When it comes to buying a fingernail clipper, your go-to reference is your hand or the person you’re buying it for. There are many things to be taken into consideration depending on the type of nails and look you are aiming for. Some of the most common factors to consider when going nail clipper shopping are:
Types of Nail Clippers
One of the most unusual things about fingernail clippers is that there are many types of them, even though they all perform the same job. The different features offered by each clipper impacts its performance, weight, ease of use, and accuracy when cutting nails.
Lever-type
This is the classic style for nail clippers. The lever is used to press the jaws of the clipper shut and cut the nail. It is usually preferred by people who have a sturdy hand and good grip.
Scissor type
Scissor-type nail clippers are for precise and professional hands. They are especially convenient to cut broken or ingrown nails. You can also use them to cut injured skin or any damaged area around the nails.
Guillotine type
Guillotine nail clippers are used for thick and stubborn nails such as ingrown nails or chipped acrylics. They isolate the original area you intend to cut, making sure the area outside of it is not affected. You need a considerable amount of force to use them.
Nipper type
If you’re looking for nail clippers that give you room for dexterity and better control, nipper-type clippers are just for you. These nail clippers resemble pliers and are ideal for cutting wide nails. However, it may take some time to adjust to the length of the handle.
From Our Celebrity Expert, Olivia Elgart:
"You might think that any fingernail clipper will do, but the clipper you use can make a world of difference. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann says that some nail clippers are sharper than others and that the shape matters too! So keep this in mind before getting your own nail clippers."
Other Things to Consider
Width of nail
In most cases, it is next to impossible to clip an adult nail in one go because nails are typically an inch or wider. Cutting the nails in one clip often puts pressure on the end of the nail and inhibits it from growing out evenly. Most fingernail clippers use at least two to three clips to cut a nail in a certain shape, whilst toenail clippers cut in a single clip.
Thickness of nail
The thickness of the nail also impacts what kind of nail clipper can be used on it. If you have curved or thick fingernails, you would need a nail clipper with a wider jaw. A wide jaw opening allows the nails to fit easily in between the blades.
A good fit guarantees that the clipper will not rip or damage the nail, but will clip it right off. Wide jaw fingernail clippers are good for adults as they deal with hardened nails much better than regular clippers do.
Safety
Safety is another important aspect when it comes to buying the perfect pair of fingernail clippers. The blades of the clippers should always be inwards so that they don’t get caught up in the skin or accidentally cut the user.
This is especially important when working with little children who tend to move around when their nails are being cut. Stainless steel blades are easy to disinfect and do not corrode. Hence they are safer to use as compared to many other fingernail clipper blades.
Blade shape
The shape of the blade impacts how it cuts the nails and how many clips it would take to trim a regular nail. Most fingernail clipper blades are curved to follow the natural shape of the nail. This makes it easy to clip them without damaging the existing nail.
However, for older people and multi-purpose fingernail clippers, a flat blade is also used. Flat blades give more force when clipping but often require multiple clips to get the job done. In nail clipper sets, there is usually one curved clipper and one flat clipper.
Ergonomic handle
Another important aspect is the handle design and whether it is ergonomic or not. Most nail clipper handles fit into the palm of your hand and do not need a lot of force to operate. In some cases, the handle design is specifically enhanced to help people with mobility issues such as arthritis.
Sturdy and durable frame
A sturdy and durable frame is important for a fingernail clipper to work efficiently. These kinds of things tend to fall often and need a sturdy build to resist damage. Similarly, the frame should be made with non-corrosive metal that does not rust. A good fingernail clipper will feel heavy in the palm of the hand but not enough to tire it out. Always check whether the different parts of the clipper align before buying it.
Additional Elements
Another important factor to take into consideration is the additional elements that can be found in certain fingernail clippers. These elements help set the clipper apart and provide extra convenience to the user.
Nail file
In some fingernail clippers, you can find nail files at the back of the clipper or a separate tool that comes in the overall package. These are very useful for shaping the nail and rounding it off to prevent scratches from sharp edges.
Nail tip stencil
Nail tip stencils are useful for those people who are obsessed with getting the perfect shape without going to the salon.
Storage box
A storage box is almost essential for nail clippers since they’re very easy to lose sight of. If you put them in your bag, it takes forever to find them. A good storage box can hold your clipper and some essential accessories as well.
Clipping bag
For cutting your nails on the go, a clipping bag is essential. It prevents any mess on the floor and helps you be a more responsible person. You can carry your clippings securely till you find a suitable place to discard them.
Conclusion
Do consider all the factors mentioned in this guide when going out to buy the perfect pair of nail clippers for yourself. In most stores, clippers are available to try so you can always test one out. When buying clippers online, opt for something with dimensions that are easy to hold and have additional elements like a nail file and stencil. This will help you in the long run to get perfect nails every time.
