Are your toenails growing out of control? Chances are that you are not getting enough time to take out the clippers, and when you do, you cut your nails too short and improperly. You might be setting yourself up for a bunch of issues if you are not cutting your toenails the right way. Here’s everything you need to know about how to clip them right, as explained by beauty experts.

How often should you cut your toenails

Your toenails do not grow as fast as fingernails, so you may not have to clip them as frequently. Just once a month should be enough. However, you need to clip them more often if you run, as the pressure of a longer nail in a sneaker can result in bleeding beneath the nail ultimately causing the nail to fall off.

How should you cut your toenails

You may have heard that you should never cut your nails after a shower but things can be a little different with your toenail. If your nails are too thick, it can be easier to cut them by soaking them in warm water or after a steamy shower. But, you must do it before shower if your toenails are of normal thickness. When the nails are soft, they tend to cut or tear.

When it comes to clipping, the most basic rule is to clip them straight across. You can then trim the sides of the nail with a secondary cut. Cutting toenails straight off is also one of the best ways to prevent ingrown nails. If you start to cut down the side, you run the risk of inciting a toenail.

How short should you cut your toenails

You should never cut your toenails too, short as you run the risk of getting an ingrown toenail. Just shoot for about one to two milimeter at the end of the nail. However, when it comes to your cuticles, leave them alone, as they act as a barrier against infection getting to your skin.

The best tools to cut your toenails

At any given time, you should have two sets of nail clippers – one for your hand and one for your feet. Toenail clippers are larger both, in thickness and width which allow you to make smoother cuts. Also, having two separate sets can prevent the transmission of fungus and bacteria between you fingers and toes. Also, remember to clean your clippers after use by soaking them in antibacterial soap with warm water and then drying them later so that they do not become rusty.