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The Best Fingernail Clipper

Last updated on September 26, 2022

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Trimmed nails are an important part of hygiene. Longer nails can harbor bacteria and dirt, which can be a problem if you prefer to keep your fingernails on the longer side. If that’s the case, you’ll likely want to regularly wash your hands, making sure to scrub under the nails as part of the process.

But you can make your handwashing routine a little easier by keeping your fingernails and toenails trimmed. Make it a weekly practice. Not only will this keep your hands and feet looking neat and tidy, but it can also help prevent painful and uncomfortable issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.

The right tools can make a big difference in your grooming processes. One pair of nail clippers won’t last for years. When blades become dull, you have to work even harder to get each cut, which takes longer and can even damage the nail. Look for nail clippers with sharp stainless-steel blades that will hold up over many uses. Stainless steel has the added benefit of being able to withstand the wet, humid conditions typically found in bathrooms where they’re stored.

A good pair of nail clippers is built with ergonomics in mind. You’ll want the lever to have a non-slip grip to make it easier to execute the cuts you need. Although sturdiness is important, you’ll also want to look for a pair of clippers that is lightweight. Heavy clippers will make it tougher to get the angles you need, especially around the toenails.

Many nail clippers come with built-in steel emery boards. Chances are, though, you’ll want to purchase your own separate emery board. Look for one that has a filer on one side and a buffer on the other so you can smooth your nails after you cut them.

Our Picks For The Top Fingernail Clippers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

FIXBODY Nail File & Fingernail Clippers Set, 3-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

FIXBODY

Nail File & Fingernail Clippers Set, 3-Piece

In this set, you get fingernail and toenail clippers, along with a nail file, all in a handy leather case. Each tool is made from superior stainless steel with sharpened blades to give you a precise cut each time. The anti-slip lever built into the trimmers will help keep you safe while you’re clipping.

Overall Take

For Frequent TravelersThis set includes everything to keep your nails neat, along with a leather carrying case, making it perfect for travel.

 Runner Up

Harperton Stainless Steel Fingernail Clippers, 2-Piece

Harperton

Stainless Steel Fingernail Clippers, 2-Piece

This set includes a pair of fingernail and toenail clippers with a handy PVC pouch for storage. Each tool is designed with comfort in mind, with an ergonomic build and an easy-to-use handle. You’ll get stainless-steel blades for a precise, worry-free cut each time.

Overall Take

Easy to UseAn ergonomic design keeps you comfortable while you trim to allow you to focus on the work at hand.

 We Also Like

firiKer Keychain Hole Fingernail Clippers, 2-Piece

firiKer

Keychain Hole Fingernail Clippers, 2-Piece

Keep your nails well groomed with this fingernail and toenail clipper set that includes a nail file. Each clipper features a sharpened stainless-steel blade and a keychain hole for easy storage on a keyring. The lever is designed for ergonomics and the curved edge makes it easy to shape your nails.

Overall Take

Great for PortabilityThe keychain hole on each of these clippers makes it handy for keeping on hand with you wherever you go.

 Strong Contender

HAWATOUR Ergonomic Handle Fingernail Clippers, 2-Piece

HAWATOUR

Ergonomic Handle Fingernail Clippers, 2-Piece

This set includes a fingernail and toenail clipper, each made from high-quality stainless steel. The fingernail clipper has a curved edge to help shape your nails, and the toenail clipper has a sharp edge that can tackle even thicker toenails. The handles are slightly longer and feature a grip to help prevent uncomfortable slippage.

Overall Take

Great GiftThis clipper set comes in a small metal case with a foam insert, making it great for gifting.

What to Look For

  • Wet nails are softer and therefore easier to trim. That makes the best time to trim your nails right after a bath or shower. But if that doesn’t work for you, simply soak your hands and feet in lukewarm water a little while to soften them up.
  • It’s best to cut fingernails and toenails straight across. This helps prevent ingrown toenails. Use an emery board to create outer curves on your fingernails.
  • Trimming and pushing back cuticles may have been a common practice years ago, but it’s not recommended today. Doing so can make it easier for bacteria to slip beneath the nail and into your bloodstream, potentially causing an infection. Instead, leave that area of the nail bed alone.
  • Fingernail clippers typically aren’t built to handle toenails. They might not have the sturdiness you need to cut through the thicker nails usually found on the toe. You can find fingernail and toenail clipper sets that will give you everything you need for a full mani-pedi.
  • If you buy a fingernail and toenail clipper set, look for one that comes with a case. This will give you a handy place to store both of them. It will also help when you’re taking your mani-pedi set on the go.
  • Some nail clippers come with a small hole. These come in handy for sliding the clippers on a keyring so that you can slide them into your purse or hang them on a hook.
  • Some clippers promise to cut both toenails and fingernails. Before buying this type of tool, check to make sure it has what it takes to tackle both tasks capably.
  • To determine the exact curve your nails should have, look at the cuticle. The curve of your nail should match the curve of the cuticle. Some people have squarer nails, while others have more of an oval shape. You’ll want to honor this natural curve when you’re trimming and filing.

More to Explore

Nail clippers haven’t been around forever. Before the invention of clippers, nails were trimmed using the same tools that sharpened and cut other items. In fact, at one time, people used a paring knife to get those short, neat nails that come in handy for those doing manual labor.

The first patents for nail clippers appeared in the late 1800s. The very first patent, filed by Valentine Fogerty, described a device that was more of a circular nail file. An 1877 patent by R.W. Stewart gave insight into how tough mani-pedis were before fingernail clippers, with his device being close in design to an apple peeler. In 1881, Eugene Heim and Oelestin Matz filed a patent for a nail trimmer with more of the clamp design we see today.

More to explore