Let's Get DigitalMany clients now view a mani/pedi as maintenance—not luxury—and as such, mastering that skill set makes you an important member of a salon team even if you do spend most of your time doing hair. Nail shape ...
Lauren Quick・Contributor
July 24, 2015
Getty Images
4 min to read
Let's Get Digital
Many clients now view a mani/pedi as maintenance—not luxury—and as such, mastering that skill set makes you an important member of a salon team even if you do spend most of your time doing hair.
Nail shape trends are ever-evolving, and you need to familiarize yourself with the basics in order to give a quality service. But where do you start? Danielle Candido, Morgan Taylor northeast regional manager of education, says—you guessed it—a client consultation should be the first thing on your to-do list.
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“Ask what they do for a living, what are their hobbies, are they involved in sport activities, do they garden, work in a warehouse or of fice, etc.,” Candido says. “This is important because if they have an active lifestyle or job that requires manual labor, longer, more stylized nail shapes might not be the best choice. Ask your client what they like and don’t like about the appearance of their hands. This helps you recommend nail shapes that either flatter or minimize features.”
Do an inspection of the hands and nails; are the nails at or more arched? Are nail beds short or long? All of these should play a part in not only what shape you and your client decide on but what kind of design will go on that shape.
CND Education Ambassador Shelena Robinson gives a few pointers on how you can describe these nail shapes to clients and who they might be good for—or not. And don’t miss OPI’s polish recommendations!
“I always try to complement the natural shape of the existing nail by honoring the shape of the cuticle line for the most natural look,” Robinson says. “I then finalize the ultimate look based on a client’s fashion preference.”
Square
Description: Strong, bold shape typically in short to medium length. Nail is straight and even across the tip; corners are crisp and sharp.
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Good for: An active client (short to medium length is great for them) with nails that are wider at the cuticle; this allows the shape to balance the nail.
Not good for: Nails with a tapered cuticle line. “It can make them appear out of balance, especially at a longer length,” CND's Robinson says.
Polish: OPI I'm Not Really a Waitress
Squoval (square + oval)
Description: Similar to a square nail, but with corners softened for comfortable wear and a softer look.
Good for: Active clients with a full, soft, square-shaped cuticle line. “Softening the corners can help prevent wear between appointments— especially for active clients,” Robinson says.
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Not good for: Wider nail plates with shorter lengths run the risk of making fingers look wide.
Polish: OPI Over the Taupe
Rounded
Description: Corners are removed to create a rounded shape, but tip of the nail remains full. Often considered the most feminine shape because it is softer than the square or squoval.
Good for: Active clients with a rounded cuticle line.
Not good for: Wide nails, especially at shorter lengths.
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Polish: OPI Polka.com
Oval
Description: A sleeker version of the round nail; less fullness at the tip creates a refined look.
Good for: “This shape is very universal because it is customizable to the shape of a client’s cuticle line and creates a sleek appearance,” Robinson says.
Not good for: Great for all!
Polish: OPI No Room for the Blues
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Almond
Description: Tapers from the fingertip to create a sleek almond shape.
Good for: Less-active clients who prefer medium to long length and have a tapered cuticle line.
Not good for: Shorter lengths and very active clients.
Polish: OPI Lincoln Park After Dark
Ballerina/Coffin
Description: Tapers from the fingertip to an almond shape with the tip of the nail flattened like the toe of a ballet slipper.
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Good for: Edgy, statement-making clients with tapered cuticles and medium to longer length.
Not good for: Highly active clients who prefer shorter lengths.
Polish: OPI Coney Island Cotton Candy
Stiletto
Description: Extends from the fingertip to a sharp, tapered point.
Good for: “A great option for clients who love to wear long nails and make a dramatic statement,” Robinson says.
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Not good for: Clients who can’t wear longer lengths or have high-impact lifestyles.
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