Cut fingernails: 5 typical errors

Cutting your fingernails regularly is important so that you stay healthy. To prevent your nails from becoming fragile or ignite, you should consider a few things when cutting. Here you can find out how to do it right.

You can cut your fingernails to shorten them or bring them into shape. Regular nail care is important so that the nails do not become too long and fragile. However, there are some things that you should pay attention to if you cut the fingernails. Here we explain the five most common mistakes and how you are going properly instead.

By the way: In our article “Nail care: Tips for beautiful and well -kept fingernails” you will find other valuable care tips.

1. Preparation and time

If you want to cut your fingernails, you should watch the right time. A common error is to cut the nails in very soft condition, for example after showering or bathing. Then the nails are softened by the moisture and very sensitive. It is better to wait until the fingernails are dry again.

Tip: Wash your hands briefly before cutting so that they are clean and as free of dirt as possible. Then dry your hands well and start with nail care.

How often you should cut your fingernails depends on different factors. Fingernails grow on average around three millimeters per month. However, this varies with the season, age and way of life. It is therefore best to find a routine that meets you and your nails individually.

2. Cut fingernails: This tool is attached

Using unsuitable or dirty tools is an error that you should avoid avoid when cutting the fingernails. You have these means available to cut your nails:

• Nail scissors
• Nail file
• Nail snap

The nail file is best suited. It is most gentle for the nail plate because it does not split it so quickly. Choose a nail file made of glass or natural materials such as ceramics, sandstone or wood. Files made of sandpaper are also a good choice. Files made of metal or with a coarse leaf can let the nails splinter faster.

Buy nail files: from five euros from raccoon or avocadostore.

If it is supposed to go faster, pull the nail clipper of the nail scissors. A scissors are more shattered. Moisture can then penetrate the small cracks and lead to infections.

When cutting your fingernails, always make sure that your tool is clean and free of bacteria. It is best to clean it before every application.

Buy nail scissors: from 13 euros (up to 30 euros) at Memolife, raccoon or avocadostore

Buy nail clippers: from 10 euros at avocadostore

3. File only in one direction

If you want to shorten your fingernails, it works particularly well with a file. However, avoid having the nails back and forth.

So you cut your nails correctly with a file:

• Work from the nail side to the center of the nail.
• Make long movements along the nail edge when filing.
• Finally, only file in one direction so that the edge becomes smooth.

Tip: Even if you work with a clipper or scissors, you should file again after cutting the fingernails. So you avoid sharp edges or corners on the nails.

4. Cut the fingernails too short

A common mistake is to cut the fingernails too short. This happens particularly quickly with scissors or a snap. Avoid reducing the nails to the skin attachment. This can lead to infections and inflammation.

Incidentally, the place where fingers and nails connect is also called intermediate nail. If the cut is too radical, you can violate this area and bacteria can penetrate the skin.

It is also important on the sides not to fully suck the nails. If you cut them too short, they can grow in or lead to inflammation on the nail bed.

This is how you do it right: Keep your fingernails only so far when cutting that there are still about two millimeters of the white edge. On the side, the edge of the nail should still lie freely on the skin edge.

5. Cuthaut and skin crack: You shouldn’t do that

When you cut your fingernails, the temptation is often great to remove the cuticles and skin tears. However, this is a mistake you should avoid.

Skin tears on the nail sides are also called Nietnägel. They are usually uncomfortable and invite you to tear down. However, you can easily injure the skin, which quickly leads to inflammation.

The cuticle is also not always welcome. However, it is important to protect the nail. So never remove it too radical. You can find more tips here: Remove the cuticle: You should consider that.

Instead, you can do that against nail nails and cuticles:

• Cuture nail nails with a nail scissors. Make sure the scissors are sharp and clean.
• Carefully push the cuticle back if necessary. There are special tools for this. A scissors or a nail clipper are not suitable for this.

Brittle nails make it difficult to cut and shape the fingernails. Find out in our guide what you can do with home remedies against brittle nails.

By the way: You can also use all of these tips when caring for your toenails. For even more recommendations for the right footnail care, please look at this article: Cut the toenails correctly: You should avoid these 6 errors.

Read more on utopia.de:

• White spots on the fingernails: what is really behind it
• Chew fingernails: causes and how you manage to stop
• Longitudinal grooves in the fingernails: why they are created

Revised by Jennifer Watzek

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