35 Squoval Nail Ideas from Natural Shades to Over-the-Top Art

If the square and oval nail shapes had a baby, it’d be “squoval nails,” which are beloved in their own right.

Featured experts

• Amber Studer is a celebrity nail artist
• Natalie Minerva is a celebrity nail artist and OPI global ambassador

“The squoval nail shape is different from other nail shapes because it’s square on the top of the nail with rounded edges for more of a natural look,” explains celebrity nail artist Amber Studer. The key to achieving the shape is to file straight across as if creating square nails, then filing from the sides of the nails toward the top to soften the edges, she says.

While nail art images on social media suggest that the squoval nail shape is most commonly used on short nails, long squoval nails were a signature of at least two musical legends. “I think squoval can be worn fairly long,” says celebrity nail artist and OPI global ambassador Natalie Minerva. “Barbara Streisand and Cher both wore squoval nails relatively long, and their hands have always been iconic. I constantly reference their nails.”

While nail shape trends come and go, the squoval has withstood the test of time and isn’t a fleeting fad, believes Minerva. “I do consider it timeless because I think the shape can look good on any set of hands,” she says. 

Whether you’d rather pair the classic shape with trendy nail art or opt for a solid, neutral shade, squoval nails can serve as a canvas for a wide range of manicures. We sourced 35 squoval nail designs to show you what’s possible.

Squoval nail ideas to try

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Strawberries and Cream

This realistic 3D strawberry nail art looks good enough to eat. It’s right on trend since fruity nail art is popular right now.

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Maximalist Design

Choosing a short nail length doesn’t mean you have to forgo detailed nail art. This manicure with aura designs and gold accents is proof positive.

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Dark Airbrush

An airbrush design can add dimension to short, squoval nails. Choose two deep colors if you’re feeling dark and mysterious. 

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Red

Whether you go with a candy apple red or more of a wine shade, a squoval, solid red nail looks classic and goes with everything.

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Stars

Short, squoval nails aren’t as dramatic one-inch stiletto nails, but they can still make a statement if you opt for nail art. Think: bright, contrasting colors and designs on every nail, as with this manicure.

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French Manicure

A French manicure is a natural-looking option, especially when you have a squoval nail shape rather than something more pointy or squared off.

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Hearts and Clouds

Nail art with pastel hearts, glitter, and clouds requires some patience, but clearly, the result is worth it.

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Cat Eye with Flowers

Cat-eye nail designs incorporate magnets to create shiny swirls. As a base, they allow nail designs—like these flowers—to really pop.

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Light Blue

Even if you’ve decided on blue, the decision between cobalt, baby blue or turquoise can be a tough choice. This squoval manicure makes a convincing case for a green-blue shade with a shimmery finish.

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Pastel Rainbows

When you know you want pastel nails but can’t decide on a shade you can always combine your favorites into rainbow swirls.

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Hibiscus Flowers

If you’re planning your next getaway, take note. Nothing says “vacation ready” like pink and orange ombre nails with tropical flowers.

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Oranges

You can go a lot of different ways with citrus-inspired nails, whether that means a solid lemon yellow shade or 3D grapefruit slices. This mani shows what’s possible with realistic oranges.

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White Flowers

Simple nail art can allow you to get creative without overpowering short nails. One approach is to pair a natural nail shade and mini white flowers, as shown here.

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Snakeskin

If green snakeskin nails aren’t unique enough for you, you can integrate bright oranges and pinks into the animal print pattern.

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Shimmery Pink

A frosted shade that’s close to your natural nail color can look understated and polished.

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Evil Eyes

Evil eye nail art may or may not have protective powers, but there’s no question that it looks good.

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Pink and Orange Ombré

This sparkly ombre manicure was inspired by the orange juice and grenadine layers of a tequila sunrise.

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Flames

If you’ve ever wanted to channel a custom-painted hot rod with your nail art, you’ll probably appreciate this fiery nail design.

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Pink Hearts

Short black nails get a completely different vibe when you add bright pink outlines of hearts. 

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Jewel Tone Marbling

Part of the beauty of marbled nail art is that it doesn’t have to be precise. Each one of these jewel-toned nails is slightly different.

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Green Chrome

Chrome powder is the key to super shiny nails with a mirrored finish. This is what a rich green and purple chrome shade looks like on squoval nails.

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Butterflies

Whether you want to celebrate a moment of transformation in your life or you just find butterflies pretty, you can pay homage to the insects with your nail art.

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Deep Red

In the colder months, you might to deeper shades. Burgundy or merlot colors are always gorgeous picks.

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Baby Boomer Nails

Just as “squoval” nails are less harsh than square nails, white ombré “baby boomer” nails are softer than the classic French manicure. Together, they look subtle and natural.

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Blue Swirls

Thin, blue swirls are ideal if you want a reminder of the calming quality of the ocean every time you glance at your nails.

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3D Droplets

Simple nude nails become more interesting when you add 3D enhancements that resemble water droplets.

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Blueberries

Hand-painted blueberries may not have the antioxidant content of the real thing, but they’re just as pretty.

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Blue and Purple Ombré

Squoval-shaped nails are the perfect canvas for a light blue and purple gradient effect.

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French Tips with 3D Details

For another reminder that a short nail length doesn’t have to limit you, check out this design featuring French tips, 3D stars and multicolored gems.

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Blue Chrome

When you really want your nails to stand out, go for the brightest color you can find with a chrome finish. This manicure applied the approach to the blue chrome nail trend.

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Black and Silver Stars

This is the type of nail art you should request when you want to feel like the star of the show.

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Cherries and Strawberries

Small-scale nail art can be particularly charming, and this design featuring miniature strawberries and cherries is no exception.

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Pink Marbling

Pink and white marbling with a glittery finish can create the effect of a rose quartz stone.

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Negative Space Heart

Negative space manicures intentionally leave part of the nail bare. You can use the technique to achieve a heart-design accent nail.

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Light Pink

Consider short, light pink squoval nails a no-fail option that you can keep coming back to.