Isla Bennett
Cutting your nails is an important part of your hygiene routine. Not only does it keep your nails clean, but it can also prevent them from snagging and breaking. Nails grow about 1⁄10 inch (2.5 mm) every month, so trimming them once a week can help maintain their health and appearance. Here are some tips on how to properly cut the end of your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to cut | Cut straight across the nail, in a series of small cuts, rather than one large cut |
| Cut the corners first, then the middle | |
| Trim nails once a week | |
| Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails | |
| Trim fingernails with nail clippers or manicure scissors | |
| Trim toenails with toenail clippers or a toenail nipper | |
| Use a nail file to smooth and shape the nail | |
| Nails should be soft before cutting, e.g. after a shower or bath | |
| Nails should be disinfected regularly | |
| Nails should be moisturised after trimming |
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What You'll Learn
Soften nails before cutting
Cutting your nails is an important part of maintaining good hygiene. Nails that are too long can harbour dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection. It is recommended that you trim your nails at least once a week to prevent them from growing too long.
Before cutting your nails, it is advisable to soften them first. This makes them easier to trim and less likely to split. There are several ways to do this. One way is to cut your nails right after a shower or bath, as the moisture will have softened them. You can also soak your nails in water before drying them off and beginning to cut.
If you have thicker nails, you can try applying VapoRub or tea tree oil to them before trimming. You can also soak cotton balls with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and then dab this onto your nails until they feel softer.
Once your nails are softened, you can begin to cut them. It is important to use the right tools, such as nail clippers or nail scissors for fingernails, and a specialised toenail clipper for toenails. Cut your nails straight across, using multiple small cuts rather than one large cut. This will help to keep your nails strong and prevent ingrown nails. After cutting, use a nail file to smooth out any jagged edges and shape the nail.
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Cut nails straight across
Cutting your nails straight across is the best way to trim your nails. It is important to cut your nails regularly as part of your hygiene routine. Nails grow about 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) every month, so trimming them once a week will keep them from growing too long.
When cutting your nails, it is best to use a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. Start at one side of the nail and cut across to the other side. This will prevent bending and weakening your nail at the sides. Cutting your nails straight will also help to prevent ingrown nails. Toenails, in particular, should be cut straight across. This will reduce your chances of getting an ingrown toenail.
It is also important to note that you should not cut your nails too short. If you trim too deeply, you can expose the sensitive skin beneath the nail, increasing the risk of infection. After cutting your nails, use a nail file to shape them and smooth out the edges. Aim to make your nails slightly triangular or ovular but never pointed. Filing your nails will help to prevent them from catching on clothes, socks, or pantyhose.
To make nail trimming easier, soften your nails first by soaking them in water or after a shower or bath. Soft nails are easier to trim and less likely to split. Just be sure to fully dry your nails before you start clipping.
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File nails after cutting
Filing your nails is a great way to maintain a uniform length and shape, and prevent them from breaking. However, it is easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
Firstly, it is important to cut your nails to the desired length before filing. If you have long nails, cut them before filing to get rid of extra length. If your nails are short, you don't need to cut them unless they are uneven, in which case you should cut them all to about the same length.
When filing, always file in the same direction, from the outer corner into the centre of the nail. Do not use a back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can fray the nail and even damage the nail bed and cuticle. File slowly, using gentle pressure, until you have reached your desired length and shape.
To finish the nail, hold the file parallel to the opposite side of the nail from where you started. After you're done, get rid of any filings attached to your nails by flicking the nail file upwards from under your nail tips.
You can then buff your nails to give them a smooth finish. Buffing your nails smooths out the ridges and gives natural nails a shiny gloss. Hold a buffing block parallel to the top of your nail and, just like when you were filing, pull it across the top of the nail in unidirectional strokes. Only use 6-8 strokes per nail to avoid thinning or weakening them.
Finally, apply cuticle oil to moisturise the skin on your nails. Cuticle oil helps keep your cuticles—the skin that overlaps your nails—healthy and clean. Keeping your cuticles moisturised also helps prevent hangnails. Apply a drop of cuticle oil to each nail, wait 1-2 minutes for it to absorb, then dab off the excess with a paper towel.
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Sanitise tools before and after use
Sanitising your nail tools before and after use is crucial to maintaining good nail hygiene and preventing infections. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:
Preparing Your Tools:
Before sanitising your nail tools, it's important to remove any visible debris, dust, or buildup. Use a clean, dry scrubbing brush to wipe away any loose particles into a bin. Pay extra attention to ridges and contours on the tools, as debris often gets trapped in these areas.
Sanitising:
Fill your sink with warm, soapy water, and thoroughly wash your nail tools. You can also use antibacterial liquid soap for this step. Rinse the tools with clean water, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. For porous tools, such as nail files, consider using a glass nail file instead, as it is easier to sanitise and maintain.
Disinfecting:
After sanitising, completely submerge your tools in a disinfectant solution. You can use hospital-grade disinfectant, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or a barbicide solution. Ensure that your tools are immersed for at least 10 minutes. For tools with tough spots or stubborn stains, consider soaking them in the solution for a few extra minutes before scrubbing.
Drying and Storing:
Rinse the tools with clean water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel. Ensure that your tools are completely dry before storing them in a moisture- and dust-free environment. You can use airtight containers with silica gel bags to keep your tools dry and dust-free.
Additional Tips:
For home use, an alcohol-based sanitiser is a convenient and effective option. You can spritz your tools with 70% rubbing alcohol after use and let them air dry. Alternatively, you can boil your tools in water for 30 minutes, but be cautious, as this method may not be suitable for plastic tools.
Remember, sanitising and disinfecting your nail tools are essential steps to ensure the safety and hygiene of your nail care routine, whether at home or in a salon setting.
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Cut nails regularly
Cutting your nails regularly is an important part of your hygiene routine. Nails grow about 1⁄10 inch (2.5 mm) every month, so it's recommended to trim them once a week to prevent them from growing too long.
Before you start cutting, prepare your nails by softening them. The best time to do this is right after a shower or bath when your nails are softer. If that's not possible, you can also soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes to soften them.
When cutting your nails, use the right tools. For your fingernails, use nail clippers or nail scissors. Toenails tend to be thicker, so use toenail clippers or a toenail nipper if your toenails are particularly thick.
As you cut, make a series of small cuts straight across your nail. Avoid cutting your nails into a "V" shape or rounding off the edges, as this can weaken the nail and increase the risk of ingrown nails. Instead, cut straight across so that the corners of the nail are left intact at the sides.
After cutting, use a nail file or emery board to smooth out and shape the nail. File in one direction, using long strokes from the side to the center of the nail. This will help prevent jagged edges that can catch on clothing or furniture.
Finally, remember to disinfect your tools after each use. Soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70% to 90% isopropyl alcohol and use it to scrub your nail clippers or scissors. Rinse the tools in hot water and dry them completely before putting them away.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to trim your nails once a week. Nails grow about 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) every month, so trimming them regularly will prevent them from growing too long or wild.
You can use nail clippers, manicure scissors, or a filing tool like an emery board. If you are cutting your toenails, use toenail clippers or toenail nippers if your toenails are thick.
Cut your nails straight across, avoiding any rounded edges or "V" shapes. Cut each nail in a series of small cuts, rather than one large cut, to prevent bending and weakening the nail. File your nails after cutting to smooth out any rough edges and shape them as desired.
