Squoval Nails: 240+ Versatile Designs & Complete Shape Guide (2026)

Chinese: 方圆甲

Length: Any

Difficulty: Easy

Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maintenance: Low

Squoval — a portmanteau of 'square' and 'oval' — is the most popular everyday nail shape worldwide. It combines the structured flat edge of square nails with the comfortable rounded corners of oval nails, creating a shape that's both polished and practical. Squoval nails are the default shape in most nail salons for good reason: they look great on every hand type, work at any length, resist breakage, and provide a clean canvas for any design. If you're unsure which shape to choose, squoval is always a safe bet.

Pros & Cons

Is this shape right for you?

✅ Pros

Most versatile shape — flatters every hand type and length
Strongest hybrid shape — rounded corners resist breakage
Easy to achieve and maintain at home
Perfect balance of structured and soft aesthetics
Great canvas for French tips, minimalist, and bold designs

❌ Cons

Can feel 'safe' or 'default' for those seeking a unique look
Less dramatic than almond, coffin, or stiletto shapes
Rounded corners slightly reduce the art canvas vs pure square
Very common — doesn't stand out as a trend statement

Best For

Who should choose Squoval Nails?

Everyone

Squoval is the most universally recommended shape — if in doubt, this is your answer.

Active lifestyles

Rounded corners won't snag or poke, making them comfortable for sports, work, and parenting.

Natural nails

Squoval is achievable on natural nails at any length — no extensions needed.

How to File Squoval Nails

Step-by-step shaping guide

File straight across — start by creating a flat edge, just like you would for square nails.

Round the corners — gently curve the sharp corners with light filing strokes, rounding them into soft arcs.

Don't over-round — keep the top edge mostly flat; only the corners should be curved. Too much rounding turns it into oval.

Check from the top — look at your nail from above to ensure the flat edge is visible with soft corners.

Buff smooth — use a fine buffer on the corners to eliminate any roughness.

240+ Squoval Nails Designs

Tap any image for inspiration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is squoval the most popular nail shape?

Yes, squoval is consistently the most requested shape in nail salons worldwide. While almond and coffin get more attention on social media, squoval is the everyday go-to for the majority of nail wearers.

How is squoval different from square?

Squoval nails have the same flat top edge as square nails, but the corners are softly rounded instead of sharp. This small difference makes them more comfortable, less likely to snag, and more flattering on most hand types.

Can I file squoval nails at home?

Absolutely! Squoval is one of the easiest shapes to achieve at home. Simply file a flat edge, then gently round the corners. No special tools or professional skills needed.