How to Cut Your Toenails Properly (with the Right Clippers)
- AA Podiatry
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Cutting your toenails sounds straightforward, but if you round the corners, cut too short, or use blunt tools, it can quickly lead to sore nail edges, split nails, infection and ingrown toenails and you don't want that!.
The good news: a simple technique (and a decent pair of clippers) prevents most of these problems.
Recommended Toenail Cutters (UK) - What to Buy and Why.
Where to start? You don’t need a full “kit” of fashionable tools and appliances or creams. You just need one good quality tool (a pair of recommended toe nail clippers) that matches your nail type, plus a file. We suggest the following.
Best all-round clippers (sharp, clean cut)
Seki Edge Stainless Steel Toenail Clipper (SS-107) – these are known for their very precise cutting edge and strong build quality.
Best for thicker / harder toenails.
Tweezerman Extra Strength Toenail Clipper – this nail clipper has a wide jaw opening and a larger handle for more control; designed for thicker nails.
Nippes (Solingen) – this brand makes classic German pedicure tools; good if you want a durable, long-term option.
Before You Start: Set Yourself Up Properly
You should be relaxed and comfortable. Long trousers, jeans or leggings might restrict your leg, so wear sorts or just underwear. Its always best to cut your toenails after a shower/bath (or a 5 to10-minute soak) when nails are slightly softer - but dry your feet well so you can see the nail edge clearly.
Step-by-Step: The Safest Way to Cut Toenails
Cut straight across
This is the single most important technique for preventing ingrown nails.
Make small cuts from one side to the other
Leave 1–2 mm of white nail (don’t cut right down to the skin)
Keep the top edge broadly straight, not curved into the corners
Don’t dig out the sides.
Avoid “scooping” down the edges or cutting a V into the nail. That often causes the nail to grow into the skin as it regrows.
Check the skin after cutting
If you’ve nicked the skin, clean it and watch for increasing redness, heat, swelling, or discharge.
Common Mistakes (and the Fix)
Mistake: Rounding the nail like a fingernail.
Fix: Cut straight across; file corners lightly.
Mistake: Cutting too short “so it lasts longer”
Fix: Leave a small white edge, nails are meant to protect the toe tip.
Mistake: Using blunt clippers (crushing/splitting the nail)
Fix: Upgrade to a sharper tool (Seki Edge / Tweezerman / Nippes) and replace if it starts tearing instead of cutting cleanly.
When It’s Better Not to Cut Your Own Toenails?
Get professional help (or at least advice) if you have:
Diabetes
Poor circulation
Reduced sensation/neuropathy
Repeated ingrown toenails
Very thick, crumbly, painful, or fungal nails
Have a reddened area near or around the toe nail
If a nail corner is already sore, repeatedly “having a go” at it at home usually escalates it.
Cutting Your Toenails - FAQs
How should I cut my toenails properly to avoid ingrown nails?
Cut your toenails straight across rather than rounding the corners. Use clean nail clippers, trim a little at a time, and avoid cutting them too short, as this can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Leave the corners visible and gently smooth any sharp edges with a nail file
How often should I cut my toenails?
Typically every 4–6 weeks, depending on growth and activity.
What if my nails are very thick?
Use a wide-jaw “extra strength” clipper (e.g., Tweezerman) or consider podiatry-style nippers if you struggle with force.
Should toenails be cut straight or curved?
Straight across, then file. Curving into the sides increases ingrown toenail risk.
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