How to Trim Your Nails Properly at Home
Trimming without peeling, filing in one direction, what to do with gel on and habits that weaken nails.
Cutting nails seems simple, but doing it wrong is a common cause of peeling, ingrown edges and sore cuticles. How to trim and file fingernails at home between salon visits.
Tools
Sharp clippers, a fine file (180 grit or higher, or glass), and alcohol to clean them.
Trimming
- Trim after a shower when nails are softer.
- Take small cuts rather than one big snip.
- Leave about 1 mm of free edge.
- Do not cut deep into the corners.
Filing
- File in one direction, sides to centre — no sawing.
- Angle the file slightly under the tip.
- Check from above and the side.
- Brush off dust and apply oil.
With gel on
Do not clip gel nails — it cracks the gel at the tip. File lightly in one direction or come back; at removal (30,000₫) the technician reshapes before new colour.
Habits to drop
Biting or tearing tips, using paper scissors, cutting cuticles deep at home, sharing clippers without cleaning. Toenails are different: cut straight across.
VESSCA is at 251/30 Le Quang Dinh, Gia Dinh ward (Binh Thanh), Ho Chi Minh City, open 9:00–20:30 daily.
Frequently asked questions
How should I trim my nails?
After a shower, in small cuts, leaving about 1 mm.
Is sawing back and forth bad?
Yes — file in one direction.
Can I clip gel nails?
No; file lightly or come back to the salon.
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