Isla Bennett
Cutting your fingernails is an important part of your hygiene routine. It keeps your nails clean and prevents them from snagging and breaking. To cut your nails, you should use nail clippers to cut each nail straight across with multiple cuts. Then, take a nail file and use long swipes to smooth out and shape the nail. It is important to only use nail clippers and not other sharp-cutting tools, such as knives or scissors, to avoid injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to cut your nails | Right after a shower or bath |
| How to cut your nails | Cut each nail straight across with multiple cuts |
| Make small cuts rather than one large cut | |
| Trim your fingernails in a curved shape | |
| Trim your toenails straight across with much less curve to prevent ingrown toenails | |
| Tools to cut your nails | Use nail clippers |
| Avoid using sharp cutting tools such as knives, razor blades, or regular scissors | |
| Use a file to smooth out and shape the nail | |
| Get one of those multi-sided foam-centered nail file sticks and go from coarse to fine | |
| How often to cut your nails | Trim your nails regularly as a part of your hygiene routine |
| Cleaning your nails | Clean your nails when you wash your hands |
| Clean under your nails using a manicure brush, a wet wipe wrapped around a manicure stick, or an eyelash spoolie | |
| Wash and scrub under your nails every time you wash your hands or bathe | |
| Clean your clippers after each use | |
| Buy your own set of nail-cutting tools and keep separate sets for your fingernails and toenails | |
| Wash the implements regularly with a disinfectant to prevent infection |
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What You'll Learn
Cut nails after a shower or bath
Cutting your nails is an important part of your hygiene routine. Trimming your nails will not only keep them clean but also prevent them from snagging and breaking. Cutting your nails after a shower or bath is a good idea as your nails will be softer and easier to cut. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cut your nails after a shower or bath:
Firstly, ensure you have the right tools. You will need a good pair of nail clippers and a nail file. If possible, buy your own set of nail-cutting tools and keep separate sets for your fingernails and toenails. You should also regularly wash your nail-cutting tools with disinfectant to prevent infection.
Now you're ready to start cutting. For fingernails, clip your nail 1-2mm before the pink zone. You can use multiple smaller cuts, but make sure you don't round them off too much. Toenails should be cut straight across, leaving 2-3mm before the pink zone. Again, avoid rounding toenails as this can lead to ingrown nails.
Once you've finished cutting, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. File in one direction only, using long swipes, to avoid damaging your nails.
By following these steps, you'll be able to cut your nails effectively and safely after a shower or bath, leaving you with healthy, well-groomed nails.
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Use multiple small cuts
Using multiple small cuts is a good way to trim your fingernails effectively and safely. This method is often recommended by experts, including nail artist Marta Nagorska. It is important to cut your nails regularly as part of your hygiene routine, to keep them clean and prevent snagging and breaking.
Firstly, it is a good idea to soften your nails before cutting. You can do this by soaking them in water or after a shower or bath when they are already soft. Dry your nails before you start clipping. You should also ensure your nail-cutting tools are clean to prevent infection.
Now you are ready to start cutting. Using a series of small cuts, rather than one large cut, will help to prevent bending and weakening your nail at the sides. Start at one side of the nail and clip across to the other side. Repeat this process a few times. It is important not to round your nails too much, especially with toenails, as this can lead to ingrown nails.
Once you have finished cutting, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail. You can use a one- or two-sided file, it doesn't matter, as long as the edges feel smooth afterwards.
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Smooth and shape with a file
Smooth and shape your nails with a nail file after cutting them with nail clippers. Filing your nails helps to smooth out rough edges and soften their overall appearance.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right nail file. Glass nail files are more hygienic than emery boards, and their fine grit allows for more precise filing. They also seal the edges of your nails as you file, preventing breaks and peeling. Emery boards are also an affordable and effective option. Choose a soft-grit nail file with a grit of around 180-200 for the smoothest filing experience.
Next, you should position your hands so that your fingers point toward you, which will help you to see your work more clearly. If you are filing rounded nails, hold the file tilted slightly under your nail so that you can more easily achieve a curved edge. File in single strokes along the grain of your nail, in one direction. Avoid using a sawing motion, as this can lead to tears or breakages.
After you have finished filing each nail, use your file or nail to flick away any shavings that have built up underneath. You can then buff your nails to give them a smooth finish and to smooth out any ridges. Hold a buffing block parallel to the top of your nail and pull it across the nail in one direction.
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Avoid sharp cutting tools
It is important to avoid using sharp cutting tools such as knives, razor blades, or regular scissors to trim your nails. While it may be tempting to reach for these tools, especially if your nail clippers are misplaced or blunt, it is not worth the risk. The tool may slip and injure the skin surrounding the nail.
Nail-cutting tools are designed with a specific purpose in mind and are shaped to fit the curve of the nail. Regular scissors, for example, are much larger and are not designed to fit the contours of your fingers and toes. This increases the risk of injury, especially if you are not paying attention or are in a rush.
Using sharp cutting tools can also damage your nails. As expert Marta Nagorska explains, cutting the entire nail in one go will “unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides". Instead, she recommends cutting the nail a few times, starting at one side, going across the nail to the other side. This technique is much easier to execute with nail clippers than with sharp cutting tools.
If you do not have access to nail clippers, it is better to file your nails down instead of clipping them. This takes longer but will keep your nails nice and round and prevents you from going too short.
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Clean your nails regularly
Clean and well-maintained nails are essential for good personal hygiene. Regularly cleaning your fingernails and toenails helps prevent bacteria build-up, which can lead to infections and split nails. Aim to clean your nails every time you wash your hands or take a bath or shower.
A manicure brush is an effective tool to clean under and around your nails. Alternatively, you can wrap a wet wipe around a manicure stick or an eyelash spoolie to get under your nails. If you don't have these tools, simply use your hands to scrub under your nails with soap and water.
It is also important to clean the tools you use for nail care. Wash your nail-cutting tools regularly with a disinfectant to prevent infection. You can use dish detergent or antibacterial soap by soaking the tools for about 10 minutes in a bowl of hot, soapy water.
In addition to cleaning your nails, you should also keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturized. Cuticle oil can help keep the skin around your nails moisturized, reducing the urge to pick or peel.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cut your fingernails regularly as part of your hygiene routine. This will help keep your nails clean and prevent them from snagging and breaking.
You should use nail clippers to cut your fingernails. Avoid using any other sharp cutting tools, such as knives, razor blades, or regular scissors, as these may slip and injure the skin around your nails.
Cut your nails straight across using multiple small cuts rather than one large cut. This will prevent unnecessarily bending and weakening your nails. After cutting, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail.
Soak your nails in water or shower before cutting them to soften them. Nails are easier to trim when they are softer and less likely to split.
Regularly clean your nails when you wash your hands to prevent bacteria from growing under your nails, which can cause infections. Also, make sure to clean and disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
