Beauty

Squoval nails are the most flattering nail shape to try this year

April 1, 2025

If you haven’t tried squoval nails yet…why?

We know tastes don’t differ just when it comes to nail length. Opinions also differ when it comes to nail shape. Some know exactly what they want when they enter the nail studio. Others are perhaps a little overwhelmed by the question “What shape should it be?” From fancy coffin nails (diamond-shaped angular nails that get narrower toward the top) to super-pointed stiletto nails, for example, you can decide on a trendy nail shape. Or stay true to the classics: oval, round, square, and almond-shaped nails.

But a new shape has established itself as the perfect mix of angular and oval, trendy and classic. May we introduce: squoval nails — where square meets oval.

What are squoval nails?

Squoval nails are primed to be seen everywhere in 2025 and will take the throne from square nails, which have just returned to the trend radar. But what does “squoval” actually mean? As we mentioned, the trendy nail shape is a mixture of square and oval, but not as hard as the former and not as pointed as the latter.

A squoval nail shape combines two looks in one—a mix of square and oval. “It’s a perfect amalgamation of the square and oval nail shape,” says Thea Green, founder of Nails.INC. “This hybrid is for those who like the flat edge of the square but prefer the rounded corners of the oval. It’s also a universal shape that looks good on all nails.”

To get the look, you file straight across for a square shape first, but round out the edges. “Squoval nails combine the elegance of oval shapes with the straight edges of square nails, offering a balanced and versatile look,” adds Juli Russell, a manicurist and DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty. “This shape is ideal for short, medium, and long nails. It offers the strength of an oval as there’s no sharp corners but has the clean look of a square.” That said, it does require weekly reshaping as nails grow out.

In squoval nails, the nail is predominantly square shaped with rounded edges, which provides more softness compared to the sharp edges of the angular nails. This makes the nail shape totally flattering and gives a modern twist to two classics.

The nail designs below prove just how wearable squoval nails are. The shape can be perfectly combined with dark or light nail polishes in nude or pastel. Most of the time you’ll see the squoval nail shape on shorter nails. But it is actually perfect for long nails as well, especially for those who are letting shorter nails grow out. From French tips to shiny chrome, these examples show how beautiful squoval nails can be.