Nail shapes play a significant role in enhancing the overall appearance of your hands and can express your personal style. Two popular nail shapes are tapered square nails and square nails. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two shapes and help you decide which one suits you best.
Tapered Square Nails
Tapered square nails, also known as “squoval” nails, are a hybrid of square and oval shapes. They feature straight sides that slightly taper inwards as they approach the tip, resulting in a soft, rounded square edge.
Pros
- Universally flattering: Tapered square nails suit a variety of finger shapes and lengths, making them a versatile choice.
- Natural appearance: The gently rounded edges mimic the natural curvature of the nail bed, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
- Low-maintenance: Due to the absence of sharp corners, tapered square nails are less prone to breakage and snagging.
Cons
- Less edgy: If you prefer a bolder, more angular look, the softened edges of tapered square nails may not be your ideal choice.
- Slightly less space for nail art: Compared to square nails, the tapered edges may offer marginally less surface area for intricate designs.
Square Nails
Square nails have straight sides and a flat, even edge at the tip, forming a perfect 90-degree angle at the corners. This shape creates a bold, modern look and is often associated with contemporary and minimalist styles.
Pros
- Edgy appearance: The sharp, angular edges of square nails make a statement and can complement bold fashion choices.
- More surface area: The flat tips provide slightly more space for nail art, allowing for more elaborate and intricate designs.
Cons
- Not universally flattering: Square nails can make short or wide fingers appear even shorter and wider, so they may not suit all hand shapes.
- Fragile corners: The sharp corners are prone to chipping and breaking, which may result in more frequent nail maintenance.
Conclusion
Choosing between tapered square nails and square nails ultimately comes down to personal preference and what complements your hand shape best. If you’re looking for a versatile, low-maintenance shape with a natural appearance, tapered square nails might be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a bold, edgy look with more space for nail art, square nails could be the perfect option. Experiment with both shapes to find the one that best suits your style and needs.
FAQs
Q: What is a tapered square nail?
A: A tapered square nail, also known as a “squoval” nail, is a hybrid of square and oval nail shapes. It features straight sides that slightly taper inwards as they approach the tip, resulting in a soft, rounded square edge. Tapered square nails are versatile and universally flattering, offering a balanced and harmonious appearance.
Q: What’s the difference between square and tapered square nails?
A: The main difference between square and tapered square nails lies in the shape of the nail tips. Square nails have straight sides and a flat, even edge at the tip, forming perfect 90-degree angles at the corners, giving a bold and modern look. Tapered square nails, on the other hand, have gently rounded edges that mimic the natural curvature of the nail bed, creating a more balanced and softer appearance.
Q: Is tapered square nails the same as coffin nails?
A: No, tapered square nails and coffin nails are not the same. While both shapes have tapered sides, coffin nails have a more dramatic taper and a narrower, flat tip, resembling the shape of a coffin. Tapered square nails have a subtle taper with a softly rounded square edge, giving a more natural and balanced appearance.
Q: How do you make square nails tapered?
To transform square nails into tapered square nails, follow these steps:
- Start with clean, dry nails that have been trimmed to your desired length.
- Using a nail file, gently file the sides of each nail, angling the file slightly inwards towards the tip to create a subtle taper.
- When you reach the tip of the nail, round off the sharp corners by filing them in a curved motion, blending the edges to create a softly rounded square shape.
- Check the shape of each nail to ensure they are even and symmetrical, making any necessary adjustments.
- Finish by applying a base coat, your preferred nail polish, and a top coat to protect and enhance your new tapered square nails.
