Our hands and feet are on show more often than most other parts of our body. While we may wear socks and gloves when it gets colder, come the warmer months, everything changes. Washing your hands is something you’re taught to do from a young age and is good for hygiene but to really take good care of your hands and feet, you need to keep your nails in order. And to do that well, you need a pair of the best nail clippers.
Here are two main reasons why keeping your nails clipped is important:
Appearance – Nasty nails are not attractive. Similar to teeth, nails are a quickly judged part of your body, so keeping them looking their best is important. Clipping your nails doesn’t need to take long, and it doesn’t need to be done every day, either. But, think of nail clipping like brushing your teeth and make it part of your regular hygiene routine. Many people find clipping their nails every one to two weeks works well.
Hygiene – Long nails can harbor bad bacteria, dirt and grime. Keeping nails clipped can increase your hand health, but a pair of dry and clean nail clippers are best for hygiene purposes. It’s often recommended you use separate pairs for your hands and for your feet, too. Using old clippers can enable a build-up of bacteria which can lead to infection. In addition, using the same clippers on your fingers and toes can cause ingrown toenails, damage to the clippers and can even transmit fungi, too.
Nail clippers are the headliner in every nail care kit, but they work best when combined with a team of manicure must-haves. Here are a few additional nail care items you might consider:
We’ve rounded up the top nail clippers available right now. There is a range of clippers included as well as sets that come with nail files and other manicure tools, too. All of them include at least one clipper, which is enough to get you on your way to better-looking nails.
1. FIXBODY Nail Clipper Set
The Fixbody Nail Clipper Set comes with fingernail and toenail clippers, a nail file and a leather storage case. The ultra-sharp blades and anti-slip lever are made with sturdy stainless steel and cut thicker nails smoothly and easily, preventing any sort of nail splitting. With both sets of nail clippers provided, you can use the right tool for the job while reducing the risk of spreading any fungus.
Pros: Unisex design looks great in any makeup kit or toiletry bag.
Cons: Users praise the ergonomic grip but some say it’s harder to slide your nail in between the blades.
2. GoBetter Nail Clippers Set
The professional-grade nail clippers set by GoBetter features a small curved fingernail clipper and a large straight toenail clipper. These clippers are made from high-quality stainless steel material, are well-aligned, sturdy and easy to use. Their ergonomic design makes manicuring your nails easier and an anti-slip lever ensures no sweaty hand slip-ups. Also included are small built-in metal nail files into both of the nail clippers which are great for smoothing rough edges after clipping, making them very easy to use.
Pros: This nail set comes with a handy zippered leather case for quick and easy storage and traveling.
Cons: These do not come with a nail catcher.
3. REVLON Nail Clipper
There’s no excuse for not trimming your nails thanks to the REVLON Nail Clipper. This traditional manicuring tool has a flip-reverse design which enables pressure to be applied using the fold-out leaver. It also features a fold-away nail file and is suited to both right and left-handed users. The curved blades provide safe trimming. If you’re looking for a traditional pair of nail clippers that will last for years, this pair is for you.
Pros: The sturdy, fold-away design saves space while also providing a nail file.
Cons: May jam occasionally.
4. Codream Nail Clippers
Avoid nail clippings being spread around by using the Codream Nail Clippers, which feature a clippings catcher. The curved, under-shelf catches the clippings as they’re released, so you can deposit them in the trash rather than on the floor. These clippers are made of tempered stainless steel to prevent rust. Plus, the handles are designed for good grip by providing long levers with wide tails.
Pros: The handles feature anti-slip finger grooves to ensure a steady hold.
Cons: Users with large fingers may find the catcher gets in the way of nail trimming.
5. SZWHT Nail Clippers
Complete with a separate nail file, the SZWHT Nail Clippers have an extra-wide jaw, making them well-suited to large nails. The wide jaw requires wider leverage, which results in more pressure being applied to cut through thicker nails. Available in a range of colors, including black, silver and multicolored, you can select yours to match the rest of your preexisting grooming kit.
Pros: With a 15mm wide jaw, these clippers can bite through thick nails easily.
Cons: These clippers are larger than most other models and so are best suited for home use rather than travel.
6. Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clippers
The smart utility design of the Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clippers makes them capable of more than just trimming. Integrated into the clever design of this grooming tool is a nail file as well as a small screwdriver. There is also a key hoop attached to one end, so you can take this handy tool with you wherever you go. We love the portability and functionality of these simple nail clippers.
Pros: These nail clippers are made for adventure, so if you enjoy camping trips and extreme conditions, these are for you.
Cons: May be a little too fiddly.
7. New Huling Toenail Clippers
Featuring two solid handles surrounded by an ergonomically designed resin cover, the New Huling Toenail Clippers offer a very comfortable grip. They’re made from surgical-grade stainless steel, so they can be washed frequently without rusting, which is the number one pitfall among nail clippers. Additionally, the blade is curved which makes these clippers ideal for tackling thick or ingrown toenails.
Pros: These clippers are extremely comfortable to use thanks to the resin covers and double spring handle.
Cons: They’re not the best for travel, as they’re chunkier than most.
8. AUTENPOO Nail Clippers Set
The AUTENPOO Nail Clippers Set includes 26 tools dedicated to nail care. These tools come presented in a leather case which is available in either brown or pink. The clippers are sharp and waterproof for a precise cut and a rust-free long life. Measuring 6.2 by 4.7 inches, this set is great for travel or home use. It also makes a fantastic gift when you’re unsure of what to get someone.
Pros: Everything you need to keep your nails in tip-top condition.
Cons: You’ll need to put some time into learning how to use each tool correctly.
9. Tweezerman Nail Clipper Set
As a leading brand in the world of grooming tools, Tweezerman Nail Clipper makes this top-quality set of two clippers. There is one straight-edge clipper and one curved-edge clipper in the set, both of which are made of stainless steel for durability. The curved pair is designed for shaping, whereas the straight edge pair is for preventing ingrown nails, which is why the latter is recommended for your toenails.
Pros: You can select from either the curved or straight edge blade to suit your nails.
Cons: Although these clippers are strong and sharp, some customers find they’re not as precise as they would like them to be.
10. BESTOPE Nail Clippers Set
The Bestope Nail Clipper Set includes a fingernail clipper, a toenail clipper and a slant edge nail clipper. These clippers come equipped with very sharp blades that meet the curves of the natural nails and a sturdy handle to give you the control you need without having to apply additional force. Designed with electroplated zinc alloy and fabricated with vacuum coating technology, these clippers are reliable and built for longevity.
Pros: Built for all nail types, these clippers have an easy-grip lever and non-slip matte finish designed for accuracy and control.
Cons: There is no nail file included.