The right way to cut your nails

Sometimes you have to get back to basics. Whether it’s learning how to boil pasta without overcooking it, making a bed or constructing a proper braaibroodjie, it always pays to get to grips with the basic skills in life. We caught up with Martie Olivier, beauty therapist, makeup artist and owner of The Beauty Room in Malmesbury, to find out what basic steps you should take if you want to cut your nails the right way. Here is her tried-and-tested four-step process.

Wash your hands thoroughly

“You want your hands to be nice and clean when you cut your nails to ensure that everything is hygienic. Use handwash or good old-fashioned soap to give them a thorough wash before you begin. Hand sanitiser will also do the trick,” says Martie. 

Choose your tool

“Next, pick your tool – a pair of nail clippers or nail scissors, whichever works best for you. Scissors tend to be best for your fingernails because the cut is generally a little less harsh, but stick to the tool that you find most comfortable,” suggests Martie. 

Get cutting

“There are two different ways to cut,” explains Martie. “You can either start off with one long horizontal cut, and two shorter cuts to round off the edges (be careful here, you don't want to cut into the corners and cause ingrown nails); or you can trim the corners first, and then trim the remaining sharp point at the apex.”

Finish things off

“Once you're done trimming, take a nail file and file in one direction so you don't disturb the nail bed. Filing in both directions can cause the nail to crack or splinter in the long run,” says Martie. “Also remember to clean your cutting tool if you use it on both your hands and feet. This just prevents any unexpected germs from spreading.”

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com