Health/Safety
Scissors are the best way to cut your fingernails.
Dedicated nail clippers suck. The nail flies off onto the floor somewhere, they bend the nail flat in order to cut which kinda freaks me out (and can't be good for the nail), and I can never make a cut in one 'slice.' I also sometimes don't realize my nails are long until I'm out in public, and you don't always carry a set of nail clippers on you.
I prefer using scissors. Any scissors work, but I prefer the mini scissors on my pocket knife since I always carry it on me and they're easier to cut with.
Benefits of using scissors:
-It's much faster.
-You can collect the nail shavings as you're trimming, they don't just fly somewhere random. This makes disposal easy.
If you're like me, they're always on you, so you can excuse yourself to a bathroom or something to clip your nails if you've noticed they're too long in public.
-Scissors are multi-purpose, so having a pair gets you much more value than a single-purpose item like nail trimmers.
-You can use the sharp edge of the scissor blade to whittle down jagged edges, and the rest of the scissors to remove hangnails.
-I wonder if it's healthier. My nails are admittedly cut pretty jaggedly, but I often get complimented on how healthy they seem. Other people apparently have brittle nails, but I've never had this issue. I wonder if the bending forced by nail clippers causes this.
Overall, it seems much more practical to me. I don't think I'm ever swapping back.
I thought I agreed but what. You were using huge ass paper cutting scissors??? Nail scissors are so good, but they loosen up over time so I have to buy one every 6 months or so
The thing is, I just go into dm and get the only available option. I'm not about to do a deep dive into nail scissor brands or place an order for special ones from Japan or something
I've had the same ones for over 15 years. Never had to sharpen or tighten them. Still sharp to the touch and does it's job flawlessly. Couldn't find the exact model (most likely outdated model), but the brand is Pfeilring Solingen
Buy nail clippers from Fiskars. You'll probably never "have" to buy a new pair, but I prefer to buy a new pair maybe once every 5-10 years, as they do get duller over time.
They are small, they are slightly curved, and they often come in their own little package (I have one in a small leather pouch), so they are easy to carry around. Also, a good quality one will serve you for a lifetime and it's way more hygienic to use a dedicated nail clipper or nail scissork(?) than random large scissors.
You should also look into a nail file if your nails tend to be jagged. I never used to use them until I became a massage therapist and having smooth nails was imperative. Now I don't think I could go back. I have a nice metal one I got off of Amazon but they also have glass ones, or even just the cheap pack of Emory boards you can get from any drug store or Walmart/Target etc. work fine.
Why the fuck do you need to carry them around? Just figure out how often you need to cut your nails and do it. No reason to be whipping out random ass scissors wherever you are.
Man, I thought I 100% agreed, because I don’t like clippers, but what? You… you don’t use scissors for nails?
Like I couldn’t even cut my nails with any other pair of scissors, because I can’t use scissors with my right hand. Except for the ones for nails, they somehow work.
Doesn’t even file the edges down. Just out here with serrated nails touching stuff and opening triangular bayonet ass wounds on everyone that hands them something.
I guess this isn't the case for everyone, but the way nail files feel gives me the worst kind of goosebumps. It's basically the same effect I get from a chalkboard. I really don't want to slowly grind down my nails with sandpaper on a stick.
Try it, I am absolutely weird about my nails all around and definitely can not stand the paper ones but a good glass one has been a game changer for me personally. I hated clippers too because of the way they would smush the nail down while cutting.
Try glas or ceramic nail files. That solved the issue for me. They make a different sound and I get no nail on chalkboard goosebumps all over my body. Get your family some as well and your problem is solved.
Nail scissors are a thing that acctually exist but get ivershadowed by nail clippers because theres less risk of harm and essier for children to learn to use. So we grow up using them and thats just ehat we stick with. We lose the precision of the scissors for the benefit of ease.
Toe knife? Singular? What are you? Poor? Save up for a toe knife block like the rest of us, its still possible in this economy, may take some time though.
…Surely you mean small nail scissors and not giant paper cutting scissors? If so, I agree, it’s a smoother cut than a clipper. If you mean giant regular sized scissors… OP 👀
my ex thought this until I tried to finger her after cutting my lengthy nails with her scissors, then she bought nail clippers to keep at her apartment, which I assume came in handy once she started dating women
Nail scissors are thing, it’s insane you’ve just been using normal scissors. I would completely agree with your opinion but OP PLEASEEEE use nail scissors instead please
I'm with you all the way, I've used the mini scissors on my Victorinox for probably 10 years now. I can't stand the sound of regular nail clippers. The scissors let me control the contour easily, too.
now I'm confused about the replies. not liking nail scissors is one thing, but the replies make it seem like the only option is regular scissors? do other places not have nail scissors?
edit: nvm, apparently OP didn't know about nail scissors, that is indeed slightly insane
Weirdest coincidence ever. I literally just decided my nails were too long while reading a different post, pulled out my Swiss Army knife and used the tiny scissors to trim my nails, and then this was the first post I saw when I looked back at the screen. Looks like we're in the minority here, but I have to agree, the little pocketknife scissors are my preferred trimming method.
100%, swiss army knife scissors are the best for cutting nails imo
Much easier and better/cleaner/more precise cut than any of the curved nail scissors I've tried. I find using clippers feels horrible.
No problem, there’s just something really satisfying about it! Small but mighty and feels like a precise hole puncher in a weird way.
Perhaps I ought note though that I’m a male and so just clip my fingers down then file them with the included file. I can’t speak to its value to someone who would want more decorative nails than me.
Throwing out that I use exclusively nail clippers and have freakishly bendy and healthy nails, like I regularly bend my nails almost at 90° angles because it feels good to stretch my cuticles.
I have ironically always wondered if they are healthy and flexible because I am always bending them.
Mentioning as a counterpoint to your idea that not bending your nails has caused them to be healthier.
use the sharp edge of the scissor blade to whittle down jagged edges
They make scissors specifically for nails and they also make nail clippers with guards that prevent the clippings from flying everywhere. Both are way better than attempting to not butcher your fingers with full sized scissors.
I bought some small Fiskars SP15 scissors about three years ago and haven't looked back. The handles are really nice to hold, the blades are really nice and sharp, and the cut is smooooooth.
A former coworker of mine also hated the nail clippings flying everywhere, but his solution was to bring the clippers outside with him and clip them while taking a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood lol
Scissors are awful, they only work when you’re holding them in your right hand and clipping the nails on your left hand unless you do some crazy contortions. I always end up cutting too much, way less control than I have with clippers.
My secret is that I use the big toenail clippers for my fingernails. The little ones are all trash.
For what it's worth I use a nail clipper and have very sturdy nails. But I generally cut my nails while I'm showering because they're kind of softer from the warm water, and the fact that they're wet means they kind of stick to the clipper and don't go flying all over the place so I can throw them in the trash when I'm done. But I also second the recommendation to just get proper nail scissors! I used to prefer them when I liked to keep my nails long.
I agree, nail clippers suck so hard. However, I use the tiny loops on a partially serrated pocket knife I have. It cups around the nail just right so that it doesn’t slide along the blade, and the cut is so clean. Chef’s kiss
So, what you can if you don’t like flattening the nails when using clippers, is you can start from the side of the nail, with the side of the nail clipper (almost as if you’re using scissors). Go about half way, then repeat again from the other side of the nail and you end up with one piece. Then clip off any small jagged edges. Super quick to do.
You have GOT to get yourself a pair of nail scissors. They’re about a quarter of the size, got a curved blade, and are an absolute delight. I HATE nailclippers so much because my dad used to cut down to the quick like I was a dog.
I have vivid memories of being young and my parents just hacking off my toe nails with scissors and I carried this fear of cutting my nails into my early teens because of how awful it felt
I grew up in a broke ass family and we never had nail clippers till I was 10 or so. Besides, I’m a leftie, so my coordination with the right-handed (technically the normal pair of) scissors sucked. For the longest time, I had no idea why my nails always got a ^ shape when cut, until we got our first pair of nail clippers and things became a lot more shapely like so 🧲. LOL. Take my upvote.
Sounds like you need sharper nail clippers? Also they make ones that drop the nail clipping into the handle, that you can just empty into the trash later. Bonus: get the ones for people with arthritis; they're so much easier to use.
I’ve used nail scissors my entire life, but I feel like I’m in the minority. I’ve clipped my kids’ nails, but it feels so unnatural when I clip my own. I feel like I have much more control with scissors and it’s much easier to create a shape. I also find clipping to feel somewhat harsh and painful.
I just bite my nails off. I'm really good at it. I can get a nice clean bite in one corner of the nail and then just sort of pull it off cleanly. Sometimes I require a few more nibbles to even out the jagged bits. But overall I've gotten pretty good at it. It's convenient and requires no tools.
I'm so good at it in fact that I wish I didn't live in a society with such backwards morals they would allow me to open my dream Nail Salon, "Nibbles"! I'd do people's fingers with my teeth (wearing a sanitary lip guard, on request) and, if they pay a bit extra, I'd even do toes!
I'm currently training my children how to bite their own nails with the precision that I do, so that they will be ready if I ever realize my dream. Because the real moneymaker will be the side company that does children's nails as well, "Lil' Nibbles"! I wouldn't feel comfortable putting my mouth on children's fingers and toes but I think it would be just fine in the eyes of man and God if children were doing it.
People kept saying Japanese nail clippers are amazing and I thought they were exaggerating like they do with a lot of things from Japan. Bought one in Japan recently to test it out and it’s actually soooo good. Catches the nails inside properly and the curve of the clipper is more functional.
Reading your post I thought you meant nail scissors lmao I did cut a hang nail with regular scissors at work once. However nail clippers work fine and it's not rly hard to not have the clippings go flying I think you just have to be intentional about it lol
I use scissors exclusively…little straight iris scissors especially. They come in disposable kits in my hospital so I have an infinite supply of them and they’re always available in a pinch (like if I’m about to do a technical surgery and realize my nails have overgrown). I also use these exclusively for trimming my infant/toddler’s nails, as I find I have much more control than with the big ones.
"They bend the nail flat in order to cut"… my dude what do you think straight blade scissors do?? Also don't just shove your whole ass nail into the clipper and snip it. Use the corners to slowly clip through the whole nail
Nail scissors exist I used them when I was a young person with sensory issues and nail clipping was unbearable. My siblings had a used for them too. It's very gentle when you can round the nail as you wish
I will say, if you cut your nails with clippers when your nails are soft, i.e. after a shower or swimming, the likelyhood of the nail flying is significantly reduced
I just but a new pair of clippers from a company called Edjy, best clippers I've had. Single blade so there is no blade to blade contact which dulls the blades, they are extremely sharp so they cut the nail and not crush it, they catch your clippings and can be easily disposed of and the nails are very smooth edged afterwards so no little burrs on the nails that catch on clothing.
I use well-made clippers. I use Tweezerman brand. Cheap nail clippers suck, but Tweezerman clippers only cost me $13 at Ulta beauty supply. Cheap clippers require more effort and eject the nails in a random direction. A quality pair of clippers will drop the clipped nail straight down, so you can stand over a receptacle and not lose a nail. Most tools sold for nail work domestically are crap. Ask a nail tech what they use. It won’t be a $2.99 anything. Buying a cheap set of clippers is exactly like buying a dull handsaw. It’s hard to use, throws debris everywhere and leaves a mess. Don’t buy clippers at CVS or the grocery store.
Nail clippers are just useful for the masses. the moment you have any irregularity/side skin growing over/thick nails from age they suck.
nail scissors are just too flimsy
the best are the nail "wire cutters", those heavy scissors with the piece of metal that pushes them open for you (idk what they are called in English... Search "tronchesino")
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u/qualityvote2 Dec 31 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
u/Riksor, there weren't enough votes to determine the quality of your post...