Toenail Care Tips

Well-kept toenails need little equipment, but the right order of steps. Here you will find the tools for the job – and the instructions to go with them.

Read more: the four steps and what tends to go wrong

In four steps

  • 1. Soak. Five to ten minutes in warm water. Softened nails cut noticeably more easily – with hard nails that saves you almost a whole class of tool.
  • 2. Cut straight. Not round. A straight cut is the most effective protection against ingrown nail corners.
  • 3. Not too short. The nail should finish flush with the tip of the toe. Cut it shorter and you invite the nail fold to close over the edge.
  • 4. Smooth the edge. File in one direction only, so nothing tears or catches on your sock.

The three most common mistakes

  • Rounding off the nail corners. It feels tidier, but it is the main cause of ingrown toenails.
  • Working with blunt tools. Blunt scissors crush the nail instead of cutting it – it then splits weeks later.
  • Filing back and forth. Sawing separates the layers of the nail. Always file in one direction.

What you need for it

Suitable models

Matching guides: Cutting toenails correctly · Thick toenails in later life · Treating ingrown toenails · The best toenail scissors

Matching categories: For toenails, Toenail scissors, Nail nippers for diabetics

How to cut toenails correctly

Our instructions for successful toenail care at home:

In our online shop with free shipping, you'll find a wide selection of high-quality nail clippers and nail cutters . For your fingernails, we offer a select range of nail scissors and cuticle scissors .