely abrasive surface. You can provoke even greater thinning. To prevent delamination, do not press the tool or slide along the free edge too quickly.

Combination with other types of design solutions

Manicure and pedicure in the same color scheme will be the final accent in any look.
You can match the color of the varnish to your jewelry. In this case, it is better if the nail design is not too provocative.
The color of the varnish to match the lipstick looks advantageous.
You shouldn't always choose nude shades for delicate dresses. A bright and catchy manicure looks great.

To create this type of nails, it is not necessary to visit experienced artists. By following the instructions, you can easily achieve the desired results. In the comments, share which nails and colors you prefer.

Author of the publication

Matte

A matte top on square nails is used less often than on almond nails, although there are no prerequisites for this. Using a matte finish, you can make a bright color calm, and also add femininity and warmth to the coating.

Classic is just a plain coating without any additional decor.

If desired, you can add patterns and drawings made using any known technique. The only limitation is watercolor, since under a matte top it loses its lightness and airiness.

Matte manicure ideas

Neon manicure ideas