How To File & Shape Square Nails + Expert Tips To Elevate The Look

This go-round, we're diving into square nails: It's a modern yet classic nail shape that withstands the test of time. Below, we tapped experts to get the scoop on square nails, including how to achieve them and tricks for taking your at-home mani from basic to salon-worthy.

The bottom line? There are plenty of options when it comes to shaping your nails. Just like a brand new 'do, you can experiment with a few until you find the shape you adore. 

While square-shaped nails can look good on anyone, you may need medium- to long-length nails to achieve the sharp shape. According to Lippmann, finding the best nail shape comes down to mirroring the shape of your cuticle. "After you have done a proper cuticle pushing, mirror the shape of the tip of your nails to the shape of your cuticles," she suggests. While this doesn't mean you have to steer clear of square nails if you have rounded cuticles, it is something to keep in mind when choosing your most natural-looking nail shape. 

If you're at the salon, you can simply ask a professional to file your nails into a square shape, but if you're attempting at-home nail maintenance, there are a few tips and tricks to perfecting the shape with ease. Here's how to achieve a square nail shape at home: 

Before creating any nail shape, you want to remove any old polish, dirt, and debris from the nail bed. Use a cotton pad and nail polish remover to clean nails from cuticle to tip. "If you have long nails, put less pressure on the tip and work the soaked cotton from the cuticle to the tip to avoid breaking the nail," Lippmann suggests. 

"If you want a square shape, start filing from the middle," says Amy Lin, the founder of sundays—a nail care brand focused on wellness. Filing straight across will not only give you the flat top quintessential of a square nail, but it will help create those sharp edges, too. If the edges are rough or too sharp, gently file them down to be smooth, but don't file them so much that they turn round. (You'll wind up with more of a squoval nail shape.) Once the first nail is complete, continue this step on all other nails. And voilà! You've got square nails. 

Now that your shape is perfected, it's time to buff and tend to your nails. Says Lippmann, buffing the nails primes them for a beautiful lacquer, and tending to the nails and cuticles helps soften and hydrate. "Gently push back cuticles using small circular movements, working from corner to corner to get a clean cuticle," she suggests. "Then, wipe nails of debris and rub a drop of cuticle oil onto the base of each nail." 

Now, it's time to apply your favorite nail color. For best results, stick to two coats of polish and allow your nails to dry for a beat in between layers.

If you want to take your at-home mani to the next level, these pro-approved tips can elevate any nail look: 

"Base and top coats contain vitamins and minerals that strengthen and improve nail health," Lippmann says. This is also a great way to address any specific nail concerns since base formulas are usually made to address common nail issues like cracks and peels, fingernail ridges, or dry and brittle tips. The top coat is what gives the nails mega-shine—like you just stepped out of a salon. 

Though we wish there was a way for a fresh nail polish to dry instantly, no invention has made this possible yet (although, there are a few ways to speed up the process). But if you want to avoid smudging your lacquer, Lippmann says do your best to sit still: "Let it dry and know that it requires time to dry all the way. If you're feeling impatient, there are quick-dry polish drops that help, but patience is still the name of the game. Just stay away from aerosol [quick-dry sprays], because they can take the shine away," she warns. 

If you find yourself cleaning around the house, washing dishes, or scrubbing your bathroom tub, Lippmann suggests wearing gloves to protect your manicure. "Try to keep nails clear of anything oily or greasy since it can cause the nail color to wear away quickly and become dull," she says. 

If you're looking for a timeless, classic nail look (that pairs fabulously with a French manicure, we should add), square nails are for you. They're easy to create at home, and they work for nearly anyone, as long as you have medium-to-long-length nails. Just don't skip simple nail care: It makes a world of difference in an at-home mani and your nail health.