Nail Trimming: Essential Routine for Health, Hygiene, and Protection
Proper nail care goes beyond appearance—it plays a vital role in daily function, hygiene, and preventing common infections and injuries.
Watan-Nail trimming remains one of the routine practices people do throughout their lives, usually every week. Fingernails are essential parts of the human body. Without them, humans wouldn’t have been able to accomplish many achievements throughout history, nor perform everyday tasks effectively. Nails enhance our ability to grip and feel both large and small objects, helping us eat, drink, clean ourselves, dress, write, operate tools and machines, and type on keyboards.
Healthy Nails
Doctors at Mayo Clinic describe healthy nails as “smooth, without pits or grooves, with a uniform color and free from spots.”
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says:”Nail care is a simple yet essential self-care routine. While nail trimming may seem straightforward, there are important steps to follow to ensure healthy trimming. Well-maintained short nails not only look good but are also less likely to accumulate dirt and bacteria that can lead to infections. Moreover, proper trimming techniques help prevent common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.”
Nail Growth and Composition
Understanding how to properly care for your nails is a medically relevant topic. Here are 8 key points to know:
-
Growth Rate: Fingernails and toenails grow continuously, necessitating regular trimming. In healthy adults, fingernails grow about 3.5 mm per month, while toenails grow about 1.5 mm. Men’s nails typically grow faster than women’s—except during pregnancy, when women’s nails may grow more quickly. Nails grow faster in summer than in winter, and the dominant hand’s nails grow faster than the non-dominant hand.
-
Structure: Nails are made of three layers of dead fibrous protein tissue called keratin. Water makes up 7–12% of nail composition. When nails are dry, they become brittle and prone to cracking. That’s why softening and moisturizing before trimming is crucial. Trimming wet nails makes the cut smoother, safer, and reduces vertical splitting.
The AAD says: “The best time to trim your nails is after bathing. If that’s not possible, soak them in warm water for a few minutes.” For thick toenails, soak in warm salted water (1 tsp of salt per ½ liter) for 5–10 minutes.
-
Trimming Tips: Trim your nails straight across. Mayo Clinic suggests: “Trim straight, then slightly round the tips.” AAD adds: “To reduce risk of ingrown nails, trim toenails straight across. Avoid digging out painful ingrown toenails; consult a dermatologist.”
Use a nail file or emery board to slightly round corners. File gently in one direction to avoid weakening the nail. -
Cuticle Care: The white half-moon part of the nail (lunula) and the cuticle area serve protective functions. Do not cut or tamper with them for cosmetic reasons, as they act as barriers against bacteria. AAD warns: “Cutting the cuticle makes it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infections.”
-
Post-Trimming Care: Moisturize and dry nails well after washing to maintain flexibility and avoid bacterial or fungal growth. Mayo Clinic advises using cotton-lined rubber gloves for chores and applying moisturizer on nails and cuticles. A nail hardener or biotin supplement may help strengthen brittle nails.
-
Thick Toenails: Aging is the most common cause of thick toenails, though psoriasis, injuries, tight shoes, or fungal infections can also contribute. To trim thick nails, soak and dry your feet, then use nail nippers (different from regular clippers) for better control. Cut in small, straight clips. Avoid shaping corners with the nipper. If pain or thickening persists, consult a doctor—especially for those with diabetes or poor foot circulation.
-
Tool Care: AAD recommends monthly disinfection of nail tools. Soak a cleaning brush in 70–90% isopropyl alcohol, scrub clippers/nippers, rinse with hot water, and dry thoroughly. Never use nail tools as multipurpose items like opening cans, which can damage the tool and your nails.
-
Hangnails: According to Harvard Medical School, hangnails are torn bits of skin at the nail edge caused by dryness or irritation. Though small, they can be painful and prone to infection.
How to manage hangnails:
-
-
Soak fingers in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.
-
Gently trim the hangnail with a sterilized nail scissor—do not pull.
-
Apply unscented moisturizer or a small amount of antibacterial ointment.
-
Cover with a bandage if bleeding or inflamed.
-
