Buzz
Image: Mytour / David HattanWhile professional manicures can be fantastic, finding the time, energy, or budget to visit a salon isn't always realistic. Fortunately, having the right tools at home lets you create salon-quality results yourself. Reliable, precise, and user-friendly nail clippers are a must-have for maintaining nails, especially if you prefer to do your own mani-pedis that require some dedication.
To guide you in selecting the best nail clippers for your collection, we invested hours researching clippers suited for different needs. We also consulted Queenie Nguyen, a renowned celebrity nail artist, and Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood, to get professional insights on what features make the best nail clippers stand out.
Top Pick
Kohm Nail Clippers with Wide Jaw
Image: AmazonThis versatile nail clipper boasts a sharp, easy-to-use blade.
This clipper may not be ideal for tackling ingrown or infected nails.
The Kohm Nail Clippers are built for durability and style, offering a design suited for both fingernails and toenails. Featuring stainless steel blades, these anti-slip clippers are antimicrobial and incredibly sharp, preventing nail bed infections and ensuring a clean, precise cut every time.
We love how easy these clippers are to use, featuring a longer handle and a flexible spring for improved control with minimal effort. These high-quality clippers are ideal for at-home nail care and justify their slightly higher price tag.
Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 5.63 x 2.76 x 0.87 inches | Blade Shape: Curved
Best Value
Revlon Compact Nail Clipper
Image: AmazonThis budget-friendly, travel-sized clipper is perfect for on-the-go use.
It may not be suitable for thicker nails, such as toenails.
Designed with affordability in mind, these compact clippers feature a stainless steel curved blade, ideal for trimming and shaping fingernails. While the small size may not fit larger nails like those on the toes, the Revlon Compact Nail Clipper compensates with its low price and portable convenience. It also includes a textured lever to help you maintain a firm grip during use.
Material: Steel | Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 2.2 inches | Blade Shape: Curved
Best for Thick Nails
Seki Edge Professional Nail Clippers
Image: AmazonThis clipper offers additional leverage, making it ideal for cutting thick nails.
It comes at a higher price compared to some other choices on the market.
The Seki Edge Nail Clippers stand out as one of the top-tier choices available. Crafted with a stainless steel blade that ensures clean, accurate cuts with its curved edge, these professional-grade clippers are designed for precision. The ergonomic tool features a multi-leveled textured lever with a die-cast design for a comfortable, secure grip.
One standout feature of these clippers is the wide 2-millimeter mouth, which sets them apart from other models. This size allows them to easily cut through thick, tough nails on both fingers and toes. With its versatile and user-friendly design, the Seki Edge Nail Clippers are an excellent investment.
Material: Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel | Dimensions: 4 x 0.79 x 0.79 inches | Blade Shape: Curved
Best for Toenails
Sally Hansen Control Grip Toenail Clipper
Image: AmazonDesigned with a contoured handle for improved control during use.
There is no integrated nail file included with this clipper.
The Sally Hansen Treat Your Toes Control Grip Toenail Clippers are the ideal tool to prepare your feet for summer. Equipped with a sharp, wide stainless steel blade, these clippers effortlessly cut through thick toenails, requiring minimal pressure on the lever.
These clippers also feature a built-in nail catcher, making cleanup after your DIY pedicure a breeze. Unlike many bulky toenail clippers, they are compact enough for easy travel but large enough to provide a secure, comfortable grip. While they offer great value and performance, they do lack a nail file, meaning you'll need an additional tool for a complete at-home pedicure.
Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 2.81 x 6.5 x 0.84 inches | Blade Shape: Curved
Ideal for Ingrown Nails
Wanmat Toenail Clipper
Image: AmazonThese professional-grade clippers are specifically designed to navigate around ingrown or thick toenails.
The unique design may take some time to get accustomed to.
If you're looking to prevent ingrown nails before they develop, the Wanmat Toe Nail Clipper for Ingrown or Thick Toenails is an ideal choice. With a lightweight design, it is easy to handle and allows you to separate the ingrown part of the nail from the base. The ultra-soft grip adds comfort and ensures ergonomic use. The pointed stainless steel blade helps prevent bacterial infections when properly sanitized. Though the unique shape is excellent for tackling ingrown nails, it may require some practice to master the technique.
Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 6.14 x 2.91 x 0.75 inches | Edge Shape: Pointed
Best for Ergonomics
GlossyEnd EZ Grip 360-Degree Nail Clipper
PHOTO: AmazonThe handles rotate, allowing you to avoid awkward angles during use.
It may not be as convenient for travel as some other options.
The GlossyEnd EZ Grip 360 Degree Rotary Fingernail Toenail Clipper stands out for its ergonomic design. Thanks to its rotating mechanism, you won't struggle with uncomfortable angles. Its non-slip lever provides a secure grip, and the semi-fluted bottom ensures that your fingers can comfortably hold and squeeze the tool with ease.
The large yet lightweight design of these clippers allows you to easily view more of the nail surface, ensuring a precise cut every time. As with other high-quality models, the blade is curved and made of durable stainless steel, making it suitable for both fingernails and toenails.
Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 4 x 1 x 1 inches | Edge Shape: Curved
Best Clipping Catcher
Mr. Green Nail Clippers with Catcher
PHOTO: AmazonThe blade is extremely sharp and comes with a convenient catcher for collecting your nail clippings.
The handle is somewhat small, making it harder to grip comfortably for some users.
Cleaning up after a manicure or pedicure is never fun, particularly when you stumble upon stray nail clippings weeks later. That's where Mr. Green's nail clipper, with its built-in catcher for those hard-to-find clippings, really shines.
Crafted from a blend of alloy and stainless steel, these sleek, gold-hued clippers are generously sized, making them a great all-in-one solution. The ergonomic lever ensures a comfortable grip and easy use. The sharp, curved blade with an overbite style easily cuts through even thicker nails. Available in four sizes, you can choose the one that fits your hands and feet best.
Material: Alloy steel and stainless steel | Size: 5 by 0.6 by 0.6 inches | Edge Shape: Curved
Best Set
Tweezerman Combo Clipper Set
PHOTO: AmazonThis set is specially crafted to handle both toenails and fingernails separately.
The handles could benefit from better grip.
The Tweezerman Combo Nail Clipper Set features two high-quality clippers, perfect for those who prefer dedicated tools for their fingernails and toenails. The smaller clipper has a curved edge for precise shaping and trimming, while the larger one is straight to easily handle the thickness of toenails. Both tools are made from durable stainless steel, ensuring easy cleaning and sanitation. While the overall design is excellent, a textured grip would provide a firmer hold during use.
Material: Stainless steel | Size: 0.8 by 2.9 by 6.3 inches | Edge Shape: Curved
Best for Cuticles
Ejiubas Cuticle Trimmer
Ejiubas Cuticle Trimmer and Cuticle Pusher.
PHOTO: AmazonThis tool set includes a cuticle pusher, which is perfect for both nail care and removing polish.
This set is not designed for regular nail trimming.
Even the most indulgent manicure or pedicure can be ruined by painful cuticles and hangnails. Fortunately, this tool is specifically designed to tackle both, ensuring your nails stay clean and your cuticles remain intact.
Made from durable stainless steel, you won't have to worry about this tool rusting over time. The rubberized handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, while the sharp, pointed snipper allows for precise targeting of the cuticle area without damaging surrounding skin. It also includes a dual-ended cuticle pusher with one side for scraping and the other for pushing, and it can even be used to remove gel polish.
Material: Stainless steel | Size: 5.51 by 4.92 by 0.24 inches | Edge Shape: Pointed
Best for Children
FridaBaby NailFrida The SnipperClipper Set
PHOTO: Courtesy of AmazonThe safety spyhole lets you see exactly what you're clipping, making it safer to use.
It is not suitable for adults.
Tiny nails need tiny clippers, and Frida's SnipperClipper Set is just right for babies and toddlers. Featuring curved, overlapping blades, this stainless steel clipper is gentle yet efficient. Unlike other clippers, this one has a "safety spyhole" that lets you see what you're clipping to avoid nicking your little one's skin. It also includes an S-shaped nail file to smooth rough edges and prevent painful scratches. For additional baby nail care, the brand also offers a popular buffer.
Material: Stainless steel | Size: 3.11 by 0.91 by 0.51 inches | Edge Shape: Curved
Final Verdict
The Kohm Nail Clippers for Thick Nails earn our Best Overall title due to their ergonomic design and sharp precision. Made from lightweight stainless steel, this tool is compact enough to fit easily in your nail kit, making it perfect for travel (and it works for both fingers and toes). If you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice, the Revlon Compact Nail Clipper is a simple, effective, and portable option.
How to Shop for Nail Clippers Like a Pro
Material
Stainless steel is the top choice for nail clippers, thanks to its long-lasting durability, ease of cleaning, and sharp precision. According to Nguyen, "Stainless steel nail clippers are resistant to rust and incredibly sturdy." It's also simple to sanitize stainless steel, which is vital for keeping your tools free from germs and infections after each use. While additional features like padded handles can improve grip, the blade itself should always be stainless steel for the sharpest, most accurate cuts.
Size and Shape
When selecting the perfect nail clipper, it’s important to consider your nail shape, size, and thickness. As Hanna suggests, "Since everyone’s hands are different, it's essential to find a tool that feels comfortable in your grip." Smaller clippers with curved blades work best for fingernails, while larger ones are more suitable for thick toenails.
Additionally, you need to decide if you want an all-in-one tool for general nail care or a specialized tool for specific tasks, such as cutting through thick toenails or managing ingrown nails. Choosing multi-size clipper sets ensures you’ll always have the right tool to quickly and easily trim longer or tougher nails.
Ergonomics
Nail clippers with a longer lever, padded grips, and a larger surface area on the handle make it more comfortable to use. Stay away from clippers that are too small or lack an ergonomic design, as they can make it difficult to get a secure hold and provide the necessary leverage for a safe and effective trim.
Questions You Might Ask
How do you know when it's time to replace your nail clippers?
If you find that you need to exert extra pressure to get a clean, sharp cut, it’s time to replace your clippers. As Hanna points out, "Dull clippers can tear and crack your nails—if they aren't giving you a smooth cut anymore, it’s time to get a new pair."
Nguyen adds that it’s also worth checking for rust or dirt buildup on the clippers. Using a tool that isn’t clean can lead to issues like infections, which can be recurring and hard to treat.
What nail clippers do podiatrists use?
Podiatrists typically rely on specialized tools designed to penetrate the nail bed effectively, enabling them to safely address thicker nails or areas of infection, removing any problem areas with precision.
"These tools resemble a pair of pliers and feature a sharp, curved blade," Nguyen explains. Compared to the clippers used by nail professionals or the general public, medical-grade clippers are larger, offer improved grip, and come at a higher price.
Is there a difference between toenail clippers and fingernail clippers?
Although you can use standard clippers for both your fingernails and toenails, it’s common to use smaller clippers with curved edges for fingernails. These clippers provide more control, as fingernails are generally smaller and more delicate than toenails.
On the other hand, toenail clippers typically have thicker blades designed to handle denser nails, longer levers for a cleaner cut, and usually a straight edge. That said, you can still use your clippers interchangeably based on what tools are available and the thickness of your nails.
Trust Us on This
This piece was written by Grace Parsons, a seasoned beauty industry expert with extensive experience across cosmetics, skincare, and wellness sectors, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a contributor at Mytour. They meticulously researched numerous websites and brands to identify the best nail clippers, focusing on factors like size, material, and usability. In addition, they consulted with Queenie Nguyen, a celebrity nail artist at Nailing Hollywood, and Mazz Hanna, the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, for their professional perspectives on selecting the top nail clippers.
