How to cut toenails correctly
Cutting toenails correctly: After a warm foot bath, cut the nail straight – not round –, leave a narrow margin and do not round off the corners. This prevents ingrown nails. Then smooth any sharp edges with a file.
Cutting toenails – step by step
- Soften: Bathe your feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes so the nails are easier to cut.
- Choose the right tool: Use straight toenail scissors or – for thick nails – toenail nippers.
- Cut straight: Cut the nail straight across, not round – this prevents ingrown nails.
- Not too short: Leave a narrow margin and do not cut the corners into the skin.
- Smooth the edges: Carefully file sharp corners with a nail file so nothing catches or tears.
Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails – as a rule, they need attention only every three to four weeks. Allow a little time for cutting and care, and follow the points above. The video shows the correct technique step by step:
The right tool for toenails
These make the straight cut described above easy:
- Toenail scissors – straight blade, made for thick toenails
- Nail nippers Basic – for hard nails where scissors reach their limit
- Concave nippers Basic model – cuts even heavily thickened nails safely
Which tool for thick & strong toenails?
Strong nails – toenails above all – need more cutting power than ordinary scissors provide. Which tool is right depends mainly on how thick the nail is.
Nail nippers with double lever – for very hard nails
Double-lever nippers with a buffer or double spring are built to cut stubborn nails with far less effort – which is why podiatrists reach for them too. The spring boosts even light pressure, so the cut goes cleanly through.
- clean cut with almost no effort
- smooth action thanks to the double lever
- ribbed handle for a secure grip
- suitable for left- and right-handed users
- rustproof, sterilisable stainless steel – nickel-free and therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers
Less suitable: for thin toe- and fingernails. Some people also find double-lever nippers a little heavy in the hand – in that case classic nail nippers or nail clippers are the better choice.
Concave nippers – for corners and ingrown nails
A concave nipper is a special form of nail nipper with a very fine, tapered blade. It reaches the nail corners far better and lets you cut along the natural shape of the nail – ideal for thick and ingrown nails. The classic version has a flame-pointed head.
Nail scissors – for thinner nails
Nail scissors are particularly good for thinner finger- or toenails. They come with pointed or curved blades, and in an extra-fine super-pointed version for detailed work. For travelling, combination scissors that work for both cuticles and nails are practical.
Straight or curved head?
The curved shape follows the natural line of the nail comfortably. The straight shape is easier to guide and suits the front area of toenails as well as the thumbnail and big toenail. For large hands, the longer 14 or 16 cm versions are more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions about cutting toenails
How often should you cut your toenails?
Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. As a rule, cutting them every three to four weeks is enough.
Should toenails be cut straight or round?
Always cut toenails straight across and do not round the corners too much. That is the best way to prevent ingrown nails.
Which tool is right for thick toenails?
For thick, hard toenails, sturdy double-lever nail nippers for toenails or a concave nipper are ideal, because ordinary scissors are often too weak here.
Nail nippers or nail scissors – which is better?
It depends on the thickness of the nail: nail scissors are ideal for thinner finger- and toenails, nail nippers and concave nippers for thick, hard or ingrown nails where scissors lack cutting power.
Buy tools for feet and toenails
Matching categories: Nail nippers for toenails, Toenail scissors, Concave nippers for thick nails, Double-lever nippers