How to Cut Nails Properly?

Cutting your nails properly prevents ingrown nails and keeps them looking neat. Here's how to do it:

Choosing Your Method: Three Approaches

There are three primary methods for cutting your nails, as demonstrated in the video:

Across the Center, Then the Ends: First, make a straight cut across the center of the nail. Then, trim any remaining corners or sharp edges. This method is ideal for maintaining a straight nail shape.
Ends First, Then Across: Start by carefully trimming the corners and edges of your nails. After shaping the sides, cut straight across the center. This is helpful for those who prefer a more precise approach to shaping.
Straight Across: This is the simplest technique, involving a single straight cut across the nail. It's quick, but requires more attention to detail to avoid sharp edges and uneven trimming.

Use Sharp Nail Clippers: Dull clippers can cause splitting and breakage. Replace them regularly.
Cut Straight Across: Avoid rounding the corners excessively, which increases the risk of ingrown nails.
Keep Nails Short to Moderate Length: This minimizes stress on the nails and reduces the chances of them catching or breaking.
File Smooth: After clipping, use a nail file to smooth any rough edges. File in one direction to avoid splitting.
Consider Nail Shape: Tailor your cutting technique to achieve your desired nail shape (e.g., square, rounded, oval).

To avoid painful ingrown nails:

Cut Straight Across: This is crucial. Rounding corners can cause the nail to grow into the skin.
Keep Nails Clean: Cleanliness reduces the risk of infection.