Even Out Your Fingernails: Tips And Tricks For Consistency

Having uneven fingernails can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to grow them out. Luckily, there are several ways to even out your fingernails and keep them looking neat and tidy. Firstly, it's important to trim your nails regularly and maintain a consistent length. You can use nail clippers or scissors, but remember to disinfect them before use. After trimming, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges. File in one direction only to avoid weakening your nails. Additionally, consider the shape of your nails—nails should be longer than they are wide to make your fingers appear longer and slimmer. Avoid the inverted triangle shape by filing down the edges to achieve a flattering rectangular shape. To strengthen your nails, you can apply cuticle oil or nail hardener, and don't forget to moisturize your hands and nails regularly.

Cut nails straight across

Cutting your nails straight across is a widely recommended practice for toenails. Trimming toenails in this manner is believed to prevent issues with the toenail, such as ingrown toenails, which can be painful. It is also said to be especially beneficial for children's toenails. However, it's important to note that everyone's nails are different, and some people may require alternative trimming techniques.

When cutting your nails straight across, it is advised to leave a tiny bit of white nail visible above the nail bed. This precaution helps prevent injury and ingrown toenails. While some sources recommend rounding the edges slightly with an emery board, others suggest simply cutting off the corners to smooth them out, avoiding sharp edges.

It is important to be gentle when trimming your nails. Soaking your nails before trimming can also be beneficial, as it softens the nails, making them easier to cut. Additionally, moisturising your nails after trimming can help maintain their flexibility and prevent dryness and splitting.

While the focus here is on toenails, it is worth noting that the principles of straight-across cutting can also be applied to fingernails. However, the specific shape you choose for your fingernails may depend on factors such as the natural shape of your fingers and nail beds, as well as your personal preferences.

Moisturise your nails

Dry nails are more prone to splits, breakage, peeling, and chipping. They can also lead to your cuticle cracking at the nail base, increasing the likelihood of infection. The good news is that if you take the time to moisturize your dry nails, and do so properly, repairing dry nails can usually happen pretty quickly.

Moisturizing your nails is simple. You can use your regular hand cream or a moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acids. Alternatively, oils tend to absorb into the nail even better than creams, especially products with sunflower oil and Brazil nut oil, both of which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness.

After washing your hands, apply a moisturizer. You can also apply a moisturizer after a bath or shower to lock in any remaining moisture from the water. For intensive moisturizing, apply liberal amounts of hand cream or petroleum jelly before bed, then pull on some gloves or socks. You can also try the K-beauty trend of nail slugging, which involves applying a thick, occlusive agent on top of your exfoliated, moisturized nail bed to seal in moisture and improve absorption. After applying your cream or oil, coat each nail in a thick layer of ointment, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, and then put on cotton gloves to keep everything locked in.

In addition to moisturizing, you can also take steps to avoid drying out your nails. Wear gloves when cleaning or doing the dishes, as the use of soap and the action of scrubbing can dry out your hands and nails. Use a mild soap when possible, and avoid long, hot baths or showers, as hot water is especially drying to the skin and nails.

File nails in one direction

Filing your nails in one direction is a good method to ensure they remain strong and healthy. Filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion can weaken your nails, so it is best to avoid this method. Instead, use smooth strokes in a single direction, filing down the length of the nail. As you finish the stroke, lift the file away from the nail and then go in for another stroke.

It is important to remember that you will make hundreds of individual strokes when filing and shaping your nails, so be conscious of your form. File most shapes from the edges toward the centre. For rounded or pointed shapes, start by filing the outside edges of your nail and work your way toward the centre. This allows for a smooth and gradual curve. For stiletto nails, focus only on filing the sides of the nail into straight lines that meet at the end. Then, file down the very tip to make it slightly blunt to avoid any accidental injuries.

The type of nail file you use is also important. While there are several types of nail files available, it is recommended to use a soft-grit nail file. Emery board files are affordable and effective. Use a file with a softer grit of around 180-200 for the smoothest filing experience and to prevent the edges of your nails from looking rough. Grits below 180 can be too harsh and cause damage to your nails.

Before you begin filing your nails, it is important to thoroughly wash and dry your hands with soap and warm water. This will help remove any oil or debris that might interfere with the process.

Avoid the inverted triangle shape

The shape of your nails can make your fingers appear either slender or short and stumpy. While you are stuck with the natural shape of your hands and fingers, you can manipulate the shape of your nails to create more flattering proportions.

Some nails naturally grow into an inverted triangle shape past a certain length, where the tip of the nail becomes wider than the rest of the nail. This means that the flattering rectangular shape is lost, and fingers appear wider. If your nails are like this, simply file down the edges so that each nail has the same width all over.

To get thinner-looking nails, leave a tiny strip on each side unpainted when applying nail polish. No one will be able to tell, but your nails will appear thinner in relation to the width of your fingers.

If you have short nail beds, a square shape may make your nails appear shorter and stubbier. For longer nail beds, a square shape can complement the nail and add length to the finger. If you have wider nail beds, a rounded shape may be more flattering unless you can carry a lot of length.

If you want to elongate your fingers, you can experiment with longer nails. Even a few additional millimetres can make a big difference.

Apply cuticle oil

Applying cuticle oil is an essential step in maintaining the health and appearance of your nails. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, and may be enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.

To apply cuticle oil, start by preparing your nails and cuticles. Remove any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Then, wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to clean your nails and soften the cuticles. Take a small amount of cuticle oil, about a drop or two, and apply it to your cuticles with a brush or applicator. You can also use a face oil if you have one. Massage the oil into your cuticles and leave it on for at least 5 to 10 minutes to allow the oil to fully absorb and provide maximum hydration. For deeper hydration, you can leave the oil on for longer, such as overnight, by wearing gloves or finger cots.

For best results, apply cuticle oil to your nails at least once a day or as needed. However, you can apply it more frequently, up to three or even ten times a day, if your cuticles are particularly dry or if you engage in activities that dry out your nails, such as frequent handwashing. Reapply the oil after washing your hands, as soap and water can be drying for nails.

Frequently asked questions