Although nail clippers may not be one of those personal care items you put much thought into, having a reliable set will help you maintain the health of your nails at home. Take my word for it, trimming your fingernails can even be a satisfying self-care practice. For years, I dedicated time at the beginning of every month to deliberately clipping and reshaping my nails, ensuring they’d grow out evenly for the month ahead. While I now regularly get professional manicures and pedicures, I’m positive that the primary reason my nails have remained in tip-top shape for decades is my routine — and the best nail clippers.
“Regularly trimming your nails is key to essential healthy nail maintenance as part of your manicure/pedicure routine,” explains Olivia Van Iderstine, Olive & June mani trend expert and vice president of content and creative for the brand. “Shaping your nails helps ensure healthy nail growth and can prevent things like ingrown nails. It also helps keep you comfortable! Longer nails may be uncomfortable in shoes, or may not support your lifestyle or aesthetic goals.”
Marcela Correa, a licensed medical pedicurist and owner of Medi Pedi NYC, adds that the best nail clippers will “keep your nails healthy and clean, as they help you safely and effectively trim your nails.”
When was the last time you purchased a new set of nail clippers or even thought about whether you selected a quality pair? If you can’t quite recall, you came to the right place. With the help of our nail experts, we outline what separates solid nail clippers from an average tool, explain how often you should trim your nails and offer expert-approved options to level up your at-home nail care.
What to look for when buying nail clippers
Our experts say that there are major differences between excellent clippers and ones that are just okay. “A great nail clipper is efficient, safe and helps you achieve your dream nail shape,” explains Van Iderstine. “This means it clips cleanly without shredding your nail and that it doesn’t force you into a nail shape you don’t want.”
First things first, Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of her eponymous nail care line, says to always look for clippers made from high-quality steel because these tools won’t tarnish, have impressive durability and will maintain sharpness for years. She also recommends looking for designs that offer a good grip. “Something with dips for each of your fingers is ideal so you can easily grip and control the clippers while using them.”
As for the size of the clippers, this comes down to personal preference. Our experts mention that your tool should feel comfortable in your hands — that’s the key to an even nail trimming experience.
Clippers that aren’t hefty or sharp enough to precisely cut through your nails can cause damage and “leave your nails a bit rough or uneven,” says Correa. “Getting a good nail clipper can really make a big difference when you’re taking care of your nails.”
Best nail clippers
I never thought I’d describe nail clippers as sleek until I tried these from Deborah Lippmann. The black tool is made from sturdy steel and covered with an abrasion-resistant coating to prevent tarnishing, ensuring they will last a lifetime. Plus, the curved mouth allows me to trim my fingernails to the perfect length and shape in one go, no need for filing afterwards.
For frequent travelers, Lippman recommends keeping these Japanese clippers in your purse or carry-on. “It’s made with stainless steel and features a built-in nail file for any on-the-go needs,” she says.
These are a favorite of Correa, who appreciates that Seki Edge clippers come in a variety of grips and sizes to comfortably fit into hands of all sizes. She particularly loves the rounded-grip designs (like this one) for their ease of use and sharp, steady clipping action.
You may be used to the standard nail clippers shape, but Correa says nippers (the tools that look like mini pliers) work just as well for cutting your nails and shaping your cuticles. In fact, she prefers them over clippers. “Mundial makes nippers that come in a variety of shapes and price points,” she says, to fit everyone’s needs.
The hefty weight and long 3-inch design of these stainless steel clippers makes snipping and shaping both fingernails and thicker toenails a breeze. As a little bonus, they have a mini file attached to beautifully shape your nails in a cinch, too.
This smart set includes both finger and toenail clippers to keep your nails in flawless shape “The flat edge is the secret to achieving the nail shape of your dreams. Most manicure clippers have a half-moon shape, which forces your nail into a rounded shape,” explains Van Iderstine. “The flat edge on these allows you to get any shape you want! Crisp, straight lines for square and squoval are a cinch, and rounded shapes like oval or even almond are possible, too.”
I don’t know about anyone else, but I always manage to lose my nail clippers in my crowded bathroom drawers. The neon coating on these strong steel clippers ensures that they’re easily spottable, and makes using them a bit more enjoyable. Choose between four vibrant hues — pink, yellow, orange or green.
While stainless steel looks sleek, it’s not the most graspable material. If you’re worried about your nail clippers slipping out of your grip, opt for this pick from Tweezerman. The textured handle guarantees that these stay steady in your hands. My favorite detail about these, though, is how the bottom compartment catches clippings for seamless clean up.