Can Nail Clippers Damage Nails?

It is possible for nail clippers to damage your nails. The shorter your nails are and the weaker they are, the more likely that this will happen. If your nails aren’t long and healthy, then you should use a file instead. Otherwise, you can clip, but with caution. Nail clippers seem so innocent.

They’re often not very big, and they come packaged with cute little nail care sets. What’s the worse that could happen, right? You have to keep your nails a manageable length, after all. And it’s by far the fastest way to get the job done, and certainly better than idly chewing them off or having them break.

But don’t reach for the clippers just yet!If your nails happen to be short or not in the best shape, then you could be doing some damage to them with the clippers. Because of how the clippers cut, your nails may have tiny cracks and splits in them after every use. If you’re already dealing with nail problems, this can compound them, leading to more splitting, more cracks, and more peeling. You also run the risk of clipping them too short if they’re short as-is. Instead, filing them is the better solution in these cases.

Are your nails in good condition?

Are there no splits, cracks, or peeling areas to worry about? Then you can probably feel safe in clipping the new growth away. Just be sure that you don’t overdo it or do it too often: once a week should be plenty. The more you clip your nails, the more likely it is that you’ll damage them. Avoid that by scheduling your clippings. Need some length taken off in between?

Break out your file; it’s the more gentle option, and you can use it more often without damage. It also helps to be sure that you’re using the tools in your nail-care arsenal correctly. Misusing a tool, or using it too often, can cause as much damage as using the wrong tool in the first place. Read on for more information about the proper uses of nail clippers and files!