Cutting Yourself: Nails As A Self-Harm Tool

Cutting your nails is a simple process, but there are some important steps to follow to ensure that your nails are healthy. Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails for cutting by softening them. You can do this by soaking your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes or by having a bath or shower. After drying off your nails, you should use the correct tools for cutting, such as nail clippers or nail scissors, and cut your nails straight across with multiple small cuts rather than one large cut.

Soften nails by soaking in warm water

Soaking your nails in warm water is an effective way to soften them before cutting. This method is often used before a manicure to ensure the nails are soft and pliable. It is recommended to soak your nails for a few minutes in lukewarm water. This is a good method to use if you don't have time to take a bath or shower, as your nails will be softened after washing.

There are several ways to enhance a basic warm water soak. You can add a few drops of your preferred oil to the water, along with some petals, for a pleasant sensory experience. Lemon juice can also be added to warm water to create a hydrating soak. Honey can be included to boost hydration and promote healing. A teaspoon of vinegar can be added to relieve dry skin and disinfect, while also softening the cuticles.

Another soak recipe involves creating a mixture of two egg yolks and a tablespoon of olive oil. Nails are then soaked in this mixture for about 10 minutes, rinsed, and dried. This treatment is recommended twice a week to strengthen nails.

It is important to note that some sources suggest that soaking nails in water is an outdated technique. This is because the nail plate absorbs water, causing it to swell and change shape. This can lead to issues with nail coatings, such as chipping and peeling, as the nail returns to its normal shape.

Use the right tools: clippers, scissors, or files

When cutting your nails, it is important to use the right tools. You can use nail clippers, manicure scissors, or a nail file.

Nail clippers are a popular choice for nail cutting. Fingernail clippers have a curved edge designed to make it easier to trim your nails. Toenail clippers, on the other hand, are larger and have a straight cutting edge. Using the right type of clipper for your fingers or toes is important, as using fingernail clippers on large toenails can damage the clippers or your nails. It is also important to keep your clippers clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of germs.

Manicure scissors are another option for nail cutting. The blades of manicure scissors end in a gentle curve that makes it easier to shape your nails. Manicure scissors cause less trauma to your nails than clippers and are easier to control, allowing for a more precise, smooth cut. However, they can be harder to use with your non-dominant hand. When using manicure scissors, the blades should meet together seamlessly without any gaps.

Nail files are used for smoothing and shaping nails after cutting with scissors or clippers. They can also be used for trimming nails if you don't have a cutting tool. Nail files are much gentler than cutting tools and can help prevent nails from breaking, splitting, or snagging. When using a nail file, hold it at a slight angle to the edge of your nail and always file in one direction to avoid weakening and damaging your nail.

In addition to choosing the right tools, it is important to keep your nails and tools clean and disinfected to prevent infection. It is also recommended to soften your nails by soaking them in lukewarm water before cutting.

Cut nails straight across

Cutting your nails straight across is the recommended approach for toenails, as it can help prevent ingrown toenails. This method involves cutting off the corners of your nails, smoothing out the edges slightly, so that the nail doesn't get too close to the skin. This technique is particularly useful if you have previously struggled with ingrown toenails, as it can be a simple and effective solution.

When cutting your toenails straight across, it is important to ensure that your nails are softened, as this will make them easier to work with. The ideal time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower, as the nail tissue will be softer. However, if this is not possible, you can simply soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to achieve the same effect.

Before you begin, make sure to gather the appropriate tools, such as a nail clipper or nail scissors designed specifically for toenails. Sanitize your tools by disinfecting them with soap and warm water, or by soaking a scrub brush in isopropyl alcohol and then rinsing them in hot water. This will help to reduce the risk of infection.

When cutting your nails, start by clipping one corner of the nail, then move on to the other corner, and finally, clip the middle. Avoid clipping all at once, as this can put too much pressure on the nail plate and cause it to crack. Additionally, be sure to cut all the way to the end of the nail so that the cut piece falls off cleanly.

After cutting your nails, you can use a nail file or emery board to smooth and shape them further. This helps to prevent snagging and creates a more polished appearance. When filing, always move the file in one direction, as sawing back and forth can weaken and damage your nails.

Clip each corner, then the middle

To cut your nails with clippers, start by softening them. The best time to trim your nails is right after a shower or bath, as your nails will be softer and easier to cut. If that's not possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes.

Before you begin, make sure your nail clippers are clean and sharp. Dull clippers can damage your nails, crushing them each time you cut. Sanitize your tools regularly by wiping them with disinfectant or soap and warm water.

Now, you're ready to start cutting. Clip each corner of the nail, then the middle. Make small cuts straight across your nail. Avoid cutting your nails into a "V" shape or rounding off the edges. Cutting the entire nail in one go will 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.

After clipping, use a nail file or emery board to smooth out and shape the nail.

Sanitize tools and trim nail clippings

Sanitation of your nail-cutting tools is crucial to prevent infections and fungus. It is important to clean and disinfect your tools to ensure you minimize the spread of bacteria and other germs.

Firstly, gather all your multi-use nail tools that are suitable for disinfection. This includes hard and non-absorbent nail tools such as nail clippers, cuticle pushers, and nail scissors.

There are several ways to sanitize your tools:

• Soak your tools in a bowl of 70-90% isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes. Then, rinse them in hot water and dry them completely before storing them.
• Boil your tools in water for 30 minutes.
• Wash your tools with soap and hot water, then wipe them down with rubbing alcohol.

It is recommended to disinfect your tools monthly.

Now, onto trimming your nails. It is important to trim your nails regularly as part of your hygiene routine. It is best to trim your nails after a shower or bath when they are softer and less likely to crack or split. You can also soak your nails in plain or soapy water for a few minutes to soften them.

When cutting your nails, use a tool specifically designed for cutting fingernails or toenails. Opt for high-quality tools as they are less likely to tear or bend your nails.

• Clip one corner of the nail.
• Clip the other corner.
• Finally, clip the middle.

Alternatively, if you are using scissors, face the curve of the blade toward your nail and gently cut from one side of the nail across the top to the other side in one smooth motion.

After cutting, use a nail file or emery board to smooth out and shape the nail.

Frequently asked questions