Liam Carter
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, you can use nail clippers, manicure scissors, or a nail file. Before cutting your nails, it is important to soften them by soaking them in lukewarm water or cutting them right after a shower or bath. You should also disinfect your tools before using them to reduce the risk of infection. When cutting your nails, make small cuts straight across your nail, avoiding cutting your nails into a V shape or rounding off the edges. After cutting your nails, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to cut your nails | Right after a shower or bath, when the nails are softer |
| How to cut your nails | Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for fingernails and a toenail clipper for toenails |
| Cut nails straight across, not into a "V" shape or with rounded edges | |
| Cut nails with a series of small cuts, not one large cut | |
| Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails | |
| Cut fingernails so that the corners are left intact at the sides | |
| Trim nails regularly to prevent dirt and germs from getting underneath | |
| Sanitize tools before and after use | |
| File nails after cutting to smooth and shape them | |
| Do not cut cuticles | |
| Use a moisturizer after trimming and filing |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut with and without clippers
Cutting your nails is a straightforward process, but there are some important steps to follow to ensure healthy nails and avoid infection. Firstly, it is important to use the right tools. While you can cut your nails with a variety of implements, it is best to use nail clippers or manicure scissors.
Using Clippers
To cut your nails with clippers, start by ensuring your nails are softened. The best time to trim your nails is immediately after a bath or shower, but if that is not possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes. This will make your nails easier to trim and less likely to split.
When cutting, use your shortest nail as a guide for how much nail growth, or white part, to leave when cutting the rest. Clip one corner of the nail, then clip the other corner, and finally, clip the middle. If you try to cut the whole nail at once, it may crack due to the pressure. Make small cuts straight across your nail.
Using Manicure Scissors
Manicure scissors give you more control over the arc of the cut and can be easier to use than clippers. To use them, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or an orange stick, creating a clean and well-defined nail bed. Then, hold the scissors with a firm yet comfortable grip, and start trimming your nails straight across in one smooth motion.
Without Clippers or Scissors
If you do not have access to clippers or scissors, there are other ways to cut your nails, although some of these methods may not be as safe or effective. You can use a small pocket knife, but be sure to sterilize it first. You can also use a nail file to shape and trim your nails, selecting the right type of file for your nails, such as glass, metal, or emery boards.
Other methods that have been suggested include biting your nails, using a rough surface, or even tearing your nails with your teeth and fingers. However, these methods are not recommended, as they can damage your nails and increase the risk of infection.
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Sanitizing your tools
Sanitizing your nail tools is an important step in maintaining nail hygiene and preventing infections. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your nail tools are properly sanitized:
Cleaning:
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between cleaning and sanitizing. Cleaning involves removing debris, dirt, dust, and other particles from the surface of your tools. This step is crucial as it ensures that the subsequent sanitization process is effective. Use a clean and dry scrubbing brush to remove any visible debris and dust. You can also use a nail brush and soap (including dish soap) to scrub your tools. Pay special attention to grooves and crevices, as dirt and debris can accumulate in these areas.
Sanitizing and Disinfecting:
After cleaning, it's time to sanitize and disinfect your tools. These steps will kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections. There are several methods you can use:
- Soaking in Alcohol: Soak your tools in 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol for at least 10 minutes. This will disinfect your tools and kill microorganisms. Make sure to wash your tools with clean water after soaking to remove any residual detergent or alcohol.
- Boiling: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully place your tools in the boiling water for several minutes. This traditional method is effective in sanitizing your tools and killing bacteria. Be careful when handling the tools as they will be hot. Allow them to cool naturally before using them.
- UV Sterilization: Utilize a UV sterilizer specifically designed for nail tools. This method is efficient and easy to use, but it may not reach all areas of complex tools, and prolonged exposure to UV light can cause damage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.
Drying and Storage:
After sanitizing and disinfecting, allow your tools to air dry completely before storing them. You can also pat them dry with a clean towel. Store your clean tools in a sanitary manner, such as in a clean, covered container, to prevent contamination.
Additional Tips:
- Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your disinfectant or sterilizer.
- Regularly inspect your tools for any signs of wear and tear, and replace them as needed.
- If you are using nail tools on multiple people, such as in a salon setting, it is crucial to disinfect and sanitize between each client to prevent cross-contamination.
- Single-use nail tools, such as cardboard or plastic nail files, should be discarded immediately after use and not reused.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your nail tools are properly sanitized, maintaining nail hygiene and reducing the risk of infections.
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Filing your nails
Firstly, decide on the nail shape you want. Popular shapes include oval, square, almond, coffin, and stiletto. For beginners, it is recommended to follow the natural line of your nail bed, so round nails are a good option.
Before you start filing, thoroughly wash and dry your hands with soap and warm water to get rid of any oil or debris that might interfere with the process.
When filing, it is important to use smooth, single strokes in one direction, from the sides towards the centre, rather than using a sawing motion, to avoid weakening or splitting the nails. File the sides of your nails to create gently rounded edges, but keep the line across the centre straight. Hold the file at a 45-degree angle to the nail's edge for optimal control and precision.
If you want almond-shaped nails, file the nail at an angle from each side, making sure they meet in a peak at the middle of the free edge. For a stiletto shape, file the sides of your nails into a sharp point in the centre. To achieve a coffin shape, file both sides of each nail into a tapered point and then square off the tip of your nail by holding the file perpendicular to the nail tip and filing in a straight line.
Glass nail files are recommended as they are more hygienic than standard emery boards, allow for precise filing, and prevent breaks and peeling.
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Softening your nails
While there are various methods to soften nails, it is important to note that some people advise against cutting nails after they have been softened, as this can cause them to chip, peel, or tear more easily. However, if you are experiencing thickened nails due to conditions like nail fungus, softening your nails before cutting them may be necessary. Here are some ways to soften your nails:
Soaking your nails in warm water: One common method to soften nails is to soak them in warm water for an extended period. This helps to hydrate the nails and soften them, making them easier to cut. You can simply fill a bowl with warm water and soak your nails for 10 to 40 minutes before cutting them.
Using vinegar or Listerine: For thick and discolored toenails, Dr. Waldman recommends mixing one part white or apple cider vinegar with three parts warm water and soaking your nails in this solution for 10 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can use Listerine, which contains thymol, a compound with antifungal properties. Soaking your nails in these solutions can help soften them and fight any fungal infections.
Over-the-counter treatments: Drugstores offer various treatments to soften nails and improve their appearance. These include patches that contain urea, an acidic substance that reduces nail discoloration and brittleness. There are also LED light treatments that you can use after applying a liquid containing polyethylene glycol, which effectively softens the nails.
It is important to note that while softening your nails can make them easier to cut, especially if they are thick or brittle, it is crucial to use sharp and appropriate nail clippers to avoid any potential damage to the nails. Additionally, always cut your nails straight across to prevent the corners from cutting into the skin folds of your toes.
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Cutting nails for children
When cutting your baby's nails, hold their finger and trim or file the nail short, leaving a small line at the tip. Avoid cutting the white tip to prevent damaging the finger. You can trim straight across, but following the curvature of the finger minimises the chance of sharp edges. Doctors recommend only using a file for the first few weeks.
For toddlers, you can use kid-sized clippers or baby nail scissors with rounded, blunt edges. Cut fingernails almost straight across with slightly rounded edges to keep nails strong, and cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Smooth any rough edges with a nail file. You can also rub moisturising lotion on your toddler's fingernails to keep them from splitting.
Some toddlers may be scared of nail cutting. To make the process easier, try having them sit comfortably between your legs, facing out. If your child doesn't like the feeling of pressure, they can sit in a chair or on a stool facing you. You can also distract them by singing a song or offering them a special toy to hold. Alternatively, you can cut their nails while they're asleep.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use nail clippers or nail scissors to cut carry nails. Make small cuts straight across the nail, rather than one large cut.
It is best to cut your nails after softening them by taking a shower or bath. If this is not possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes.
After cutting your nails, use a nail file to shape them and smooth out the edges. File in one direction, starting from the side and moving to the centre of the nail.
Remember to disinfect your nail clippers or scissors before and after use. You can do this by soaking a scrub brush in isopropyl alcohol and then using it to clean the clippers or scissors. Rinse and dry the tools before and after use.
