Q&A for How to Cut Your Fingernails and Toenails

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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.
    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.
  • Question
    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.
  • Question
    What if I made a mistake and I'm bleeding?
    Community Answer
    Quickly clean the wound and cover with a band aid. If the bleeding doesn't stop after a few minutes, contact a doctor.
  • Question
    Where is the proper place in the house to cut my nails?
    Community Answer
    It's best to trim your nails in a place that's private and not near food-related areas. This could be a bathroom or a bedroom. Be sure to dispose of any clippings.
  • Question
    If I cut my nails once a week, how fast will they grow back?
    Community Answer
    Fingernails and toenails grow at a steady rate whether you cut them or not. If you want longer nails, cut them less often. Short nails prevent too much dirt from sticking under long fingernails.
  • Question
    How do I file my nails?
    Community Answer
    Take a nail file, and hold it against the tip of your nail. Gently move it to the side, then bring it back to the tip of your nail. Do not sweep your file back and forth across your nail, as this can damage it. Start with a coarser file to get the shape, and finish off with a finer grit to smooth the nail.
  • Question
    How do I cut my fingernails without them looking really bad?
    Community Answer
    Look up pictures of nice, healthy cut nails and try to work from them! It takes practice, but putting time into your appearance makes a big difference. You could go to a spa and get a manicure and pedicure. They'll be able to fix your nails and get them looking healthy; then you'll be able to have something to work off of. Ask whoever's doing your nails for tips too.
  • Question
    How do I find a specific nail cutter for toenails?
    Community Answer
    Usually the pharmacy can offer good advice on what tool would be appropriate.
  • Question
    How can I prevent ingrown toenails?
    Community Answer
    Try to only cut straight, and do not cut along the rose part. It is normal that you have your "white nail" in the edges of your toe/finger.
  • Question
    How often do you recommend regular toenail cutting?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    It really depends on the person. I have to cut my toenails every 1-2 weeks because I dance on pointe, so I don't want to stand on my toenails instead of my toes. My friend cuts her toe nails once a month or so because she doesn't do any sports.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have an ingrown toenail?
    Community Answer
    The best thing to do if you have an ingrown toenail is to go see your doctor and see what she/he can do before it digs in deeper.
  • Question
    When should I start cutting my fingernails?
    Community Answer
    An individual should start cutting their fingers when the nail hangs approximately one centimeter from the tips of their fingers, for the sake of both safety and practicality.
  • Question
    What do I do if someone has toenails that can't be cut with anything?
    Community Answer
    Use a toenail grinder.
  • Question
    How can I tell if my finger and toenails need to be cut?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend cutting your fingernails every week. When they grow past the tips of your fingers, they are too long. Toenails should be cut every 3 or 4 weeks, following the same rule. Don't cut the corners too much; this can cause ingrown toenails, which are very painful.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have an ingrown fingernail that is painful?
    Community Answer
    Try to cut around it but if it continues to hurt after a few days, you will need to see a doctor.
  • Question
    What is the optimum time duration between nail cuttings for children?
    Community Answer
    Every 2 - 3 weeks, depending on how fast the nails grow.
  • Question
    Why does it tickle when I cut my big toenail?
    Community Answer
    Nerve endings in your fingers and toes are very sensitive to touch.
  • Question
    Should I cut my toenails straight across?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It decreases the chance of an ingrown toenail, but if you would prefer to remove the sharp corners on the side, it would be wise to cut the edges into small curves with a manicure cutter, as they are small and suitable for cutting a thin small nail.
  • Question
    Where can I get a nail file?
    Community Answer
    You can get a nail file at a pharmacy or grocery store in the personal care aisle.
  • Question
    How often do you cut your nail?
    Community Answer
    About once a week, unless you're trying to let them grow long, and then only as needed, such as if the nail is chipped.
  • Question
    What should I do if my nails hurt a little because I over-cut them?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, there is not much you can do. You can try to put ice on them to ease the pain, but it should subside on its own. Be careful not to over-cut them next time.
  • Question
    What if I cut my nails too short?
    Community Answer
    You will still be able to paint them, but they may be slightly painful until they grow back a little bit.
  • Question
    Why do my fingernails tend to split on the side of the nail? This makes it harder to file out the break or split.
    HappyUnicorn
    Community Answer
    I think your nails might be weak. When they split, cut them with nail clippers or nail scissors. Don't use nail hardener, soak them in olive oil 15 minutes per day.
  • Question
    What if my toenails are thick and it's hard to clip them?
    Holdencaulfield
    Community Answer
    Soak your fingers and toes in a container filled with warm water for about twenty minutes. This should be long enough to soften the nails, in turn allowing for them to be easily trimmed. Use sturdy nail clippers to cut the nails.
  • Question
    What if I have rough skin outside of my nail?
    Community Answer
    A little cuticle oil/cream should help to soften that.
  • Question
    Where do I put nail clipping after cutting them?
    Community Answer
    You can put your nail clippings in the trash or compost bin after you cut them.
  • Question
    How do you use a trimmer to cut your nails, because the trimmer is thin and the nail is thick?
    Community Answer
    Hold the trimmer horizontally with the cutting unit facing either up down. Trim hairs using an upward or downward motion, against or with the direction of hair growth, whichever you prefer.
  • Question
    I really dislike cutting my nails. I always feel like the cutters are going to pinch my skin. Any advice?
    Community Answer
    Use a file instead, but not just any file. You will need jojoba or sweet almond oil as well. Use the oil on your hands, on your cuticles, and under your nails, and then use an authentic glass nail file such as one from Germanikure. It is worth the investment.
  • Question
    I always cut the white tips of my nails completely off, because I can't stand the yellowish tint they get when dirt builds up underneath. Nail scrubbers don't really help. What should I do?
    CuteSofia
    Community Answer
    You can use tweezers. Just scrape them under every nail.
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