Pro Tips For Cutting Your Nails

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Learn the right way to trim and shape your nails at home

Co-authored by Marta Nagorska and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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How to Trim Your Nails

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Caring for Your Nails

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FAQs

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Trimming 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. But how do you cut your nails correctly and safely? We’ve put everything you’ll need in this guide, from step-by-step cutting instructions to expert advice from nail artist Marta Nagorska. With our help, you’ll be able to keep your fingernails and toenails looking their best.

Cuttting Your Nails: Quick Tips

Cut your nails right after a shower or bath so they're softer. Use nail clippers to cut each nail straight across with multiple cuts. Then, take a nail file and use long swipes to smooth out and shape the nail.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Trim Your Nails

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Soften your nails first by soaking them in water or showering. Softening your nails will make them easier to trim and less likely to split. After soaking or showering, dry off your nails.^{[1]
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- This step is especially important for toenails. Toenails tend to be thicker and tougher than fingernails, especially on your big toe.
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Make small cuts straight across your nail. Cut your nails using a series of small cuts rather than one large cut. As Nagorska explains, cutting the entire nail in one go will “unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides. Instead, clip the nail a few times, starting at one side, going across the nail to the other side.”^{[2]
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Marta Nagorska
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Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.}
- Round out the nail at the edge with a small cut. This helps the nail stay strong and reduces the chance of developing ingrown nails.^{[3]
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- Be careful not to cut too much. It can be tempting to keep trimming your nails, but if you trim too deeply, you can expose the sensitive skin beneath the nail and increase the risk of infection.^{[4]
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File your nails after you cut them. Nagorska advises using a nail file to shape your nails and make sure the edges of the nail are smooth.^{[5]
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Marta Nagorska
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Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.} Always file gently, in one long stroke, from the side to the center of the nail. Use the coarse, shaping side first if you need to remove more nail. Then, use the finer-grade shaping side to smooth your nails out.^{[6]
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- You don’t have to file your nails, but the process can help shape your nails exactly as you want them.
- Jagged nails can catch on clothes, socks, and pantyhose. If your nails catch on something, they may tear or break.
- Aim to make your nails slightly triangular or ovular but never pointed. This helps keep them from breaking. Nails can weaken if you file too deeply into the corners and sides.^{[7]
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Moisturize your nails. When you’re done trimming your nails, moisturize your nails and skin with a lotion of your choice. This helps bring moisture back into your nails, preventing splits and breakage.^{[8]
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- Look for lotions with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, as these will help replenish your skin best.^{[9]
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Section 2 of 3:

Caring for Your Nails

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Trim your nails once a week. Nails grow about ¹⁄₁₀ inch (2.5 mm) every month, meaning that it takes 3 to 6 months to grow a full nail.^{[10]
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Research source} If you cut your nails frequently—say, once each week or two—you won't need to worry about them growing too long or too wild.
- If your nails begin to hurt at the edges, you might be developing an ingrown nail; try to trim away the painful growth before it goes too deep, but it would be wiser to seek a health care professional.
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Leave your cuticles alone. It may be tempting to pick at or trim your cuticles when you’re cutting your nails, but do your best to leave them be. Cuticles protect your nail root, and cutting or pushing them back too aggressively could damage your nail or lead to an infection.^{[11]
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- Care for your cuticles by moisturizing regularly or using a cuticle oil to soften them before a manicure or pedicure.
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Choose the cutting tool that’s best for you. You can use nail clippers or manicure scissors to trim your nails. The choice is largely a matter of preference. Consider the pros and cons of each option:^{[12]
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- Nail clippers are cheap, simple, and widely available. They cut your nails along a set concave edge—which can be very convenient if the clippers fit your nails, but frustrating if the crescent is too large or too small. Toenail clippers usually feature a heavier bite and a straighter edge to contend with thicker nails and the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Manicure scissors are less common than nail clippers, but some people greatly prefer them. You may need somewhat more finesse to trim your nails with manicure scissors. However, you also have more control over the arc of the cut.
- Avoid using any other sharp-cutting tools—such as knives, razor blades, or regular scissors—to trim your nails. The tool may slip and injure the skin surrounding the nail.
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Clean your nails when you wash your hands. Regularly cleaning under your fingernails and toenails helps you stay healthy. Bacteria can grow under your nails, resulting in infections and split nails. To prevent this, wash and scrub under your nails every time you wash your hands or bathe.^{[13]
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- Nagorska recommends using a manicure brush to clean under your nails. Similarly, you can also use a wet wipe wrapped around a manicure stick or eyelash spoolie.^{[14]
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  Marta Nagorska
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  Expert Interview. 26 May 2021.}
Remember to clean your clippers after each use. If possible, buy your own set of nail-cutting tools and keep separate sets for your fingernails and toenails. Wash the implements regularly with a disinfectant to prevent infection. Dish detergent or antibacterial soap will do: just soak the cutting tools for 10 minutes in a bowl full of hot water and some soap.^{[15]
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EXPERT TIP

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist

Use a sanitizing spray to disinfect nail clippers between each use. This is especially important if you’re using the same clippers to cut your fingernails and toenails. First, clean the clippers with soapy water. Then, spray them with a sanitizing spray.
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Be mindful of where you cut your nails. Make sure that you set up a place for your nail clippings to go. Consider clipping your nails into a trashcan or compost bin. Hold your fingers and toes directly over the receptacle, and try to track down the clippings that fly astray. Try not to clip your nails in public spaces.
- You can compost fingernails and toenails. They won't add much bulk to the pile, but they are organic matter and will decompose. Don't try to compost fake nails (acrylics) or excessively polished nails, as these artificial materials will not degrade.

Section 3 of 3:

FAQs

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Why is it important to cut your fingernails? It’s important to cut your nails to prevent bacteria growth. Having good hand (and foot) hygiene is crucial to staying healthy. Cleaning and trimming your fingernails regularly helps you stay healthy.^{[16]
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2
Should nails be cut straight or curved? Nails should be cut straight when trimming. If you trim your nails at an angle, it could result in painful hangnails. Cut your nails straight across, then use a file to shape them as you like.^{[17]
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Is it better to cut fingernails wet or dry? Whether nails should be cut wet or dry is a controversial debate. Some believe they’re easier to cut when wet and prevent breakage and tearing, while others believe the opposite. All in all, health professionals recommend soaking your nails or taking a shower or bath before cutting them.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you cut your nails like a professional?

Marta Nagorska
Nail Artist
Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition.

Marta Nagorska

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Don't cut the entire nail in 1 go—this will unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides. Instead, cut each nail multiple times, working from 1 side of the nail to the other.

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How can I grow my nails faster?

Riley Savasta

Community Answer

The real solution to growing nails is time + not breaking your nails. That means no biting or picking your nails. Always keep nail polish on your nails to create an extra layer of protection, especially when your nails are in water because they will get softened. You could apply jojoba oil to your nails to make them sturdy, just apply it around and under your nails three times a day. You could also watch and subscribe to Simply Nailogical. She has very long nails and has a video on growing your nails as long as hers.

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What if I made a mistake and I'm bleeding?

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Quickly clean the wound and cover with a band aid. If the bleeding doesn't stop after a few minutes, contact a doctor.

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Tips

Every evening, smooth your nails with a nourishing oil or conditioning cream. This may help to seal moisture into your nails and prevent them from flaking and splitting. A great, cheap alternative to nourishing oil is a tiny drop of olive oil.

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Wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes. The main cause of soft nails is exposure to water. If your nails are wet and soft, be careful with them until they dry out.

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Trim your nails according to your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re a guitarist, you may prefer the nails on your picking hand to be shorter.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Never cut your nails too short as it can be painful. Only cut until you can see no more of the white free edge.
Don't pick up the habit of picking your fingers instead of biting them, as it will have the same result.
Cut toenails straight across so you're less likely to get painful ingrown toenails.

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