There are multiple shapes that can be used in the design of your nails. Nail salons in Scottsdale are able to create both traditional and modern shapes. In fact, there are 12 different nail shapes that you can have. Some of these shapes are showier than others. The nail shape you pick will depend on personal style, professional need, type of nail, and willingness to experiment. This tutorial will give you general guidance on how to create any shape that you want. A novice will want to start with rounded nails as they follow the natural shape of your nails and fingers.
Step 1. Choose your Nail Shape
In addition to the round and square nails mentioned in the introduction, there are 10 other nail shapes that exist. These include squoval, oval, almond, lipstick, ballerina, and stiletto.
Step 2. Push Back Cuticle
It is important to push back the cuticle. This can be done with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick. Never trim or cut the cuticle because it is living tissue and will end up damaging your nail.
Step 3. Lightly Buff the Nail Plane.
Using either a hand file or an electric file, the top of the nail should be buffered. This removes the natural shine from nails and gets them ready to shape.
Step 4. Decide what Type of Nail
Whether you use acrylic, gel, shallac, or your natural nail will factor into the decision of what shape to use. Fake nails are able to be shaped into more diverse options than natural nails.
Step 5. Decide on Optimal Length
Prior to creating the desired shape, make sure to know what length you want the nails to be. This will allow consistency across all of the nails.
Step 6. Use Electric Files or Manual Nail Files
In the event of fake nails, you can use electric buffers to make the desired shape. For natural nails, you will need to use a nail file and take off the excess nail.
Step 7. Thin the Nail
In addition to cutting the shape of the nail, you must also create thinness of the nail. As the nail gets cut down, it gets thicker. The edges need to be made thin again so the nail looks sleek and extends your fingernail.
Step 8. Position the File Correctly
With whatever shape you select, the most important thing is to position the file correctly as that will have the most significant influence on the end result.
Step 9. Use Other Hand for Support
Our fingers are not very resistant to movement. Even if you try to not move the nail as you are shaping it, it will move. This can cause uneven shaping. To increase the resistance, use your other hand for support.
Step 10. Pause and Check
About halfway through the shaping process, check the nail and make sure that it is looking how you want it to look. You might see a nail on someone else’s hand and love the look but then it does not look as good on your hand. It is easier to change the overall shape of the nail before it is all the way done.
This tutorial should set you on your way toward shaping your nails. The shape you choose depends on your personal preference and willingness to experiment. Remember, nails grow very quickly and if you are not the biggest fan of the shape, it can always be changed!