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    How-to: trim your toenails, the right way!

    Updated:28 Apr 2016 4:13 PM | Posted by
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    Did you know that cutting toenails incorrectly can lead to ingrown nails, nail fungus and foot pain? The way you cut your toenails directly affects the way in which they grow. Cutting toenails too rounded can force the nail to curl around and grow in on itself, leading to painful piercing of the skin and potential infection. Leaving the nails too long can encourage them to retain dampness, which can also lead to infection.

    Confused? Well don’t be. We’ve got the straightforward tips on cutting toenails right, every time.

    How to cut toenails
    1. Choose the right clippers: avoid using the same clippers for your fingernails and your toenails. A good pair of toenail clippers will be slightly wider and flatter than regular fingernail clippers. Sterilise them with rubbing alcohol between every use and don’t share with friends.
    2. Choose the right time: avoid cutting nails straight out of the shower as wet nails are softer and more vulnerable to tearing. Instead, always work on dry, clean nails.
    3. Choose the right cut: cut nails by guiding the clippers straight across each toe and avoid curving downwards to round the nails as curved nails can become ingrown nails. Do each nail in a few small cuts, rather than one large cut, which may cause the nail to pull back from the skin.
    4. Choose the length: avoid cutting nails too short as this can also lead to ingrown toenails. If you like them short, cut to just beneath the tip of the toe, no more than a millimetre.
    5. If you’re a filer, not a clipper…if you prefer to file rather than cut, avoid using a back and forth sawing motion with the file and instead gently move the file across the nail in one direction until smooth.

    Try Elite Toenail Clippers or Manicare Toenail Clippers.

    If you file try Glamourflage Foxy Fay Nail File.
     

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

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    Manicare Toenail Clippers - With Nail File
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    121 Member Comments

    jlsta 5 May 2017 9:55 AM

    now I know straight across is the way to go!

    Miss19 14 Nov 2016 12:27 AM

    Always straight across to prevent ingrown nails

    chocolatepaddlepop 6 Apr 2016 5:30 PM

    Great tips!

    annieleex 4 Apr 2016 9:10 AM

    Great article

    Seezora 18 Mar 2016 7:21 PM

    Still love these articles. I use toenail clippers, and learned how to look after my toenails many years ago after needing to see a podiatrist about my toes. Ballet, especially pointe work is very harsh on toenails. I got them fixed up and haven't had a problem since.

    Yohanna 10 Jan 2016 1:48 PM

    it is a bit too much time consuming to file toenails...at least for me. and the result entirely the same like when i just clip them

    Yohanna 10 Jan 2016 1:47 PM

    everything so complicated! I just use one clipper for hands and feet...it works perfectly!

    Eliz51 16 Apr 2015 10:07 PM

    Yeah, I've had problems with ingrown nails too. It is really best to cut your nails straight and if needed, use the nail file to make them into a rounded shape. Glass nail files are for example great, as they are very easy to work with. I, have one from Aveniro myself and it is perfect both for hands and feet. Also, it is easily washable, which I, as a person obsessed with hygiene, appreciate. :) I bought my nailf file at www.aveniro.com, if you're interested. :)

    Virgy5 14 Jun 2015 3:09 AM

    Exactly! The glass files are the best and the Aveniro brand makes some quality ones. I have their hand-decorated file and not only is it beautiful but the results are also awesome.

    Gilded 10 Apr 2015 8:30 AM

    I'm terrible at clipping nails. This is my new guide how to.

    TheUglyDuckling 24 Mar 2015 10:03 PM

    The danger for me is I will trim and then file but my nails still end up sharp. I've cut my own toes against each other!

    Jlgaddes 31 Jan 2015 11:40 PM

    good tips....cutting toenails wrongly can lead to ingrown toenails, so hard to fix

    AndreaJW 16 Dec 2014 5:51 AM

    This was so helpful as i've been cutting them the wrong way for years and now i know the correct way so thanks forthis.

    Sunshine3 9 Dec 2014 1:36 AM

    Thanks for the tip.

    Simonja 4 Dec 2014 6:35 AM

    I find the only products that truly help my heels is a foot file and a urea cream called Calmurid. I have tried so many things before, expensive ones and otherwise but this Calmurid is the only product that keeps my feet looking good and if I have a cut in the heel this cream helps to close it within a few days.

    Growing old 8 Oct 2014 10:58 PM

    Had no idea!!! Great info!

    Chickybabe1 4 Aug 2014 10:39 AM

    Great tips!

    talk-a-lot 28 Jul 2014 9:32 AM

    Some good tips for trimming toenails the right way.

    rochelle1991 13 May 2014 7:46 AM

    eep! never realsed there was a "correct way" of cutting nails!

    Shop A Everyday 4 May 2014 12:41 PM

    Invest in really good clippers, cheap ones don't work well and also use after your shower

    Shop A Everyday 29 Apr 2014 3:37 PM

    I always have troubles in the corners

    Angela181 17 Apr 2014 9:24 PM

    i didnt know i was doing it wrong!

    Its_Jess 12 Apr 2014 11:38 AM

    I avoid using clippers on my toenails as I always ended up hurting myself but now I realise it's because I was trying to clip too much at once!

    Elefante 9 Apr 2014 11:35 PM

    This remind me I need to sterilize my clippers!

    Miss19 25 Mar 2014 8:25 AM

    Sterilising is important. I know people that have gone to the nail salon and have gotten infections because the utensils weren't clean

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