If you have been using your trusty nail cutter since forever, then maybe it's time for an upgrade! There is nothing worse than having to cut nails with a rusty blade, which can lead to jagged edges and uneven nails. A quality nail cutter lets you cleanly trim your nails without the added damage.
If you are confused about what type of nail cutter to go for when cutting your nails, we have a buying guide for you! Don't miss it since it has comments and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz! If you are still undecided, you can also choose from our list of the 10 best products!
Quick List - Top Nail Cutters
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
The mechanism refers to how the nail cutter is designed and how it would be used. You don’t need to buy different types but it would certainly help to know their purpose especially if you have a specific need you want to address.
A compound lever is what most people would picture when it comes to nail cutters. It is characterized by two levers, one on top and one on the bottom, which you press on to cut your nails. These levers are sandwiched by a pin.
This is easy to maneuver and what most people are used to. It usually comes with an attached steel nail file, which folds onto the nail cutter itself. You can find both fingernail and toenail clippers for this sort of design. This type of mechanism is the most versatile one as it can be used for all-purpose nail trimming.
Using the right tools for nail trimming is key to clean, healthy nails. It also helps reduce the chances of developing nail problems in the future. One of the most common nail cutter designs is the compound lever. The advantage is it's easy to learn to use and manipulate.
This nail cutter looks like a pair of pliers. We also refer to this as nippers. This is characterized by straight or slightly curved blades, which are great for cutting into the hard-to-reach edges of your nails.
It is also handy for trimming any calluses or cuticles as well as really hard nails. However, the downside is, it can be quite a challenge to operate if you are not used to this kind of nail cutter.
Definitely, extra care must be used with these kinds of nail cutters. From a dermatologist's perspective, you're better off not cutting the corners as this can increase your risk of developing an ingrown nail.
This one looks like a regular nail cutter only fitted with scissor-like handles at the end. It is great for those who don’t really have a steady grip or for those who suffer from arthritis. The handles make it easier to press down and cut your nails, although be careful in applying pressure, as you could easily nick your skin as well.
A common variation of this type is called manicure scissors, which look like regular scissors except that it has gentle curves at the tip. Some moms use this to cut the tiny fingernails of their babies.
Scissor nail cutters may seem easier to use particularly for those who have a difficult time gripping the lever-type cutters. However, this definitely takes some time getting used to. This can be useful for cutting those excess skin on the nail folds that tend to stand when our hands are dry. However, make sure not to cut the cuticle!
The blade is what you would use to actually cut your nails, which can be found at the end of the nail cutter. It can either come in a curved or straight edge shape. Remember that a sharp blade gives a precise cut and reduces jagged nails, so you want to replace your nail cutter especially if you feel that the blade isn't latching onto your nails.
A curved blade is preferred by some people because it follows the natural shape of your nails, which makes them easy to maneuver. It is also handy for preventing you from overcutting your nails as the curved edge makes it difficult to do so.
However, the curved edge could also pose a problem, as you could be prone to nicking your hyponychium when you angle the nail cutter. This is the pink flesh under the edge of the nails near your fingertips. We sometimes refer to it as the laman.
Fun Fact! The hyponychium is the area between the nail bed and the groove where the nail plate detaches from the digit. Definitely, make sure to take extra care when cutting your nails such that you don't cut too short or inadvertently cut your skin.
On the other hand, you might be unfamiliar with a straight edge. But from its name, this means it does not have any curve whatsoever. It may seem difficult to use but it is actually easier to cut your nails using this blade shape.
This makes you cut in multiple clips rather than one or two big clips. This gives a more precise nail shape if you are the type who is particular about them. Think fewer hangnails and splintering nails. However, if you are not careful, you might cut your nails too short. So, this is one thing to consider.
A nice clean straight edge cut is the preferable way to cut the nails. They not only look well-groomed but prevent nail problems like ingrown nails too!
In terms of nail cutters, most of us are only familiar with fingernails and toenail clippers. The two are mostly similar in function but if you want versatility, a toenail cutter lets you get away with using just one type.
If you have children, then you could go for nail cutters for kids. It is specifically designed to avoid overcutting their nails. These also come in a smaller size, which is perfect for their tiny fingers.
Recently, false nails have become the latest trend when it comes to manicures. If you are the type who gets them applied – acrylic or otherwise, you would benefit from using a specific nail cutter for false nails to avoid breaking or cracking them. This cuts the nail as a whole to prevent the nail from splitting or splintering.
Remember, our nail plate progressively thickens with age. Nail thickness also differs by gender too. So yes, make sure that your nail cutter can adequately cut those nails (if they can cut your toenails, then they can definitely cut those fingernails too).
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mr. Green Nail Cutter Set|8-pc Manicure Set | ![]() | All Your Nail Care Needs in One Nifty Pouch | |
2 | Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives Premium Rose Gold Nail Cutter | ![]() | Add a Pop of Color to Your Nail Kit | |
3 | Mr. Green Nail Clippers Ingrown Toenail Cutter | ![]() | Thick Blades That Can Weather Hardened Toenails | |
4 | Nuvita Baby Nail Care Kit|7-pc Set | ![]() | Hypoallergenic Nail Set for Your Little Ones | |
5 | Xiaomi Mijia Nail Clipper |With Anti-Splash Cover | ![]() | Natural and Precise Cuts at Every Use | |
6 | Chic Bobbie Nail Experts Series Deluxe Fingernail Clipper | ![]() | Sleek Nail Cutter for On-the-Go Trimming | |
7 | Sow Good Straight Cut Toenail Clipper | ![]() | Reduce Ingrowns With a Straight Edge Clipper | |
8 | Renjie Professional Toenail Clipper | ![]() | Easily Cut Your Nails With Its Comfortable Handles | |
9 | Tiny Buds Tiny Remedies Baby Nail Clipper | ![]() | Safely Trim Your Baby's Nails | |
10 | Professional Nail Art Clipper | ![]() | Hassle-Free False Nail Maintenance at Home |
If you’re still unsure of what to get or you just want to use a particular type of nail cutter, then you’re going to love Mr. Green's Manicure Set. This 8-piece set comes with nail clippers of different blade types, nail files, and even a nipper!
Trim long nails with the curved nail cutter and use the oblique blade for hard-to-reach corners. It even comes with a tweezer! This has everything you could need to trim your nails making it a great starter set!
This set can also be ideal for those who are on the go, and prefer quite the selection at their disposal. It comes with a pouch so you can safely and easily store your manicure set without the fear of losing them!
This Premium Rose Gold Nail Cutter adds just the perfect pop of color if you're tired of looking at the same old stainless steel nail cutters. The rose gold-colored finger grips give the handles a different look and feel, which elevates your nail cutting experience to a more luxurious one.
This sturdy stainless steel is a worthwhile investment as it can last you for many years without having to replace it. The sharp blades give a precise cut without the struggles of hangnails and jagged edges. The rounded edges help guide you where to stop so you won’t accidentally cut your skin.
Most of us have probably encountered the occasional ingrown nail. And if you do have one, don’t fret! There are usually solutions for ingrown removals, like this Mr. Green Nail Clippers Ingrown Toenail Cutter. Commonly known as nippers, they can easily cut through layers of dried skin and toenails.
The pointed edges make it ideal to enter the nail grooves without having to cut through the rest of the nail. The sharp blades can also remove ingrown nails without the hassle of tugging back and forth, increasing the pain. It is also great for cutting through stubbornly thick toenails!
Now that your little ones are growing up right before your eyes then you might want to start investing in tools that can grow right with them. Such is the case with Nuvita’s Baby Nail Care Kit. It comes with nail clippers, scissors and files so you can groom your growing child with ease!
The scissors and clippers are made of stainless steel, making them durable and ergonomic. Yet it has a round-tipped design for safe trimming. Everything in this kit is also hypoallergenic so you won’t have to worry about your precious ones. It can also fit into your handbag, handy for when you need them on the go!
Xiaomi has expanded from producing smartphones and accessories with their new Mijia Nail Clipper. The sharpened stainless steel material allows you to cut without the risk of bending or breakage. The ABS shell cover on the other hand catches nails and provides enough protection from slipping without any compromise.
The slightly curved blade allows for natural and precise cuts at every use. It also enables you to adjust it according to your style. The nail clippers also include a corundum sand treatment, making it easy for on-the-go touch-ups or when your nails have accidentally snagged on something.
If you prefer dainty and lightweight nail cutters, then check out Bobbie’s Deluxe Fingernail Clippers. Aside from nail polish, they offer their own nail cutters as well. Its sharp, stainless steel blades certainly make up for its small size. It can perfectly fit inside bags, purses, jackets, and even pockets!
This is handy for those who prefer to carry a nail cutter with them. The curved blade is ideal for people with rounded or squoval-shaped nails. This way, you won’t have to go through the hassle of shaping your nails as the blade does all of the work for you!
Having square-shaped toenails can be a hassle for some people, as most nail salons don’t shape them accordingly. Your nail shape can end up looking like a triangle. Some just cut through and through, which can sometimes result in ingrown toenails. But with Sow Good’s Straight Cut Toenail Clippers, you can cut them yourself!
The straight blades allow for even nail length. You can maintain the square shape thereby reducing the risks of painful ingrown. The stainless steel convex blades also boast a fine point cutting edge ensuring it’ll last you a long time. Its size is perfect if you want a product you can use for both fingernails and toenails!
If you struggle with cutting hard and uncooperative toenails, then say no more! Renjie’s Professional Toenail Clippers could just have the best solution for your problem. The nail clippers come with a straight blade and a scissor-like handle to help you trim with ease!
This is excellent for those who have a rather weak grip or struggle to push on the traditional lever types. It allows you to have a better grip and enables you to see your nail clearly. No more gigil motions while cutting! This way, you won’t have to deal with jagged and uneven edges later on.
If your baby’s growing nails are already causing scratches on her face, but you’re too scared to pick up your trusty but regular-sized nail clipper? Then you should give Tiny Buds’ Baby Nail Clippers a try. The curved edges allow you to cut through nails without having to worry about accidentally nicking your baby’s delicate skin.
The handles are also enlarged so you can have a better grip, ensuring your baby is safe in every use. This way you don't have to worry about it slipping! The nail cutter is also BPA-free so you can use it for your newborns and even up to your older babies. No more dealing with wayward kalmots!
If you wear a lot of fake nails and dislike the difficulties of filing endlessly, then check out this nail cutter- for false nails! You can use this whether you have acrylic or gel ones. The u-shaped cutter can easily snip through them - even those with embellishments, so you can reduce the hassle. There is beauty without pain after all!
False nails are usually more brittle especially if you have a small nail bed, which can make them harder to maintain. But with this nail cutter, you can still enjoy having long nails without them breaking and cracking. You can even select the type of shape you want for your nails!
Are your nails long overdue for a trim? No worries! The American Academy of Dermatology provides a short clip on how to cut one's fingernails and toenails. This way, you can achieve clean and well-manicured nails at home even without a salon!
What You'll Need:
Steps:
Nail care is important not only for pretty nails but more importantly clean, healthy nails. Cutting your nails the right way is a preventive measure for developing nail problems such as hangnails and ingrown toenails.
Here are some helpful tips as Dr. Katrina answers some of the most asked questions from the internet!
Yes. It's best not to cut nails too short or curved. Cut toenails just until they're even with the tips of your toes. Remember, cutting nails incorrectly can lead to nail problems such as ingrown nails.
Just as one would not share a toothbrush with others, it's best to have your own nail cutter. Remember, our nails can harbor certain types of infections underneath so having your own nail cutter prevents these from spreading to others.
Ingrown toenails occur when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the nail bed. To avoid getting ingrown nails, cut your nails straight across. This allows nails to grow normally without digging into the sides. Also, avoid tight-fitting shoes, especially those that taper by the toe end.
Our fingernails grow ~3.5mm in a month while toenails grow at ~1.5mm in a month. This is why you need to cut fingernails sooner than toenails.
Here are some items you can check out if you miss going to salons. After cutting your nails, you can fill them in with gel or matte nail polishes. It's a fun and safe way to recreate the manicure experience at home! We've also shared a buying guide and a list of top recommendations.
Author: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Mr. Green|Nail Cutter Set|8-pc Manicure Set
No. 2: Pro Studio Beauty Exclusives|Premium Rose Gold Nail Cutter
No. 3: Mr. Green|Nail Clippers Ingrown Toenail Cutter
No. 4: Nuvita|Baby Nail Care Kit|7-pc Set
No. 5: Xiaomi|Mijia Nail Clipper |With Anti-Splash Cover
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others