How To Cut Your Toenails

Cutting your toenails is one of those everyday hygiene tasks many of us take for granted. We’ve all been doing it for years. Unfortunately, this simple task can easily become difficult, painful and lead to problems like infections and ingrown toenails if done incorrectly. So, how do you cut your toenails properly and keep your feet happy and healthy?

Here are some top tips

• Choose between scissors and toenail clippers.
  Scissors are ideal for flexible, thin toenails where clippers are best suited for thicker toenails that are tougher to cut. Also, note that toenail clippers are designed for toenails—fingernail clippers are often too small to be effective on toenails.
• Cut following the arch of your nail.
  You’ll notice the white section of your nail is shaped a bit like a rainbow. When you cut, follow that curve to maintain a standard amount of white nail above the curve at any point.
• Cut your nails when they’re dry.
  Wet toenails are more likely to tear or bend.
• File down any sharp edges.
  Sharp edges can dig into the skin and can lead to ingrown toenails or infections.

Thick or tough toenails?

Our podiatrist-recommended nail clippers have been specifically designed with thick toenails in mind, featuring ergonomically shaped, soft rubber handles that make them easy to use and grip. We recommend them here in the clinic to anyone with thick toenails wanting a reliable pair of clippers.

Check them out here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final thoughts and tips

• Trim your toenails regularly. Everyone’s toenails grow at different rates so figure out your ideal frequency. This is before they get long enough to rub against your shoes and cause pain. For most people, this is every couple of weeks.
• If you find it difficult to cut your own nails, see a podiatrist. Don’t underestimate the value of having your nails cut correctly, giving you the peace of mind that infections, ingrowing toenails and other niggly skin and nail problems can be managed correctly, resolved, or even prevented.
• If you like to cut your nails and then apply nail polish, we recommend using Kester Black. Made up of all things great and wonderful to improve nail health and you won’t be disappointed with their colour range either.