You’ll then need to go back and touch it up with your regular nail clippers or smooth it out with a file. Dull blades might have a hard time cutting thick or brittle nails, and even if they do manage it, the cut might not be clean.

Ingrown nail clippers aren’t all equally sharp, even when they’re brand new. However, if ingrown nails are not a frequent problem for you, a curved blade might work just fine. It’s up to you to decide which you prefer, but straight nail clippers are the better choice if you’re trying to prevent new ingrown nails. Here are some other factors worth considering when choosing ingrown nail clippers.Ĭurved nail clippers leave your nail rounded, while straight nail clippers cut it straight across. This is an especially important concern for older adults or anyone with poor grip strength who might not be able to apply significant pressure when using the tool. You can get an idea of how easy the clippers are to use by reading through online customer reviews before you buy. If it requires considerable force, you might find the clippers too difficult to use or they could accidentally slip and injure you.

You shouldn’t need to apply too much pressure in order to cut through the nail. The ingrown nail clippers should fit comfortably in your hand and be easy to maneuver so you can cut the ingrown nail without injuring the surrounding skin. The manufacturer might list the nail clippers’ material on the product page, or you can reach out to the company directly to ask. They may not look any different on the surface, but the lighter, more malleable aluminum might not hold up as well over time and could dull more quickly. Some cheaper clippers are made from steel-plated aluminum. This makes for strong blades that hold an edge for a long time and durable clippers that won’t fall apart at the hinges while you’re cutting. The best ingrown nail clippers are made of solid steel. The two most important factors to consider when choosing ingrown nail clippers are the material and ease of use.

Ingrown nails can happen on any nail, but they’re most common on your big toes.

Ingrown toenail nipper