Nail trends come and go as fast as our TikTok algorithms can swipe them in – think: soap nails, glazed donut manis and even the return of pearlescent chrome polish. But while we love to switch up colours and finishes with the season, one thing that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves is nail shape.
Your chosen shape can completely change the vibe of your manicure. It’s what makes those ultra-long almond claws feel red-carpet ready, or keeps a short French mani feeling neat and fresh. But if you’re after a shape that feels stylish without loads of upkeep, squoval nails is the shape for you.
Blending the softness of an oval with the clean lines of a square, squoval nails are trending hard in 2025 – and for good reason. ‘The squoval nail shape is a hybrid of square and oval,’ explains Lynn Mason, nail expert at Mavala. ‘It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and edginess, which is why it’s trending in 2025. This shape is ideal for creating a subtle yet stylish statement – the go-to look for this year.’
What are squoval nails?
As the name suggests, squoval nails are a hybrid of square and oval shapes, meaning they have straight sides and a flat edge with gently rounded corners. Think of them as the Goldilocks of nail shapes – not too round, not too sharp, but just right.
This simple versatility makes them a firm favourite among pros and minimalists alike. ‘Squoval is the best shape for strength and style,’ says Mason. ‘It offers the durability of an oval – since there are no sharp corners to weaken or catch – while keeping the clean, polished aesthetic of a square. It’s the best of both worlds.’
Who suits squoval nails best?
One of the biggest advantages of squoval nails is how universally flattering they are. Whether you’ve got naturally long nails or prefer to keep them short, squoval offers a way to elongate your fingers and give your hands a clean, refined look.
‘The beauty of the squoval is that it’s a blend of square and oval – making it a universally flattering shape,’ Mason explains. ‘While they look great on longer nails, they truly shine on shorter to medium lengths, creating a polished and sophisticated look. The subtle rounding of the corners adds a touch of softness, preventing the nails from appearing stubby or harsh.’
So if you’re someone who prefers low-maintenance nails, but still wants something that looks considered and chic, squoval could be your new signature shape.
Are squoval nails strong?
In a word: yes. If you’ve ever had square nails snap at the corners every time you pick up a kettlebell or almond nails that won’t even wrap around a barbell, you’ll know the importance of choosing a shape that supports your lifestyle.
‘Squoval nails offer the strength of an oval – there’s no weak point at the corners – while maintaining that clean, architectural finish,’ says Mason. ‘They’re especially great if you’re using your hands a lot day-to-day but still want your nails to look put-together.’
How to file squoval nails at home
Want to master the shape at home? It’s easier than you think. ‘Achieving the perfect squoval shape at home requires a gentle, precise approach,’ advises Mason. Here’s how she recommends doing it:
- Start with strong nails: ‘Before filing, make sure your nails are in good condition. I highly recommend using the Mavala Scientifique K+ Nail Hardener. It strengthens and protects, giving you a resilient base for shaping.’
- Prep your cuticles: ‘Clean, well-maintained cuticles make a huge difference to the overall finish. Apply Mavala Cuticle Remover to soften and remove excess cuticle, allowing for more precise filing and a neater look.’
- File straight, then round the edges: Use a fine-grit nail file to shape the free edge into a soft square, then gently round off the corners to achieve that squoval curve. Always file in one direction to prevent splitting.
The best squoval nail designs to screenshot and send to your manicurist
1/ Squoval soap nails
2/ Squoval tortoise shell
3/ Summer brights
4/ Clean girl aesthetic
5/ Ombre squovals
6/ Hot pink
7/ Sharp-edged squovals
8/ Heart-eyed squovals
9/ Royal squoval
10/ Animal print
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