Why Do Nail Salons Cut the Sides of Toenail? Reasons & Risks
So, you know when you come in for a pedicure and you see technician really focusing on the sides of your toenails? I don’t just do that for fun! There’s actually a big reason behind it. It’s one of the most important parts of my job. Getting those sides right is how I keep your feet feeling good, looking nice, and staying healthy. After doing this for so many years, I can tell you—a little careful trimming saves you from a lot of problems later.
Let’s Talk About Your Toenail Shape
Okay, first thing your toenail isn’t like a flat piece of plastic. It’s shaped like your toe, with soft curves on the sides. If those curved sides get too long or start growing sideways, that’s when trouble happens. They can poke into your skin, catch all kinds of dirt and fuzz, and just make your shoes hurt.
So when you sit in my chair, the first thing I do is look at how your nails naturally grow. Everyone’s toes are different! Once I see your shape, I know exactly how to trim you so it doesn’t hurt and keeps you comfy.
Why I’m So Picky About Trimming the Sides
1. No More Ingrown Toenails (Please!)
This is the big one. Ingrown nails are awful—they hurt, they get red, and they can get infected. That happens when the sharp corner of your nail decides to grow into your skin instead of over it. So what do I do? I cut the nail straight across, never in a curve.
Then I gently smooth the very corners so there’s nothing sharp to dig in. You wouldn’t believe how many of my regulars have told me their ingrown nails stopped coming back once they started getting trimmed this way. It’s all about keeping the nail growing straight out.
2. Making Your Feet Look Really Nice
Let’s be honest, we all want our feet to look good! A neat, even shape makes your whole foot look cleaner and more polished. I take my time to make sure each nail matches the others. It’s not just about vanity—when your toenails look good, you feel more confident wearing cute sandals or going barefoot. I love hearing clients say, “My feet look so tidy now!” after a good shaping.
3. Cleaning Out the Gunk
The little space where your nail meets the skin on the sides is like a dirt magnet. It collects dead skin, lint from your socks, and just general daily grime. If we don’t clean it out, it can start to smell or get irritated. So during your soak, I soften everything up, and then I use my tools to gently clean out those corners before I trim. It’s like giving your nails a fresh start. Clean feet are happy feet!
4. So Your Shoes Don’t Hurt
Have you ever felt like your toenails are pressing against the front of your shoes? That’s usually because the sides are too long. When I trim and reshape them, it takes away that pressure point. This is super important for anyone who wears tight shoes, runs, or is on their feet all day. I want you to walk out of here and forget about your feet because they feel that good.
5. Keeping Your Nails Strong
Think of a regular trim like a haircut for your nails—it keeps them healthy. When I keep the sides shaped right and at a good length, it helps prevent your nails from splitting, cracking, or breaking at the edges. My goal is to help your nails stay strong so they look and feel great until your next visit with me.
What If It Feels Sore Afterwards?
A tiny bit of tenderness is totally normal, especially if your nails were way too long before we started. If that happens, just soak your feet in some warm water with a scoop of Epsom salt for a few minutes. Keep your feet clean and dry, and try to wear open shoes for a day or two to avoid any pressure.
But listen—if the pain is bad, doesn’t go away, or if you see redness, swelling, or pus, that’s not normal. You should call me straight away. And if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or think you have a serious ingrown nail, you need to see a foot doctor (a podiatrist). I’m always here to help with your nail care, but I’m not a doctor, and some things need special medical attention.
How to Take Care of Your Toenails at Home
To keep up the good work between our appointments, remember a few easy tips:
- Cut straight across. Don’t follow the curve of your toe when you cut.
- File the corners after cutting to make them smooth.
- Wash and moisturize your feet regularly.
- Choose shoes that breathe when you can.
- Don’t cut them too short! Leaving a little white edge is much safer and stops the skin from growing over the nail.
Doing these simple things at home makes a huge difference. It keeps your feet in great shape and makes your next pedicure even better.
Let’s Keep Those Feet Feeling Fantastic!
For me, a pedicure isn’t just about pretty polish. It’s about making sure your feet are healthy and comfortable long after you leave my salon. I hope knowing all this helps you understand why I do what I do. It’s all for you!
If you ever have a question about your nails—anything at all—just ask me next time you’re in. Or drop a comment below. I’m always happy to chat about foot care. Thanks so much for letting me be part of keeping your feet happy and healthy!
