You Can Do Square Shape Short Nails in 2 Easy Steps
To create beautiful square shape short nails for your next manicure, you just need to do these 2 simple steps.
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watch video: how to do square shape short nails
Square shape nails look gorgeous on short nails! Plus, they’re really easy to do.
To learn how to shape your nails into a square shape (even if they’re short!) keep on reading.
Products Needed for Shaping Square Nails
Here’s what you’ll need to shape your nails:
- Curved Hand File – These are my favorite hand files to use! Not only are they great for shaping your nails, but they’re also helpful when blending dip powder as well. The curved shape allows you to work around the delicate skin without harm.
- Nail Tips (optional) – If you want to add length to your nails, you can use tips like this. These nail tips are long so they’re easily customized to your preferred length.
- Brush On Nail Glue (optional) – If you choose to add nail tips, this is the best nail glue to use for great adhesion.
How to Shape Square Nails in 2 Steps
If you’d like to add length to your nails, you can choose to apply tips before shaping. To learn how to apply nail tips, you can see the step-by-step tutorial here.
You don’t have to apply nail tips. However, they’re a great option for adding length. You can also fix a broken nail to even out your manicure.
TIP: It’s recommended that you shape your nails before applying your nail enhancement. If you shape nails first, you can cap the free edge to seal your nail during application. Capping the edge prevents lifting at the tip. When you’ve completed shaping, you can begin to prep your nails for dip powder like this.
Step 1) File a Straight Edge Along the Tip
Take your file and run the file straight along the edge.
Step 2) Taper the Sides
Starting from the corner of the nail, place your file at a 45-degree angle to taper the side.
After 3-4 strokes, switch and begin doing the same thing on the opposite side of the nail.
To avoid creating an uneven shape, it’s best to only file a little bit off each side at a time. Continue to only do 3-4 strokes per side until you achieve your desired shape.
TIP: If you will be applying dip powder, it’s best to taper in the sides slightly more. This will avoid the nails looking bulky after dip powder has been applied.
BONUS TIP: Check Your Nails from Multiple Angles While Filing
To ensure your shape is even on every finger, it’s helpful to check your hands from multiple angles.
To do this, hold your nails like this while filing:
Then switch to check your nails frequently like this to pick out any imperfections:
These different viewpoints will allow you to pick up on any imperfections.
As soon as you’ve achieved your desired shape on each nail, you can proceed with your manicure. The next step is to prep your nails, followed by the application of your preferred nail enhancement.
To learn how to apply dip powder to your beautiful square shaped nails, you can learn how to do dip nails at home here.
Summary
By filing a little from each side and continuously checking your progress from multiple angles, you will have a much easier time achieving a gorgeous square shape to your nails.
If you’d prefer to do almond shape short nails, you can learn how by clicking here.
If you’d like to learn more DIY nail tricks, I’ve shared helpful nail tutorials here on Pinterest.
Ready for More DIY Dip Nail Recommendations?
You can find all of the best DIY nail product recommendations and essentials by visiting my Amazon storefront.