All you need to maintain your nails is a basic pair of clippers and a file. However, be cautious; careless clipping can lead to irregular nails or painful ingrown ones. Adopt the correct approach by using separate clippers for your fingers and toes. Shape the edges of your fingernails gently, and cut your toenails straight across. Keep these fundamental tips in mind as you trim your nails!
Procedure
Trimming Your Fingernails
Select smaller clippers. Fingernail clippers are smaller and feature a slightly curved cutting edge, matching the rounded shape of your fingernail tips.
- Toenail clippers, larger with a straight cutting edge, are unsuitable for fingernails and may cause damage if used.
Prepare the clippers. Lift and rotate the lever of the clippers. When you're set to trim your nails, grip the clippers in your hand. Position a fingernail between the two opposing cutting blades. Squeeze the upper and lower parts together to trim the nail's edge.
Select your starting point. Some individuals prefer starting with one nail, such as the pinky or thumb, and progress across the others sequentially. Alternatively, you could begin with your shortest nail. Trim it first, then match the length of the others accordingly. This method ensures uniform nail length.
- The cuticle, the rounded part where the nail meets the skin, serves as a guide. Trim the free edge of the nail to mimic this rounded edge.
Leave a small white margin at the edge. Refrain from trimming the nails too close to the skin, as this may increase the risk of injury. Instead, retain a portion of the white area of the nail. Unless you prefer longer nails, ensure the white portion doesn't extend beyond the fingertip.
Trimming Toenails
Opt for larger clippers designed for toenails. Given the thicker nature of toenails compared to fingernails, a sturdier tool is necessary. Toenail clippers are larger and feature a straight cutting edge, ensuring proper and safe nail shaping.
- Using fingernail clippers on thick toenails risks damaging either the clippers, the nails, or both.
- While individuals with smaller toes may use fingernail clippers on them, toenail clippers are still essential for larger toes.
Prepare your clippers. Similar to fingernail clippers, toenail clippers consist of two opposing blades held together by a pin. A third piece can swivel upwards and serve as a lever. Hold the clippers in your hand with the bottom part resting on your four fingers. Position the toenail you wish to cut between the blades, then press down on the lever with your thumb.
Trim toenails straight across. Improper toenail cutting can lead to ingrown nails, resulting in discomfort and potential infection. To prevent such issues, ensure to cut toenails straight across, just beyond the skin of each toe.
- Rounding the edges of toenails increases the risk of them growing into the skin, causing pain and potential infection.
- Begin with the big toe and proceed to the others. Unlike fingernails, toenails may not end up being uniformly trimmed in length.
Seek professional assistance if toe problems arise. In the event of improperly cut toenails leading to an ingrown toenail, resist the urge to clip the protruding part. This can exacerbate the issue over time. Instead, consult a podiatrist for expert guidance in addressing the problem.
Maintaining Healthy Nails
Maintain regular nail trimming every few weeks. Consistent care is crucial for both fingernails and toenails. Trimming them before they grow too long reduces the risk of breakage or damage.
Use a nail file. While many nail clippers feature a built-in file or combination, an emery board provides a smoother finish. File your nails gently, moving the file in one direction to avoid rough edges.
Clean beneath your nails daily. Employ a brush and soap to gently scrub away dirt from underneath your nails. If your clippers include a pick, use it carefully to remove dirt without piercing the skin beneath the nail.
Trim hangnails cautiously, cutting only to the skin's base. Hangnails, common annoyances at the nail edge, can be clipped to alleviate discomfort. Use fingernail or toenail clippers and avoid cutting too deep, as it can cause pain.
Sanitize your tools regularly. Given that nails harbor dirt and bacteria, it's essential to clean and disinfect your clippers to prevent germ transfer. Follow these steps:
- Use separate clippers for fingers and toes.
- Prefer using your own clippers over sharing with others.
- After use, clean and disinfect your clippers. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can effectively sanitize them.