The Great Debate: Across Or Not Across?

Fingernails should be given a curve, while toe nails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrowth. Cutting toenails straight across is especially important for toenails as they tend to be thicker and tougher than fingernails.

Cutting nails straight across

Fingernails should be given a curve, while toenails should be cut straight across, to prevent ingrowth. Cutting toenails straight across is especially important for toenails as they tend to be thicker and tougher than fingernails. Make small cuts straight across your nail. Cut your nails using a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. As Nagorska explains, cutting the entire nail in one go will “unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides. Instead, clip the nail a few times, starting at one side, going across the nail to the other side. Round out the nail at the edge with a small cut.

Start by soaking them in water for a few minutes, which will make them softer so they're easier to trim. Then, use nail clippers to cut your nails straight across at the beginning of the opaque, overgrown tips. You may need to make multiple cuts on the same nail to get the whole tip off. Try not to cut past the opaque tips of your nails or you could expose the sensitive skin underneath.

When using the rounded fingernail clippers, you still need to cut the nails at an angle, since the curve of the blade doesn’t match the curve of your nail. “A common mistake men and women make when trimming their own nails is the angle at which they approach it,” says Lippmann. “Clipping straight-on can bend and ultimately damage the nail.” Instead, you should be clipping the nail three or four times as you travel across the top. The nails should (literally) reflect your cuticles. If you’re unsure of what shape your nails should have, just look at your cuticles.

Soak nails before cutting

Soaking your nails in water before cutting them is a great way to make the process easier and less painful. By soaking your nails, you can soften them and make them more pliable. This will allow you to cut your nails more easily and avoid any potential damage that can occur when cutting them straight-on.

When it comes to cutting your nails, it's important to cut them straight across at the beginning of the opaque, overgrown tips. This will help to prevent any ingrowth and keep your nails looking neat and tidy. Make sure to cut your nails using a series of small cuts rather than one large cut, as this will help to prevent any unnecessary bending or weakening of your nails.

It's also important to avoid cutting past the opaque tips of your nails, as this can expose the sensitive skin underneath and cause pain or irritation. If you're unsure of what shape your nails should have, just look at your cuticles as they can give you an idea of the shape that will work best for you.

Remember to moisturize your nails after cutting them to help keep them healthy and strong. By following these steps, you can ensure that your nails look and feel their best.

Use nail clippers

When using nail clippers, you should cut your nails straight across at the beginning of the opaque, overgrown tips. Make small cuts straight across your nail using a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. Cutting the entire nail in one go will unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides. Round out the nail at the edge with a small cut.

If you’re unsure of what shape your nails should have, just look at your cuticles. Nails should be kept fairly short. The longer they are, the more easily they are damaged. If you work with your hands, your fingernails are more likely to be damaged. Use a nail file for shaping, or if it hurts when you clip your nails.

Don't cut past the tips

Cutting your nails straight across at the beginning of the opaque, overgrown tips is a common mistake that can bend and damage the nail. To avoid this, you should clip the nail three or four times as you travel across the top. This will help you to avoid cutting past the tips of your nails and exposing the sensitive skin underneath.

When using the rounded fingernail clippers, you still need to cut the nails at an angle, since the curve of the blade doesn’t match the curve of your nail. Cutting the entire nail in one go will unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides. Instead, clip the nail a few times, starting at one side, going across the nail to the other side.

Fingernails should be given a curve, while toe nails should be cut straight across, to prevent ingrowth. Make small cuts straight across your nail. Round out the nail at the edge with a small cut.

Round out the nail edge

When cutting your nails, it is important to round out the nail edge. This is done by making small cuts straight across your nail, cutting your nails using a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. Cutting the entire nail in one go will unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides. Instead, clip the nail a few times, starting at one side, going across the nail to the other side.

Frequently asked questions