How to Shape Natural Nails- Soft Oval [Explained]

A quick shaping lesson by a nail technician. *not sponsored.

disclaimer: some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

OUR FAVOURITE STUFF ON AMAZON:
————
If you would like to support our channel please consider making your purchases through our affiliate links:
💰Get 10% off regular prices with our coupon code: TSL10

💰Get 10% off bits, bit kits and files with our coupon code: THESALONLIFE

🛒 💕 Shop Dazzle Dry with our affiliate link:
💰
-------
-------
----------

[ginny]

Thank you so much I have loved the look of the soft oval never knew what to call it …. I’m 73 and have a lifetime of lacks nail care…. Grew up in the 50’s biting my nails and my beloved mother always said if I stopped we could have a manicure together ….it never happened and when she passed I never bit them again as a tribute to her and myself for our close relationship…. I love how your videos show and appreciates all nail looks types and shapes…. I don’t have a very large nail bed and the soft oval makes my nail bed look larger ….. I’ve only been watching your videos for a few months but it is an amazing educational guide on how to naturally in such a healthy way care for our nails…. ❤️

[debbierossier]

Finally - a nail expert who SHOWS you how to file short nails. I hate going in a nail salon and everyone has nail extensions that are almost as long as their fingers. I don’t find that attractive, even on younger hands. I guess all that length, bling and decoration is where the money is. You’ve educated me more on natural nail care in a few months than anyone has in YEARS! I don’t do well with acrylics (tried them - they ruined my nails) or gel ( same story, different day). When you ask for a regular manicure, with regular polish, the nail tech sometimes looks at you like you’re from Mars. I get tired of explaining that my nails stay healthier with regular polish, and then explaining past experiences the Pat answer is “oh, they must have applied it incorrectly - 90% of my business is gel nails.” Yep. - and I’ve watched nails being buffed and “exfoliated” until they are thin. Not good. Right now, I’m concentrating on my cuticles. They aren’t perfect, but have improved quite a bit!

[caroltn]

Your channel is saving my : nail health, lots of money, and sanity

[annearaullo]

10 out of 10! I really appreciated how the curvature of the nail influences the shape you file them into and the tips for achieving & checking symmetry. I also liked your narration and your demonstration in real time. Please extend my thanks to your client for being a model on this video. 🙂

[YamIagypsy]

I like how you explain the invisible line and not following the white line. Also angle of the file. I will follow you…watching and listening to you has served me well. Thanks Anna!

[mariaceleste]

I would love to see you shaping the nails of someone with short nail beds, especially if the person wants to keep them longer. I find it really tricky to file my free edge and get a nice oval shape on my short nail beds.

[gailsykes]

Brilliant timing. All day I have been thinking about filing my nails, I don't like them too long because I just know I'll break one if I do. I filed along with you and kept my sheer nude polish on. Wow, perfect (well, almost). Just my little finger to do but was so impressed with myself I had to let you know. You are such a great teacher, thank you x

[wormwoodc]

I concur with another viewer…I also like to file/shape my nails while my “old” varnish is still on as it enables me to more accurately see the shape and length of my nails, as they often do not grow out symmetrically with each other. Also, of course, they do not wear evenly. It can be difficult to see minute differences in length and shape when they’re bare, and only when fresh varnish is on will I see inconsistencies in the newly filed nails. This can be avoided by filing nails at the start of a manicure, before removing varnish. (It is easiest to see if the varnish is of a dark or vibrant colour.)

[LRWdesign]

I had gone to a nail place and had tips applied (in my past nail life) and they always either made them squared off or more pointy when I prefer a soft round. I no longer get dip nail or tips done and my natural nails are lovely and strong now. All the info you provide: no cutting, do not push back too hard, oil oil oil, etc., has helped my nail health. I not only self manicure but I also follow the same rules and self pedicure. Thank you 🙏 for such great tips for better nail care.

[Luna_and_Miles]

Her nails are so similar to mine. This is very helpful. I love filing my nails in an oval, and never realized that probably they look better this way because of the shape you described.

[judithhershkowitz]

These videos are just terrific! I appreciate your detailed explanation. Could you share a bit more on how you choose the appropriate nail shape; length of the finger, length from the nail bed to the end of the fingertip, whether or not the nail is damaged? Hairstylists often assess face shape, hair texture and lifestyle when suggesting a particular style for their clients, you are a true nail stylist suggesting the best shape to accentuate and enhance lovely looking hands! Thank you so very much!

[LovelyFatima]

Wow! I do my own manicure maintenance at home between salon visits (bc adhd and $$), and your advice to shape *before* removing the polish is a game changer! Same with keeping the file straight. Thank you so much!

[alexialee_faby]

Hello! Thanks for continuing this short videos about filing nails. I'm enjoying them a lot and ofc learning how to do my own 😘💕✨💫

Edit: love the detailed explanation!

[joanndr]

Thank you! Could you please do a almond/soft almond nail shape on natural nails please?

[griffo]

So pleased that you have done this video 🙌🏼👌🏼🙏🏼

[theresahermann]

Thank you for the great explanation in the video. I have my 50 year class reunion in a few months and I wish I could come over and have you do my nails.😊

[mikrokxsmos]

omg thank you!!! I love you and I have a new passion now. your channel gives me something to be excited about everyday. thanks for teaching us all you know <3

[jowright]

Another lovely video, so clear in what you are saying.

Your client has beautiful nails!

[thebeauty_minimalist]

Such a gorgeous, clean, minimal look 😍😍

[lorrainehinton]

Anna I am so grateful to have found your channel, your advice and videos are so informative. I am following your advise and can’t wait for the damage from acrylics to grow out. I will always treat my nails with respect moving forward. Thank you 🙏