8 Nail Clippers for At-Home Manis

What should you look at when buying nail clippers?

When purchasing nail clippers, nail artist Mimi Nguyen suggests looking for either titanium or stainless steel designs. “They’re rust-resistant and can be disinfected,” she says. Other things to keep in mind are the size and shape of the jaw of the nail clipper. Nguyen says to “ensure [the clippers] are suitable for your nail type and make sure to invest in a well-sharpened one to allow for easy trimming.” Sharp clippers will prevent any splitting of your nails.

How do you properly cut your nails?

Nguyen shares that not everyone’s nails are the same, and there are nail clippers for all nail types. For thicker nails, she recommends using a wide-jaw nail clipper. “It’s going to allow you to trim your nails easily without using unnecessary pressure that might crack or split the nail,” she says. A standard straight-edge nail clipper can be used for most nail types. This will help you avoid any tugging on your nails, which causes the dreaded splits.

Nguyen advises trimming from one side of your nail tip, then toward the other side “because clipping the nail from the center causes too much pressure and will crack the sides of the nail.” If you’re looking for a slightly rounded nail, a curve-edge nail clipper may be ideal.

What works best for your toenails?

A straight-edge toenail clipper will work the best for your toenails. Over-cutting the side edges of the nail can cause it to be ingrown, which can be pretty painful. It’s best to trim your toenails short and keep them square.