How to Have Pretty Toenails

Co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi

Last Updated: October 4, 2024 Approved

If you're worried about your feet being spring- and summer-ready, the first problem area you should address is your toenails. To create pretty toenails, you need to first make sure your toenails are healthy. By trimming them and adding a pop of color, your toes will be ready for sandal weather.

Things You Should Know

For an appealing shape, clip your toenails from one side to the other using multiple short clips, then file the edges until they’re smooth. Professional nail tech Marta Nagorska says, “don’t cut the entire nail in one go. This will unnecessarily bend and weaken your nail at the sides.”

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Keeping Toenails Healthy

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Use petroleum jelly or other oil such as almond oil or shea butter to make toenails softer. Toenails can harden over time, but petroleum jelly or oil can keep them softer, which means you will have an easier time trimming them.^{[1]
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Research source} Oil also helps to moisturize the nail, which prevents chipping.
- Don't forget to rub oil around the cuticle, as well, as that can make the cuticle look better. This process also helps moisturize the nail.
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Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers. These types of polish removers can dry out toenails, causing them to split or crack. ^{[2]
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- Non-acetone nail polish removers use ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl ketone to remove nail polish. Look for a label that says "non-acetone."^{[3]
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- Be aware that because non-acetone nail polish removers are not as harsh, you might have to work a little harder to remove your nail polish.^{[4]
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According to studies, taking this vitamin-B based supplement can help create stronger nails and toenails.
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See a doctor if your nails are significantly yellowed. Yellow nails can be sign of other health problems.^{[5]
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- For instance, if your nails are yellow and separating from the skin, it could be a sign of thyroid disease or psoriasis.
- Yellow nails without separating could be a sign of a respiratory disease, infection, or diabetes.^{[6]
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Part 2

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Trimming and Cleaning Toenails

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Clip toenails once a week. Long toenails increase your chances of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and require medical attention. Long toenails are also uncomfortable when you wear shoes with closed toes because the nails dig into the shoe, placing pressure on your toenails.^{[7]
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Research source} Trimming regularly also helps to keep your toenails from splitting.
- Trim your toenails until they are about the length of your toes. If they are too long, they will split. Too short toenails can lead to ingrown toenails.^{[8]
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- Square off your toenails rather than curving them. Squaring off your toenails helps prevent ingrown toenails, as the edges keep the skin from crowding back over the toe.^{[9]
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By checking in regularly with your toenails, you can make sure they stay in shape.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist

Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.} Also, always file in one direction, as moving the file back and forth can tear or break toenails.^{[11]
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Cuticles help stop infection, and trimming cuticles opens up the possibility of your skin becoming infected.^{[12]
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Lightly use a nail buffer to help remove stains from the tops of your nails.^{[13]
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Clean under your nails with a toothbrush. The toothbrush helps remove any dirt under your toenails. In the shower, add a little soap to the toothbrush, and then scrub your toenails clean. Be sure not to scrub too hard, as you could break the skin.
- If you want your toenails whiter, use a whitening toothpaste in addition to the toothbrush.

Part 3

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Painting Toenails

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You can move the cuticle out of the way for painting but don't force it to the point of breaking.^{[14]
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The base coat creates a stronger bond between the toenail and the polish, meaning you won't need to touch up the color as often.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist

Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.} Also, a base coat can help protect the nails against stains when you do remove the polish.^{[16]
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While your big toenail might need a bit more polish, generally you apply a center stroke, then spread it out to the right and left. Let the polish smooth itself out by getting a big drop on the brush, then gently rolling it out with the brush.^{[17]
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^{[18]
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Research source} The top coat adds extra shine and protection.
Use a small brush or piece of tissue and nail polish remover to clean up the nail polish you get on your skin.^{[19]
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Cold water can help set your nail polish, but hot water can cause your nails to expand, which can lead to cracking.^{[20]
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Have a good selection of nail polish on hand, so you always have the color you want, especially if you are trying to match your toenails to your outfit.
- Glittery polishes tend to last longer on your toenails than non-shimmery polishes. ^{[21]
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- Use polishes that claim to be "three-free." That means that they don't contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate. These chemicals can be harmful over time.^{[22]
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If you're shy, don't go with funky neon orange. For classy events, try French tips.
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Try fancy designs. An easy way to create fancy designs for your toes is to paint them on a plastic bag or parchment paper first. Once you are done, you can peel it off and adhere it to your toe with a base and top coat.^{[23]
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- Stickers and tape can help you create interesting designs. Lay down a base color, and let it dry. Use stickers or tape to create an interesting design that you paint in with another color. You can do curves, star bursts, or even just split the nail down the middle.^{[24]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I keep cuticles healthy?

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.

Lindsay Yoshitomi

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Invest in a high quality cuticle oil to help hydrate your cuticles and always put it on after any nail polish has cured.

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Question

What does cuticle oil do?

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.

Lindsay Yoshitomi

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

It just keeps your skin hydrated. Your cuticles can dry out, especially if you ever use any acetone or nail polish remover.

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What can I do if I have white-looking cracks on my toenails?

Community Answer

These white marks will eventually go away when your nail grows. If you find them unsightly, you can try making them less noticeable with a nail buffer, pumice stone, or file.

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Don't use nail hardeners, as most are not backed by clinical studies.^{[25]
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Plan ahead for holidays by having those colors on hand, such as red and green for Christmas.

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Always know that toenails take longer to grow/sort their problems than fingernails, so if you do break a toenail or have a fungal nail treatment remember it will take time! Return to your doctor if the problem hasn't cleared up in the given time frame.

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