The line between perfect nails and pain is thin indeed.
How much time do you take to cut your fingernails? How much care do you take to get them the right length and the right shape? The answer to both questions is likely “not much” — nail-clipping is just one of those body maintenance jobs we usually do periodically without even thinking about it. So, it’s time to start thinking about it.
There really is an optimal length to cut your fingernails. “You do want a nail to extend past your finger pad,” says dermatologist and author Dr. Rajani Katta. “You need that protection. [But] if you grow it too long, that’s a concern, because then it’s more likely to get ragged and torn.” She suggests leaving 1-2 millimeters of the nails’ white rim (it’s called the lunula, which is Latin for “little moon”) when you cut them. That leaves them long enough to be useful, like helping you turn a page of a book, but keeps them from getting in the way, like when you’re typing on a keyboard.
You can trim all of the lunula off without causing a problem, but cutting off any more is more difficult — and painful — to deal with. When you cut your nails so short it becomes painful to touch things with your fingers, you’ve accidentally uncovered the skin underneath your fingernail, a.k.a. the hyponychium. The reason your finger hurts so damn bad is because the hyponychium is loaded with nerve endings, which aren’t designed to handle being out in the open.
There are also health concerns, naturally. “It increases your risk for infection, and especially what we call an ingrown nail,” says Katta. “If you don’t have enough fingernail to protect you, or if your cuticles are damaged, you can get bacteria or yeast in there, and then [your finger] can get red and swollen and infected.” The best thing to do is clean the area around your nail and dry it, then regularly add an antibiotic ointment and put on bandages until the nail grows out again. If the pain persists or gets worse, or you start to see pus, it’s time to see a doctor.
Another way to help prevent possible infections is by keeping your fingernails clean. The gunk under your nails contains bacteria and fungi, and they need to be dealt with. A thorough clipping will get rid of a lot of it, but make sure to clean under nails for any dirt or gross stuff left behind. Then, clean and disinfect those clippers so you don’t bring that same junk back to your fingers next time. Then you’ll know you’ve — are you ready? — nailed it! (Sorry.)
FAQs
As for nail length, there's a small spectrum of acceptable lengths. You should leave at least a sliver of “white” at the top of your nails—that space where the nail starts to separate from the skin it protects. (One or two millimeters, in our book.)
How much should we cut our nails? ›
“You need that protection. [But] if you grow it too long, that's a concern, because then it's more likely to get ragged and torn.” She suggests leaving 1-2 millimeters of the nails' white rim (it's called the lunula, which is Latin for “l*ttle moon”) when you cut them.
Are you supposed to cut your nails short? ›
Not only do short, well-manicured nails look great, they are also less likely to harbor dirt and bacteria, which can lead to an infection. In addition, the right nail clipping technique can help prevent common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.
How long is the average fingernail? ›
Measurement of fingernail length in a sample of healthy middle-aged men and women found an average length determined from all five fingers of 12.8 mm for men and 12.2 mm for women (Jung et al., 2015) . ...
Do short nails make you look younger? ›
"Keep those regular manicure appointments and keep nails rounded and short (not longer than the edge of your fingertip) for the most youthful look."
Why you shouldn't cut your nails too short? ›
Lots of people cut their nails way back, so they don't have to do it too often, or they leave them too long, for appearance. The problem is, if your nails are too short, you run the risk of developing an ingrown toenail; if your nails are too long, they're likely to snag on your sock or shoe and tear uncomfortably.
Why should we keep your nail short? ›
Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water. Because of their length, longer fingernails can harbor more dirt and bacteria than short nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection.
At what age should you cut your own nails? ›
Keep nails trimmed.
Dermatologists recommend that an adult trim a child's nails until the child is about 9 or 10 years old. At about that age, children can trim their own nails if they feel comfortable doing so.
Are my nails too short for a manicure? ›
While long tips may seem like the most popular manicure style, you can still rock many beautiful manicures if you have short or natural nails. So, there's no need to miss out on any of the fun!
Should nails be cut or trimmed? ›
It's important to trim your nails regularly. Nail trimming together with manicures makes your nails look well-groomed, neat, and tidy. If your nails aren't cut and allowed to grow, dirt and germs can get under them, causing infections.
Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration. Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age.
How long should guys nails be? ›
Long fingernails on a man evoke images of reclusion and wizardry. A man's nails should be no longer than the width of a dime. This should be achieved with the help of a nail clipper.
