I have been a professional nail artist, educator, beauty expert and personal stylist for over 30 years, and I have been writing about all these topics for well over 7 years. Now it occurred to me that I have never really seen any articles about genetic natural nail shapes and what you need to understand when it comes to either growing your nails, having a gel manicure or nail extensions applied. There is a huge misconception that nail technicians and nail products damage nails…..Well this isn’t totally true. I have never ruined anyones nails and in loads of cases I’ve saved a clients nails from permanent problems that can arise if they have been to an unqualified or poorly trained nail technician. The nail industry looks like a very inviting place for some but be warned it takes years of experience, training and above all passion to be a master of your craft. It also requires in depth knowledge about anatomy and physiology to really deliver a good service.
The main reason people visit a technician is to get that perfect looking nail. It’s a bit like styling and someone wanting the ultimate hourglass body. But we are all born with very different shapes and that includes your nails. Each and every persons nails are very unique, their lifestyle choices, their daily routine and the shape of their natural nails will depict if their nails will look phenomenal or not.
When I see a new client I always run through all they need to know about their own nail shape, the way their nails grow and what should and shouldn't happen in a nail salon. One of the most misunderstood things is what the cuticle is, how nails grow and how to help them look their best. The cuticle isn’t the skin at the bottom of the nails, this is actually called a proximal nail fold and should NEVER be cut. The cuticle is a layer of dead, dirty and unwanted cells that cover the entire nail bed! Bet you never knew that! With professional products and tools this can be removed and a nail service carried out in pure comfort. No pain, no clipping and above all no damage is required to obtain a beautiful base for polish, gel manicures or a stunning set of real looking and real feeling sculptured nail extensions (I never use plaice tips) that you will love and adore for weeks.
How To File Squoval Nails For Your Most Flattering Mani Yet
I have many articles about other beneficial subjects about nails on my website Sarahbacchus.combut I have never written it down in an article to cover the genetic shape of real nails.
You will see all kinds of articles mentioning the shape of the latest trends within the nail industry, like the almond, the coffin shape or the must requested stiletto. But nowhere have I ever seen a practice guide about REAL genetic nail shapes.What you can and can't accomplish from your nails, whats possible and what you need to know about certain natural shapes.
There are primarily 6 nail bed types and this will determine how long your nails will be able to grow or your gels and extensions will last.
Different Nail Shapes To Try In 2023
The main thing to remember is that you should never see damage after visiting a salon, you shouldn't feel pain, have your skin cut and above all utter the words "Having my nails done ruined them" when returning home or chatting to a friend. These are all phrases I hear when I have conversations about being a nail technician and its totally irritating to a passionate well educated nail technician.
Unfortunately the good tech's get tarnished with these labels, that only really apply to those nail bars you see on the corners of the high street or those where you see countless techs using drills, wearing masks, applying false plastic tips and using very very cheap products to keep the cost down.Most of these salons use a product called MMA and its illegal in loads of countries.
Each and every client I see gets a total consultation about nail health, product application, treatments they can use, aftercare and why their nails will last a certain time compared to their friends.
Nail Shapes: How To Shape Your Nails
I really hope that this article has helped you understand your nails in a more loving way! If you are looking for advice about caring for your nails please don't hesitate in contacting me!Head over to the nail pagefor more advice about the services I offer if your in the Winchester area. I’m taking on a few more clients at the moment so please feel free to contact me and lets have a chat!Now the summer holidays are pretty much over, it’s a great time to get into a better routine of self-care which we of course think should include a regular manicure!
So if you fancy changing up the look of your nails, why not try growing them into a new shape? We have all the info you need below!
Trends for nail shapes come and go, but there are a few which are classics or trends which seem to be going nowhere, so today we’re giving you our top tips on how to achieve 5 of the most popular!
Different Nail Shapes To Change The Manicure Routine
‘Square’ nails are the best shape to start with if you need to keep your nails short for work or are just beginning to grow them. They are super simple to do, all you do is leave the sides of the nails as they are and file the tip into a straight line. If your nails are very short it may take you a while to get to the point of being able to do this, but it gives a very neat and tidy look to your fingers and looks fantastic with super sparkly polish!
If you like to wear your nails longer, the sides of them can become vulnerable with this shape, so an oval or almond style may be better if you prefer to wear yours medium to long.
It’s generally easier to maintain longer, natural nails with the more traditional ‘Oval’ shape because it’s the hardest wearing as the sides of your nails are less vulnerable to wear and tear.
Different Basic Fashion Natural Nail Shapes. Set Kinds Forms Of Nails. Salon Nails Type Trends. Vector Illustration Stock Illustration
When filing, make sure the sides of your nail are straight and even to begin with, then start filing inwards with an arching, smooth motion.
‘Squoval’ nails are a slightly trendier and sharper take on the traditional Oval and look fabulous on shorter nails, so if you are only just beginning to grow yours, this is a great shape for you!
This type of nail shape tends to look nice with any colour polish, but we particularly like them in bright pastels or dark dramatic shades.
How To: Shape Natural Pointy Nails
It’s a very easy shape to achieve and maintain. For a square base with an oval edge, all you have to do is file the tip of your nail flat and then gently round off the corners.
* When filing remember not to use a continuous, sawing motion as this can weaken the nail – do it one stroke at a time, lifting the file away from your nail each time.
If you like to wear your nails really long, the sides of them can become vulnerable with this shape, so an oval or almond style may be better if you prefer to wear yours medium to long.
Natural Nails And Colors
‘Almond’ nails are very flattering as they elongate your fingers. For a true almond shape, you need to start off with nails which are square when they are short, to have a nice strong base for the more pointed shape at the tip.
As your nails grow, file them to an oval shape at the end initially and then when you are happy with the length, take them thinner and more tapered to end up with an almond tip.
*When going from oval to almond, you need to do so quite accurately, to make sure your fingers end up looking symmetrical – so go carefully as you shape them as you don’t want to over file!
Nail Shapes: The Definitive Guide
A high fashion, ‘Coffin’ (sometimes also referred to as Ballet or even Stiletto) shape is really only for people with long, very strong nails or for those with gel extensions.
To achieve this look you need to follow the same process as per the almond shape, making sure you have a strong square base but then take them right in, narrower at the end and file the very tip of your nail straight for the Coffin shape or meet the sides into a very sharp point for the Stiletto.
These shapes are much more prone to breakage, so are probably not practical for day-to-day wear if you have natural nails, but with some knockout holographic glitter polish, they look very striking for a party!
Different Formed Natural Nails Images, Stock Photos & Vectors
Once you have chosen your favourite shape you will of course want to draw attention to your fabulous nails and what better way than using a cruelty free, non-toxic and vegan nail polish. Check out our top 10 nail polishes:
As we head into the cooler months, try to use a Hand Cream and Cuticle Oil on a regular basis to feed your nails, as this
