Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Improper toenail cutting is the most preventable cause of ingrown toenails — and one of the most common mistakes podiatrists see. Despite how simple nail cutting seems, there are specific techniques, tools, and timing considerations that make the difference between healthy nails and a painful, infected ingrown toenail.

The Right Tools for Cutting Toenails

Using the wrong tool creates ragged edges, curved cuts, and nail trauma that lead to ingrown toenails and nail damage.

• Straight-blade toenail clippers — essential; do NOT use curved fingernail clippers on toenails. Toenail clippers have a straight cutting edge designed for the flat, hard toenail plate. Professional toenail clippers →
• Nail file or emery board — smooth any rough edges after clipping to prevent snagging on socks
• Nail softener — for very thick toenails, soaking in warm water for 10 minutes or applying a nail softening product (urea cream) before cutting makes the process easier and reduces nail splitting

Step-by-Step: How to Cut Toenails Correctly

1. Soften the nails first — cut after a shower or bath, or soak feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes; softened nails cut cleanly without splitting
2. Cut straight across — do NOT round the corners; a straight cut prevents the corners from digging into the surrounding skin
3. Leave the nail at or just above the fingertip level — nails cut too short expose the nail groove to compression from footwear and create the conditions for ingrown nails
4. Do not dig out corners — resist the urge to dig into the corners; this is the most common cause of ingrown toenails
5. File sharp edges — run a nail file along the edge to smooth any sharp points left by the clipper
6. Cut one section at a time — do not try to cut the full nail in one pass; 2–3 passes from corner to center produces a cleaner cut

How Often Should You Cut Toenails?

Toenails grow approximately 1–2mm per month — much slower than fingernails. Most people need to cut toenails every 6–8 weeks. Cutting too frequently increases the risk of cutting too short. A simple guide: cut toenails when they reach the end of the toe, not before.

Special Situations

• Diabetic patients — seek professional nail care from a podiatrist; impaired sensation means accidental cuts may go unnoticed; impaired healing means small wounds become serious quickly
• Very thick nails — thickened nails (from fungal infection, trauma, or aging) are difficult to cut and require electric nail files or professional debridement; attempting to cut thick nails with standard clippers risks nail cracking and injury
• Curved nails (pincer nails) — nails that curve significantly along their width may need professional treatment; home cutting can be difficult and counterproductive

Struggling with Ingrown or Thick Toenails?

Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle provides professional nail care and permanent ingrown toenail solutions. Most insurances accepted.

Watch: Toenail Cutting Tips from Dr. Biernacki

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI | (810) 206-1402

Book My Nail Care Appointment →

or call (810) 206-1402

How to Cut Toenails Properly & Avoid Ingrown Nails

Suffering from ingrown toenails? Our podiatrists treat ingrown nails and teach proper trimming technique to prevent painful recurrences.

Learn About Our Toenail Treatment Services → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. Management of the ingrown toenail. American Family Physician, 2009;79(4):303-308.
2. Eekhof JA, et al. Interventions for ingrowing toenails. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012;(4):CD001541.
3. DeLauro NM, DeLauro TM. Onychocryptosis. Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, 2004;21(3):431-452.

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.