Trimming nails: how do you do it properly?

Cut straight across, no shorter than the toe tip and do not round off the corners. That prevents most ingrown nails.

The explanation

Do not follow the curve of the toe. Exactly where people cut the corners away to make it look neat is where the spike forms that later dives into the skin. If the straight edge is sharp, file it smooth instead of cutting it away.

The nail is there to protect the toe tip. Cut it shorter and the skin takes over and thickens, exactly where the nail has to grow out again. Leaving a millimetre or two of white edge is a good measure.

Use nail clippers or nippers with a straight cutting edge; curved scissors force a round cut. Cut after showering, when the nail is softer and splits less easily.

Patty's advice

If you cannot reach properly or your nails are too thick for ordinary clippers, have it done. That can be a short treatment for €28.50.

Read more about cracked heels? See the treatment page or request an appointment straight away.