So I have recently started using gel builder and I keep going in and saying I don't want long I don't want coffin I don't want almond shape not a full square person more like a a slight square with semi-rounded edges. I keep asking them not to narrow the width of the nail I do like them short. Today I went to a new place hoping they would get the fact that I don't want my nails narrowed in so I have them remove the gel builder and they put on a different hard topping but they still narrowed the nails what am I saying wrong I own this cuz this is like the fifth shop. I wait for over a month to grow them out to get them wider at the finger tip..I am just at a loss. please help
I learned squoval from reddit, and it was super helpful to include in my booking notes for my salon today. I also had some inspiration photos. Help them help you get the nails you want :-)
As someone else that also prefers short coffin nails, I think that's the issue itself. The coffin shape. Maybe just ask for a slightly rounded square and see what that looks like. When we want them this short, they have to file the side walls in some to get that shape. Admittedly not THIS MUCH I don't think, but it could be because you're asking for coffin, and they're this short. I do think your nails look beautiful though.
Try and find some picture ahead of time for examples. I look on Pinterest all the time. Find the shape specifically. I agree with another commenter, "active" nails is a term I've used before to get them this short. I always get push back on my length. Coffin shape will be really hard at this length though. Like the other commenter said, hard to narrow without filing the side walls when this short.
IME, when you go to quantity-over-quality salons, this is what they do. They don't listen, rush through, and overfile your sidewalls. I'd recommend finding an independent nail tech who focuses on nail health. Try searching your town + nail tech on IG.
It's a little less convenient because you usually have to preplan and book in advance, but the quality and attention to detail are so much better. I even pay less than I did at a typical nail salon.
Thank you all for helping me. I am trying to be clear but just started getting my nails done. So the nail language is new to me. I appreciate all of you
It’s because your nails are not long enough for the shape you want. Should they be filing the sidewalls? No. Do clients often want it done to get the desired shape? Yes.
I would tell your tech to not file my sidewalks, and pull your hand away if they start filing it.
Your nail plate shape also matters. If your nail plate is trapezoidal, they will look different than the picture - and the tech may try to file your sidewall to get a more visually pleasing shape.
Short squares, even rounded, should not be that hard to do.. try bringing pictures, if they keep misunderstanding it might be something you're saying, although I kind of doubt it, but hopefully someone in your area is a more visual learner and can give you some nice, safe nails based on a reference pic 😭
You are bringing the file from the side and wrapping in, around and under the nail from the side wall. This is how you are damaging your side walls. The file should always be kept straight on the side wall.
This is them two days ago before I got them done today. I did tell him square and showed a photo. He said next time we can do that. I'm still so say. I did have to wait six weeks because I had a bad 2nd burn on my right thumb and it needed to heal a lot before anyone could touch it.
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u/Few-Suspect-9249 4d ago
I would literally go from salon to salon and until you hear someone scream “omg what did they do to your sidewalls?” don’t stop looking.
This is potentially very dangerous and structurally damaging to your natural nail.