Ava Monroe
Cutting your nails is an important part of your hygiene routine. It keeps your nails clean and prevents them from snagging and breaking. To cut your nails properly, you should start by softening your nails by soaking them in water or right after a shower. Then, use sharp nail clippers to cut each nail straight across with multiple small cuts, rather than one large cut. Be careful not to cut too much to avoid exposing the sensitive skin beneath. Finally, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail, always filing gently in one long stroke from the side to the center.
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What You'll Learn
Cut fingernails in a curved shape, leaving a bit of white
To cut your fingernails in a curved shape, it is recommended to use manicure scissors as they provide more control over the arc of the cut. Start by cutting one corner of the nail, then the other, and finally, the middle. This will prevent the nail from cracking due to pressure on the nail plate. You can also use nail clippers, but they are harder to control and may be frustrating if the concave edge does not fit your nails.
When cutting, leave a small rim of white, avoiding the pink nail bed, to prevent pain and damage to the nail. Aim to cut your nails once a week or every two weeks to maintain a certain length.
After cutting, use a nail file to shape your nails and smooth the edges. Metal nail files are very abrasive and should be avoided on natural nails as they can cause tearing and damage. Instead, opt for a foam-centred nail file stick with multiple sides, starting with the coarse side and moving to the finer side to smooth out the edges. File in one long stroke from the side to the centre of the nail.
Finally, moisturise your nails and skin with a lotion to prevent splits and breakage.
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Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails
Toenails should be trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Ingrown nails are a painful condition where nails curve and grow into the surrounding skin, which can lead to infection. Cutting toenails straight across reduces the likelihood of the nail growing into the skin.
To trim your toenails properly, start by softening your nails. You can do this by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes, or by cutting your nails after a shower or bath when they are already softened by the heat and moisture. Dry your feet and toenails thoroughly with a towel.
When you are ready to cut your nails, use a pair of high-quality nail clippers that are specifically designed for toenails. These clippers are usually larger and have a straight cutting edge, which helps you achieve a clean and precise cut. Keep your clippers clean and sharp to avoid any jagged edges that can lead to nail problems.
When clipping your toenails, start from one side and work your way across in small, straight cuts. Avoid cutting the nail in one big snip, as this can lead to uneven edges and increase the risk of ingrown nails. Take your time to ensure a smooth and even cut.
After clipping your nails, use a nail file to smooth the corners and any rough or sharp edges. File gently in one direction to avoid splitting your nails. This step helps prevent your nails from catching on socks or shoes, which can lead to trauma and increase the risk of ingrown nails.
Finally, moisturize your nails and skin with a lotion of your choice. This helps bring moisture back into your nails, preventing splits and breakage. Look for lotions with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
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File nails after cutting to smooth out edges
Filing your nails after cutting them is an important step in achieving the desired nail shape and smoothness. It helps to smooth out any rough or scratchy edges left after trimming. Here's a detailed guide on filing your nails after cutting them:
Firstly, it is recommended to cut your nails after a shower or bath when they are softer. This makes them easier to trim and less likely to split. When cutting your nails, it is generally advised to cut them straight across, especially for toenails, to prevent ingrown nails. For fingernails, you can trim them in a slightly curved shape, leaving a bit of the white part showing.
After cutting your nails to the desired length, it's time to file them. Choose a nail file that suits your needs. Metal files are smoother and more durable, while paper or foam-centered nail files are also available. Most nail files have different grits on each side, with one side being coarser for shaping and the other finer for smoothing.
When filing, always file gently. Start by using the coarse side of the nail file to shape your nails if you need to remove more nail. File in one long stroke from the side to the center of the nail. Then, use the finer-grade side of the nail file to smooth out your nails. You can also use the filing technique described by a Reddit user: file the edge of the nail as usual, and then swipe the file once or twice downward across the edge of the nail to get rid of any remaining scratchy spots.
Remember, filing your nails is not just about achieving a smooth finish. It also helps you shape your nails and prevent jagged edges that can catch on clothes, socks, or pantyhose, leading to potential tears or breaks. Finally, don't forget to moisturize your nails and skin with a lotion of your choice to maintain nail health and prevent splits and breakage.
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Trim nails regularly to maintain their shape
Maintaining the shape of your nails is important for both health and aesthetic reasons. Trimming your nails regularly is a key part of this. Nails grow about 1/10th of an inch (2.5 mm) every month, so it is recommended that you trim them once a week to prevent them from growing too long or wild.
When trimming your nails, it is important to cut them straight across with multiple cuts, rather than in one cut. This is true for both finger and toenails, although toenails should be left a tad longer to prevent ingrown toenails. After cutting, use a nail file to shape your nails and smooth out any remaining rough edges. You can use a metal or paper file, and most have a different grit on each side. File gently in one long stroke from the side to the center of the nail, using the coarse, shaping side first if you need to remove more nail, and then the finer-grade shaping side to smooth your nails out. Aim to make your nails slightly triangular or ovular, but never pointed.
If you are someone who bites your nails, you may have a short nail bed. In this case, you can use the tools that come with a nail kit to gently push your cuticles back. However, it is important to leave your cuticles alone as much as possible, as they protect your nail root, and cutting or pushing them back too aggressively could damage your nail or lead to infection. Instead, care for your cuticles by moisturizing regularly or using cuticle oil to soften them before a manicure or pedicure.
To make trimming your nails easier, it is recommended to cut and file them after a shower or bath, as the heat and moisture will make your nails softer and less likely to snap or split.
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Moisturise nails and skin to prevent splits and breakage
Moisturising your nails and the surrounding skin is an important step in nail care. Nails, just like the skin, need to be hydrated to prevent dryness and brittleness, which can lead to splits and breakage.
There are several products available to moisturise your nails and skin. You can use a good quality hand cream, cuticle oil, or hand lotion to keep your nails and skin hydrated. Cuticle oils are particularly useful as they keep the skin around your nails moisturised, preventing any picking or peeling. You can also use nail- and cuticle-specific creams and oils. Look for lotions with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, or alpha-hydroxy acid.
Exfoliating your nails can also help with moisturisation. Picture the nail cells like overlapping tiles—they often become separated and peel off. Exfoliation helps remove these dead nail cells, allowing your moisturiser to better penetrate the cells below. Glycolic acid is a good option for exfoliation as it breaks down the keratin in the nail cells and helps retain moisture.
Additionally, you can use a paraffin wax bath at a nail salon or at home to moisturise your hands and nails. Regular manicures can also help maintain nail health, but it is important to be mindful of the products used during manicures, as harsh chemicals in nail polishes and removers can weaken your nails.
Diet also plays a significant role in nail health. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds, can help prevent dry and brittle nails. A diet rich in biotin, vitamin E, and other nutrients can promote nail strength and growth.
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