Noah Sinclair
Cutting your fingernails is an important part of maintaining good personal hygiene. It helps keep your nails clean and prevents them from snagging or breaking. To cut your fingernails, you should first soften them by soaking or showering, then use dedicated nail clippers to cut each nail straight across with multiple small cuts, rather than one large cut. After clipping, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail, removing any rough edges. It is important to only use tools designed for nail cutting, such as clippers and nail files, and to regularly clean your nail-cutting tools to prevent infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to cut your nails | Right after a shower or bath so they're softer |
| How to cut your nails | Cut each nail straight across with multiple small cuts |
| Leave 1-2mm before the pink coloured zone | |
| Round out the nail at the edge with a small cut to reduce the chance of ingrown nails | |
| Don't cut toenails too short to prevent ingrown toenails | |
| Trim your fingernails in a curved shape, following the round shape of the tip of your finger | |
| Tools to cut nails | Nail clippers |
| Nail file | |
| Other tools to avoid | Knives, razor blades, regular scissors |
| Cleaning | Clean your nails when you wash your hands |
| Use a manicure brush to clean under your nails | |
| Clean your clippers after each use | |
| Wash the implements regularly with disinfectant to prevent infection |
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What You'll Learn
Cut finger nails after a shower or bath
Cutting your fingernails after a shower or bath has several benefits. Your nails will be softer after soaking in the water, making them easier to cut. This also reduces the risk of your nails flying everywhere when you use nail clippers.
When cutting your fingernails, it is important to use the right technique. Start by cutting your nail 1-2 mm before the pink zone of your finger. You don't have to do this in one cut; you can use multiple smaller cuts, but avoid rounding off the corners too much. Toenails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
After cutting, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. You can use a one- or two-sided nail file, as long as your nails feel smooth afterward. File your nails in the same direction, as filing back and forth can weaken them.
It is also important to leave your cuticles alone. Cuticles protect the nail root, and cutting or pushing them back can make it easier for bacteria and other germs to enter your body and cause an infection. Instead, consider using cuticle oil to moisturize the skin around your nails and prevent picking or peeling.
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Use multiple small cuts, not one large cut
When cutting your fingernails, it is recommended to use multiple small cuts rather than one large cut. This technique helps to maintain the strength of your nails and reduces the chances of bending or weakening them at the sides.
Start by clipping your nail 1-2 mm before reaching the pink coloured zone. You can use multiple small cuts, working from one side of the nail to the other, instead of cutting the entire nail in one go. Be careful not to round off the edges too much, as this can lead to ingrown nails. Ingrown nails can be painful and may require professional help to fix, so it's important to cut your nails properly to avoid this issue.
Using multiple small cuts gives you more control over the shape and length of your nails. It allows you to gradually achieve the desired length without accidentally cutting them too short. By starting at one side and moving across to the other, you can ensure a straight and even cut.
Additionally, this technique helps to prevent splitting and breakage. Nails that are bent or weakened at the sides are more prone to snagging and breaking. With multiple small cuts, you reduce the stress on the nail and maintain its overall strength.
Remember to use a nail file after cutting to smooth out any rough edges and shape your nails. A nail file can help you achieve the desired shape, whether it's a curved or straight edge, and it will also soften any remaining sharp or scratchy edges.
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File nails after cutting
Filing your nails is a great way to maintain their health and keep them looking neat and tidy. It's important to file your nails correctly, as incorrect filing can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
Firstly, it's best to trim your nails with clippers to your desired length before filing. If you have long nails, cut them short before filing, unless you want square-shaped nails. If your nails are already short, you can simply cut them all down to the same length if they are uneven.
When filing, always file in the same direction, from the outer corner into the centre of the nail, and repeat on the other side. Filing back and forth in a sawing motion can fray the nail and damage the nail bed and cuticle. File slowly, using gentle pressure, until you've reached your desired length and shape.
It's important to use the right type of nail file. Classic emery boards are a good option, but glass files are often recommended as they are gentler on the nails and easier to clean. If you have weak nails, try a file specifically designed for weak nails, such as a Diamancel file. For natural nails, a higher grit number is best to prevent tearing—a 180 or 240 grit should work well.
Finally, finish by buffing your nails to give them a smooth finish and remove any filings. Apply cuticle oil and moisturiser to keep your cuticles healthy and clean and to prevent hangnails.
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Clean your nail-cutting tools
Clean nail-cutting tools are crucial to prevent infections and the spread of bacteria and fungi. Here are some ways to clean your nail-cutting tools:
Soaking
Soak your nail-cutting tools in a disinfectant solution. This can be a hospital-grade disinfectant, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. Ensure that the rubbing alcohol is at least 70% concentrated. Submerge your tools for at least 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the brand of disinfectant used. Some disinfectants may cause rust and corrosion if left in for too long, so always follow the instructions on the packaging. After soaking, rinse the tools with warm water and dry them completely before storing them in a moisture- and dust-free environment.
Boiling
An alternative method is to boil your nail-cutting tools in water for 30 minutes. After boiling, scrub the tools with soap and water, and then wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Ensure that you use gloves or an oven mitt when handling freshly boiled tools, as the metal will be extremely hot.
Sterilization
If you have access to a sterilization machine, you can sterilize your nail-cutting tools by following the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, metal tools need to be held at a minimum of 170°C (340°F) for 60 minutes to be effectively sterilized.
Scrubbing and Wiping
Before soaking or boiling your tools, use a clean cloth, paper towel, or bristle brush to wipe down and scrub your nail-cutting tools. Pay extra attention to ridges and contours, as buildup can accumulate in these areas. A toothpick can be useful for removing buildup from crevices.
Remember to clean your nail-cutting tools regularly, especially before and after using them on yourself or others, to maintain good hygiene and prevent infections.
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Cut nails straight across, not rounded
Cutting your fingernails straight across and not rounding them off is important for maintaining healthy nails and preventing common issues like ingrown toenails and hangnails.
When cutting your fingernails, it is recommended to clip your nails 1-2mm before reaching the pink coloured zone. This can be done in multiple small cuts, ensuring that you do not round the corners of your nails. The same principle applies to toenails, but it is advisable to leave them slightly longer to prevent ingrown toenails.
It is important to use the right tools for nail clipping. For fingernails, use a nail clipper or nail scissors, and for toenails, use a toenail clipper. Soaking your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes before clipping can help soften them, making the process easier.
After clipping, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. You can use a multi-sided foam-centred nail file, starting with the coarse side and moving to the finer side to achieve smooth nails.
By following these steps and cutting your nails straight across, you can achieve well-groomed nails that not only look great but also help prevent nail-related issues.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to trim your fingernails regularly as part of your hygiene routine to keep them clean and prevent snagging and breaking.
You should use nail clippers to cut your fingernails and a nail file to smooth out and shape them afterwards. Avoid using sharp cutting tools like knives, razor blades, or regular scissors as they may slip and injure the skin around your nail.
Cut your nails straight across with multiple small cuts, rather than one large cut. Leave 1-2mm before the pink coloured zone and avoid rounding them off too much to prevent ingrown nails.
Wash and scrub under your fingernails regularly to prevent bacteria growth, which can lead to infections and split nails. You can use a manicure brush, or a wet wipe wrapped around a manicure stick or eyelash spoolie to clean under your nails.
