Nail shapes are much like the silhouettes of gowns and dresses—everybody has their go-to that makes them feel their best. From almond to natural and stiletto, there are quite literally dozens of different shapes and sub-shapes to choose from. While none really go out of style, there are some nail trends that come to be associated with certain eras and aesthetics.
Take the flared duck nail shape—a favorite of one of our manicure muses, Ice Spice—for example. In the ‘00s, the style was never more prominent. It was one ofthedominant nail shapes, heavily associated with icons of the era like Snooki's short-lived reign as the queen of reality TV on The Jersey Shore. Usually donned with flashy designs and charms, it quickly left the trend cycle until the re-emergence of Y2K aesthetics made it inescapable. Now it's back and better than ever.
A similar resurgence is happening with the square nail shape. However, unlike duck nails, a square-shaped manicure is whole lot more versatile (and therefore inescapable). Ahead, we're breaking down everything you need to know about the new-again square nail trend. Plus, how to recreate it at home.
The Trend
To say square nails have ever been a full-on fashion faux pas would be a lie. Truthfully, blunt, squared nails have never gone out of style, and as far back as you look, you will always be able to find someone sporting the nail shape. However, we haven’t seen this big of a square nail revival since the early 2000s when they were at their peak.
Since the latter half of 2022, square nails have been on a steady rise, with celebrity cosigners and online relevance at an all-time high. In fact, short square nails have appeared on Kim Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, and more in the past few years.
This return to simplicity made sense with the end of the work-from-home era as more office-centric styles began to take hold. Many of us swapped our long almond nails for short square ones to be more functional. Rita Remark, NY-based manicurist &essieGlobal Lead Educator, told Byrdie in 2022, “Longer, dramatic nails have been the trend for a few years now, so shorter, more utilitarian lengths feel edgier. While I don't think long nails are suddenly on their way out—quite the contrary—I do think that a bit more length variety is on its way in.”
Almost two years later, she was proven right. Square-shaped tips are everywhere, taking over salons in a variety of lengths, styles, and designs.
As of 2024, you can’t scroll through Instagram or watch a red carpet without seeing someone sport a square nail. Since January,Megan Foxwore the shape in half-a-foot-long length,Ice Spicewore an extended version of the shape to the Grammys,Dua Lipatried short square nails out in chrome, andJennifer Lopezditched her usual almond for medium-length square nails at the Golden Globes. And that's just in the past few months.
The trend has spawned countless interpretations—from all those aforementioned celeb looks to square nails in buzzy colors like dark red, mismatched shades, stone gray, and even the naked French design. Regardless of length, color, and form, square nails are clearly having a renaissance.
How to Get the Look
There is no limit to the ways to wear this trend. You choose a variety of sizes, lengths, and designs to put your own twist on square nails. Considering the style's simplicity, you might already know how to achieve the look yourself. However, we have you covered with the step-by-step to make it perfect, ahead.
Julie Kandalec, NYC-based celebrity manicurist, gave us the perfect tip for finishing off the filing process and making sure they are even. “Working in the center of the nail, gently file the tip as square as desired,” she says. “Tip: If you tilt the nail file downwards as you file, the edge will be more rounded. For a perfectly square nail, hold the file at a 90-degree angle while you shape.”
As with creating any nail shape, you want to start on clean nails. So, start by removing any lingering nail polish with remover.
Then, cut your nails to the desired length—this would also be the time to apply any tips or press-on if you want.
Next, simply file down your nails to your desired square shape.
For a perfect square nail shape, you will want to file your nails straight across the tip, especially on any curved section of your nails, to even them out.
Then, buff the surface of your nail for an smooth nailbed before applying your favorite base coat. Wait for it to dry before applying any color or designs.
Once dry paint any color of your choice, create a French tip, add rhinestones, whatever you want! Just seal it in with a top coat, and you’re good to go.
“Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi. She speaks to the versatility of jellies, adding that they can be bright, neutral, or pastel. “The recent Met Gala showcased numerous stunning jelly nail looks, and I had the privilege of creating three out of four of them.”
“Many people are now embracing a sleek, minimalistic look for their nails, and we're seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin tone and nude shades trending for 2024.” This should come as no surprise, especially after a year filled with bright pink Barbie-inspired nail designs. Our nails—and eyes—need a breather.
We've been seeing tons of rainbow chromes and pastel chromes, too. In its 2024 beauty report, Beauty Pie spotlit lavender chrome nails as the one to watch, which works perfectly for spring. Elsewhere, sheer textures in cute colours will become a whole movement.
When it comes to nail shapes, the latest trends for 2024 are all about making a statement. From the sharp and bold stiletto and coffin shapes to the elegant almond and deep square silhouettes, elongated nails are taking center stage.
For 2024, they have chosen Peach Fuzz 13-1023. Pantone started this tradition of picking a color of the year in 1999, which has since influenced fashion, cosmetics, home decor, industrial design, and marketing campaigns.
This spring, we'll still be riding that glossy wave. "The spring pedicure trend is pastel glazed colors, especially lavender and yellow," Tokyo says. These shades are perfect for adding a gentle pop of color without overdoing it.
Looking ahead to 2025, nail trends are expected to take a more adventurous turn. One of the most anticipated trends is the use of vibrant, neon colors. These striking hues are a nod to the bold fashion trends of the 80s and are perfect for making a statement. Another trend on the rise is the 'mixed media' nail art.
When in doubt, a neutral nail color is the way to go. The neutrals range from nude to sheer tints of beige. These more natural-looking colors are perfect if you like to keep things simple, and they work well for both every day and evening occasions.
The classic rich-girl nail is long and filed in a tapered square shape, which he says helps elongate your fingers. Next is the color choice: Stick with a full-coverage neutral shade that is either one shade darker or lighter than your own skin tone.
Pretty much any color can be turned chrome, but light and bright colors usually work best. Something important to note: Chrome does change the color of the polish, usually making it a little brighter.
NexGen is the healthy solution that makes you achieve great looking healthy nails without using primer, or UV Light. The result is a beautiful set of nails with perfect smile lines and a client leaving your salon with nails feeling natural like gels, but has the strength and durability of acrylics.
In 2024, you can expect to see thin french manicures everywhere. They look very elegant and are a perfect choice for all seasons. Therefore, ladies, get ready to stay elegant with the classic french mani style.
this timeless nail shape is also one of the strongest. because it respects the full width of the nail, those who wear a square shape often notice that their nails withstand bumps and stress much better than their curved or rounded counterparts.
Coming in as one of the most popular nail shapes out there is the squoval nail shape. A blend of the square and oval nail shapes, squoval nails make for an elegant look. Keeping the straight square edge with soft rounded edges, this balanced shape might be your new favorite staple.
Neon colours are making a bold comeback, and they're not holding back. From electric pinks to vibrant greens, these eye-catching hues are perfect for those who want their nails to be the life of the party. Mix and match neon shades or go for a full-on neon ombré effect – the choice is yours!
As far as nail art designs go, spring 2024 is just calling for us to go all out on dots. Mix and match shades of mustard, turquoise, maroon, green, and yellow to lighten up a neutral nail. (Plus, they're super easy to DIY, which is always a welcomed bonus).
Instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating altogether softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip–often provided by the natural nail length itself.
Summertime, after all, is meant for adventures. This season's summer colors are all about experimenting and having fun with new colors and nail designs. We're talking bright and vibrant shades like bubble gum pink, bright reds, neon orange, or baby blues.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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