Ava Monroe
Plastic nails, also known as acrylic nails, are a popular beauty trend that can enhance the appearance and confidence of those who wear them. However, cutting them correctly is crucial to maintaining their beauty and health. This can be done at home to save time and money, but it is recommended that they are removed by a professional nail technician. To cut plastic nails, you can use either a cutting tool, such as clippers or manicure scissors, or a filing tool, such as an emery board. When cutting, it is important to make a series of small cuts straight across the nail, rather than one large cut, to avoid weakening the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cutting tools | Clippers, manicure scissors, nail files, emery boards |
| Clippers | Use for fingernails, cut straight across with multiple cuts |
| Manicure scissors | Use for fingernails |
| Nail files | Use after cutting nails, long swipes to shape and smooth the nail |
| Emery boards | Made of heavy cardboard or plastic coated with a gritty material, numbered according to coarseness/fineness of grit |
| Metal nail files | Made from ground-up metal, strong enough to file down plastic in acrylic nails |
| Toenail clippers | Use for toenails, can be used for acrylic nails |
| Acrylic nail scissors | Designed to handle thickness and hardness of acrylic nails |
| Cutting technique | Cut towards the middle of the nail from the outside, then do the same on the other side |
| Cut from the sides towards the centre when using a file | |
| Cut nails after a shower or bath when they are softer |
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What You'll Learn
Use acrylic nail clippers
Cutting acrylic nails can be done at home, saving you time and money. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use acrylic nail clippers:
Firstly, decide how much you want to trim your nails. If you only want to trim a small amount, you may want to consider filing your nails instead. If you are unsure, start with a small cut and work your way down.
Next, position the clippers on the outside of the nail, with the clippers angled diagonally upwards towards the centre of the nail. You should then cut towards the middle of the nail. Repeat this process on the other side of the nail, mirroring the first cut. This two-step process will help to keep your nails from breaking or shattering.
Finally, remove the cut tip by gently pulling or bending the detached portion back. If you feel the nail starting to crack, stop and go to a nail technician.
When cutting your nails, it is important to use the correct tools. Clippers designed for toenails are generally larger and stronger than fingernail clippers, making them a good choice for cutting acrylic nails. You should also ensure that you are only cutting one nail at a time, using your shortest nail as a guide for how much nail growth to leave when cutting the others.
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Cut towards the middle
Cutting plastic nails, such as acrylic nails, requires different tools and techniques than cutting natural nails. While natural nails can be cut with regular nail clippers or manicure scissors, acrylic nails require specific acrylic nail clippers or acrylic nail scissors, which are designed to handle the thickness and hardness of the material.
To cut plastic nails, it is recommended to cut towards the middle of the nail. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Position the clippers on the outside of the nail, at one corner, and cut towards the middle. Ensure that the clippers are angled diagonally upwards, creating a small point at the centre.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the nail, mirroring the first cut. This two-step process helps to prevent the nail from breaking or shattering.
- After cutting both sides, pull off the detached tip with your fingers. It may require gentle pulling or bending to remove it.
- If necessary, use the nail clippers to re-cut any portions of the acrylic that are still attached.
It is important to note that cutting acrylic nails can be challenging, and there is a risk of damaging the natural nail underneath. Therefore, it is recommended to have acrylic nails removed by a professional nail technician. However, with the right tools and techniques, such as cutting towards the middle, you can safely trim your acrylic nails at home.
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File your nails after cutting
Filing your nails after cutting them is a good way to maintain a uniform length and shape. However, it is common to file nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
Firstly, it is important to use the right tools. For natural nails, celebrity manicurist Erica Marton recommends using a file with a higher grit number to prevent tearing. She usually opts for a 180 grit, but if you are new to filing, she suggests starting with a 240 grit. Marton also recommends the Tweezerman Neon Spot FileMate, which comes with a carrying case, and the Diamancel, which is great for weak nails.
If you have artificial nails, you can use a coarse (around 100 grit) or medium (180-220 grit) file and opt for an emery board or metal file to shorten your nails more quickly. Metal nail files are made from ground-up metal and are very abrasive. They are strong enough to file down the plastic in acrylic nails and may also be useful on thicker nails, but some professional manicurists warn against using them on natural nails as they can easily tear and damage them.
When filing your nails, it is best to avoid a back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can weaken and damage your nail and create uneven grooves. Instead, file from the outer corner into the centre of the nail and repeat the motion on the other side. Marton suggests a three-step process: "File side to centre, where you go on the side of the nail to the tip at a 45-degree angle, then the other side to the tip, and then finish at the top of the nail." She also advises against filing too much off the sides, which could encourage tears, and to use a light stroke, softening the corners of the nails.
Additionally, it is important to sanitise your tools regularly by wiping them with disinfectant or soap and warm water.
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Sanitize your tools
Sanitation of tools is essential, whether you are a professional nail technician or a beginner. It not only prevents the spread of harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi but also stops active infections from spreading. Poor sanitation can lead to health issues like athlete's foot, staph infections, and even incurable diseases such as herpes, HIV, and hepatitis.
Before sanitizing your tools, it is important to clean them first. This involves removing debris, dust, dead skin, and other residue from the surface. You can use a nail brush or toothbrush to scrub your tools with soap and water. Pay extra attention to ridges and contours on your tools, as gunk and buildup can accumulate in these places.
After cleaning, you can sanitize your tools using any of the following methods:
- Soaking in rubbing alcohol (at least 70%) or hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes: This is a common method for sanitizing tools like nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors.
- Boiling in water for 30 minutes: This method can be used for nail clippers, tweezers, scissors, and even glass nail files.
- Using a disinfectant solution: Submerge your tools in a disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes. This is ideal for non-porous, hard-surfaced tools like metal clippers, files, and bowls. Be sure to follow the instructions on the disinfectant brand you are using, as some can cause rust and corrosion if left too long.
- Soaking in vinegar and water: Soaking your tools in vinegar and water for 10 minutes is a natural way to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria.
- Using a sterilizing machine: If your tools come into contact with blood, you may need to sterilize them. Sterilization destroys all microorganisms. You can follow the instructions on your chosen sterilizer for the required time and temperature.
Once sanitized, store your tools in a clean, dry container to maintain sanitation until their next use. Keep them away from dust and other contaminants, and do not store them in airtight containers, as these can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
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Cut straight across
Cutting your nails is a simple process, but it's important to follow certain steps to ensure the health of your nails. Firstly, it's recommended to cut your nails after softening them with water. You can do this by cutting them after a shower or bath, or by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes. This makes your nails softer and easier to trim, reducing the risk of splitting.
When cutting plastic nails, it's important to cut straight across. Cutting nails at an angle can result in painful hangnails. You should also avoid cutting your nails into a "V" shape or rounding off the edges, as this can lead to ingrown toenails. Instead, cut straight across, leaving the corners of the nail intact at the sides.
To cut straight across, start by placing the clippers at the beginning of the opaque, overgrown tip of the nail. Make a series of small cuts on the same nail until you've removed the whole tip. Be careful not to cut past the opaque tip, as this can expose the sensitive skin underneath.
After cutting, use a nail file to smooth out and shape the nail. Gently file in one direction, as sawing back and forth can weaken and damage the nail. You can use an emery board or a metal file, depending on your nail type and preference. Remember to disinfect your tools before and after use to maintain proper hygiene.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cut plastic nails with a cutting tool such as clippers or manicure scissors, or with a filing tool such as an emery board. If you want to cut acrylic nails, it's recommended to use specific acrylic nail clippers or scissors, as regular nail clippers might cause cracking or splintering.
Position the clippers on the outside of the nail and cut towards the middle. Then, do the same on the other side of the nail, mirroring the first cut. This will help to keep your nails from breaking or shattering. Finally, pull off the cut tip.
Yes, you can use a file to cut plastic nails. Start filing from the sides of the nail towards the centre. Acrylic nails are fairly tough, so use a coarse (around 100 grit) or medium (180-220 grit) file and opt for an emery board or metal file to shorten your nails more quickly.
Yes, always use sharp and clean tools to avoid damage and reduce the risk of infection. You should disinfect your tools regularly by wiping them with disinfectant or soap and warm water.
