Are You Cutting Your Nails Too Short? Find Out Why It’s a Bad Idea

Cutting your nails too short can harm both the nails and the surrounding skin. Here’s what you need to know about proper nail trimming and care.

Trimming your fingernails too short can expose the surrounding skin to irritants, leading to painful calluses. Without adequate protection, you might experience discomfort while gripping objects, and your fingertips could become red and bruised.

To trim your nails correctly, leave at least 1mm of the white part intact. It’s best to round the center of the nail while keeping the corners squared off. This method helps distribute pressure evenly across the nail, reducing the risk of breakage. Pointed centers can concentrate force on one spot, increasing the likelihood of cracks.

This advice also applies to toenails, often trimmed in a round shape. However, pushing the nail clipper too far into the corners can cause the toenail edges to grow inward, leading to ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the skin on the side of the toe, causing inflammation and pain. This condition often affects the big toe, starting with swelling and redness and potentially making walking difficult.

Shoe friction can exacerbate the issue as ingrown toenails progress, leading to more swelling and pus around the nail. If not addressed, the pain and odor can intensify.

To prevent ingrown toenails, it’s advisable to cut the nails straight across. Even if you have sharp or bothersome edges on both ends, avoid cutting or tearing them excessively. If the edges are a problem, use a nail file to smooth the pointed parts gently.

Timing is also key for healthy nail care. Trim your nails after a shower when they are slightly moist. Softer nails are easier to cut, and showering helps wash away bacteria around your nails, reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, trimmed pieces are less likely to scatter.

Regularly applying moisturizer is essential to keep your nails and surrounding skin hydrated and well-nourished.

Don’t overlook nutrition, either. Nails are primarily made of keratin, a type of protein, so incorporate protein-rich foods like eggs and milk into your diet for proper nourishment.