Oval Nails 101: How To Master The Shape + Nail Care Tips

Growing out your natural nails and keeping them long is no easy task. This takes time, patience, and some dedicated nail-care sessions. One of the perks that makes all of this effort worth it: the ability to play around with the different nail shapes. 

There are 7 common nail shapes to choose from, all of which give a different visual aesthetic. 

Within this list, there are a few categories that distinguish which shapes are best for which kind of nail length and look. 

First, we have classic shapes like square and round. Classic shapes are a universal fit regardless of nail length. These two are perfect for someone looking to start growing out their tips, even if they're just past the nail bed. 

Next, we have slightly more complex shapes like squoval (square with round edges), almond, and the shape we're breaking down today, oval. These take a bit more filing work but can be achieved fairly easily on medium-length nails. 

Oval nails look like, well, an oval. They have a rounded shape but more length on the sides than classic round nails. This shape can technically be achieved on shorter nails, but it will be a bit more difficult to do evenly. 

If you want a rounded tip but don't have the length to support an oval shape, consider starting with a round nail first and growing your way into an oval. 

There are plenty of perks to opting for oval tips. For one, like rounded nails, this shape helps protect from breakage. Harsh corners and sharp edges can get caught on clothing and break easily if you're using your hands often. Rounded, soft edges, however, tend to run into fewer casualties. 

Nail prep is essential to achieving a look that lasts. You'll want to start by cleaning your tips. Obviously, this will remove any old polish, but it will also get rid of dirt or buildup on the nail that may prevent a smooth manicure.

As we said earlier, oval nails do call for a bit more length than other classic shapes like round and square. For this reason, keep your trimming to a minimum. You may not need to trim every nail, especially if you're working toward gaining length. 

When you file for an oval shape, you will be thinning out the sides a bit, but with caution. "File your nail at a diagonal in an egg-like shape, really going in on the sides," nail expert and founder of nontoxic nail company sundays Amy Ling explains. 

This doesn't mean hasty or aggressive filing, though. "Make sure that you're filing toward one direction, instead of using the back-and-forth motion," Ling says. 

This will help preserve the strength of your nail.

We know—this step is easier said than done. Picking at your nails will hurt them in the long run, especially when it becomes a habit. The same goes for your cuticles. In order to avoid picking, you can use an anti-bite polish and have cuticle oil at the ready. 

One study found that when patients took collagen daily for 24 weeks, their nail health was better maintained1, including faster growth rates, reduced breakage, and improved appearance.*