Should you cut or file your nails?

Reading time: 5 minutes

Everyone wants beautiful and healthy nails. But a question many often ask is whether it’s better to cut or file your nails. This guide is here to help you determine what’s best for your nails. So read on!

You will need:

Nail clipper
Nail file
Cuticle oil (optional, but… It’s actually recommended twice a day, at minimum.)

What is best for your nails?

Cutting or filing your nails can have different consequences. Cutting can sometimes leave sharp edges that can scratch the skin or get caught on things. We all know that dreaded moment when you get stuck in your hair halfway through. Filing can give the nails a smoother finish, but it can also take longer. Both methods can be effective and quite good if used correctly.

Cutting your nails has certain advantages:

Quick and easy: Cutting your nails is a fast and simple process that you can do (almost, because it’s a bit gross in the middle of dinner, right...) anywhere and anytime.
Precise control: With the right technique and tools, you can have very precise control over the length and shape of your nails.
Less damage: When done correctly, cutting your nails is less likely to damage the nail compared to some files, such as an overly coarse metal file, which can cause splitting or fraying of the nail.

How to cut your nails:

Prepare your tools: Make sure your nail clipper is clean. Bacteria and dirt on the clipper can lead to infections. Such a tool can easily be rinsed under the tap.
Choose the right time: It’s best to cut your nails when they are dry, as wet nails tend to be more flexible and can bend or split during cutting. If you have extremely hard nails, as many toenails can be, it’s optimal to wait until you’ve softened them a bit, otherwise you simply can’t physically cut through them.
Start cutting: Start at one corner of the nail and cut towards the middle. Then repeat the process from the other corner. This prevents putting too much pressure on the nail and can help prevent damage and ingrown nails.
Then cut across the middle so everything comes together nicely.
Round the corners: Gently round the corners to prevent sharp edges that can scratch the skin or catch on clothing.
Avoid cutting too deep: Don’t cut your nails too short, as this can cause pain and potentially ingrown nails. A small white crescent of nail should still be visible. Be careful with the skin under your nail, the hyponychium. Always avoid cutting into this, because ouch...
Finish by filing: After cutting, use a nail file to smooth any sharp edges. Often a single swipe with the file is enough, from one side to the other.
Use cuticle oil: To keep your nails healthy and hydrated, you should use cuticle oil after cutting. This helps moisturize the cuticle and promotes healthy nail growth. Flexible nails are more resilient nails.

Remember, it’s important to be careful and gentle when cutting your nails to prevent damage. Frequent cutting can also lead to weak nails, so it’s best to limit it to about once a week for fingernails and every other week for toenails.

Filing your nails also has certain advantages:

Smooth finish: A nail file can give your nails a more precise and smooth finish. You can stop exactly when you want, and you won’t accidentally take off too much. You’re always in control.
Less damage: Filing can be gentler on the nails than cutting, especially if your nails are weak or brittle. It helps prevent splitting when you use a good file designed for natural nails.
Better shape: Filing gives you better control over the shape of your nails, which can be hard to achieve with a nail clipper. It’s really hard to cut your nails into a perfect almond shape.

How to file your nails:

Choose the right file: There are many different types of nail files on the market, from glass to metal to sandpaper. A coarser file (like grit 180) can be best for shaping the nail, while a finer file (higher grit number, e.g. 240) is best for smoothing the edges.
File in one direction: To avoid damaging the nail, always file in one direction instead of back and forth. Start at the side of the nail and file towards the middle. Don’t use a sawing motion. This is a direct way to split the layers of your natural nail.
Be gentle: Don’t apply too much pressure on the nail when filing. This can damage the nail plate and suddenly you’re no longer in control, and oops, you’ve filed too much. It’s really annoying when you want uniformity.
File often: Nails grow constantly, so they need to be shaped regularly. However, avoid filing your nails when they’ve been in water, like after doing the dishes or bathing, as they are more fragile when wet. The nail plate absorbs water, so wait at least 30 minutes.
Round the edges: If you prefer round nails, gently round the edges. If you prefer square nails, be careful not to file too much on the sides, as this can weaken the nail.
Finish with cuticle oil: To keep your nails healthy and hydrated, you should use cuticle oil after filing. It helps moisturize the cuticle and promotes healthy nail growth. Flexible nails are more resilient nails.

Remember, just like with cutting, it’s important to be careful when filing your nails to prevent damage. Frequent filing can also lead to weak nails, so it’s best to limit it to about once a week.

Cut or file?

The choice between cutting or filing your nails depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, your lifestyle, and the health of your nails.

If you want a quick and easy method to keep your nails at a manageable length, and your nails are relatively strong and healthy, cutting may be the best choice for you. It can be especially useful for people with thicker nails, which can take a long time to file.

On the other hand, if you want a more precise shape and a smoother finish, or if your nails are brittle or prone to splitting, then filing may be a better solution. Filing can also be a better choice for those who want more complex nail shapes than just standard short, as it gives greater control over the details.

Remember, the most important thing is to treat your nails with care, no matter which method you choose. Always use clean tools, avoid cutting or filing too deeply, and give your nails time to rest and recover between sessions. With proper care, both cutting and filing can be part of a healthy nail care routine.