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CHANCES ARE, YOU probably have a rusty old pair of nail clippers in your bathroom drawer right now, which begs the question: why buy a new pair? Like other blades and razors, nail clippers can dull over time with regular use, making them less effective. A dull edge is a recipe for disaster because it often crushes your nails rather than cleanly trimming them, which can lead to splitting and breakage. Plus, a dull blade can prolong the manicure or pedicure process, turning it into an arduous task that you keep putting off. If your nail clippers are showing visible signs of wear and tear, it may be time for an upgrade.
When shopping for the best nail clippers, you'll find multiple options in stores and hundreds more online. They might all look the same, but their performance can vary based on various factors. So, what should you look for in a pair of nail clippers, and which ones are the best on the market? Below, we'll highlight the key factors to bear in mind during your search for the best nail clippers.
Look for clippers that are made from materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, or titanium steel to help ensure lasting durability. Tools made from stainless steel are able to withstand regular use and cleaning without rusting or deteriorating, and they tend to stay sharper for longer. Another perk of this metal is that it's non-porous, which reduces the risk of your nail clippers harboring bacteria or fungi that can lead to infections. Springing for stainless steel clippers is definitely worth the initial investment for both hygiene and longevity reasons.
"When choosing a clipper, I prefer stainless steel for its durability," says celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik. "It allows the clipper to last and stay sharp longer as well as stand up to professional disinfection procedures. I like a clean, no-frills design for easy use."
Nail clippers come in a range of sizes, from small clippers meant for baby fingers and toes to large clippers designed for use on your toenails. The best size really comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer using smaller tools on their hands for more precision and larger clippers on their feet to trim their toenails, which tend to be thicker. If you have to pick one, go with a larger set of nail clippers, which can be used on both hands and feet.
"I opt for large toenail clippers for both hand and foot care," says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. "Their substantial size and weight offer a more comfortable grip, enhancing stability during use."
For the last month, our grooming-obsessed editors and writers have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated nail clippers to find the best options for a wide range of needs, preferences, and budgets. Our team reviewed dozens of nail clippers and evaluated their design, performance, durability, and features. We also consulted with multiple nail techs and experts and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best nail clippers for men.
Toss out those rusty nail clippers; it's time to invest in a pair of good quality tools that will elevate your grooming routine. Below, we've rounded up ten of the best expert-approved nail clippers to keep your nails looking sharp and tidy at home.
Our experts recommended Tweezerman brand nail clippers most, and this set in particular. It comes with two nail clippers, one larger with straight blades and one smaller with curved blades. Both clippers are made from sharp, strong stainless steel, which helps them cut easily and cleanly. They have a wide opening to accommodate nails of all sizes and thicknesses. Tweezerman nail clippers are known for lasting a long time without getting dull or rusting, so you can expect to get many years out of this one pair. "Their straight edge allows a precise cut and shape for desired length without causing ingrown nails," says Daisy Lucio, a nail technician at Tricoci Salon and Spa Arlington Heights, Illinois. "They have had the longest longevity since I have had the same ones for five years and are still sharp!"
Made in Japan, these nail clippers are crafted from the same high-grade tempered Japanese stainless steel used to make swords. These tools are well-weighted, and the blades cut through fingernails like butter. A nice upgrade from the drugstore brands, these clippers are well worth the price, according to our experts.
"These are great for a clean, sharp trim that won't damage nails," says Michelle Nguyen, CEO of PLA Beauty. "The cut is really precise and they last a long time, and they're really ergonomic and easy to use."
We love this set from Tweezerman because it includes clippers for both fingernails and toenails, plus other great nail grooming tools, like mini cuticle nippers, a nail file, and a tool to clean underneath your nails. Based on our testing, the clippers in this set are really durable and great for using on-the-go. Nguyen likes the toenail clippers in this set because they have a straighter edge that prevents your nails from breaking or splitting. The fingernail clippers have a curved edge to fit the curve of the fingernail naturally.
Carbon stainless steel has the sharpness of carbon steel and the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, and it's what makes these nail clippers durable and wear-resistant. The razor-sharp blade provides a superior performance, trimming your nails in a single clean cut without ripping or tearing the nail. Cyndi Van, Nail Service and Education Director at Tricoci Salon and Spa, recommends these nail clippers because they're sleek and have a built-in file and under-edge cleaner.
Its most unique feature: It bends and folds to make various angles, providing the leverage you need to clip thick nails. When you're done, these clippers fold up flat so they can be easily tucked away into a pocket or Dopp kit.
Kandalec swears by these straight-edge nail clippers from Tweezerman because she knows and trusts the quality of the blades. She says that the brand's tools are meant to last and are sharp enough to cut thicker nails and leave a smooth, clean cut every time.
"I prefer to use straight-blade clippers for their precision and control," she says. "The curved varieties, while popular, give me less control, and I don't want to risk accidentally nicking the skin, especially around delicate areas."
Clipping your nails can be a dangerous sport if you don't have a good grip on your grooming tools. These clippers have a long, wide base and an ergonomic handle that allows for a firm confident grip when trimming, especially when you're one-handed. The large size is perfect for cutting toenails as well as fingernails, and the built-in nail file easily smoothes any rough or ragged edges. Made in Japan and crafted with stainless steel and a durable zinc alloy, we found that these clippers last for years to come, even with frequent use.
Thick toenails can be difficult to trim with regular nail clippers. Even the sharpest clippers may accidentally cut your nails or skin, increasing your chance of contracting a fungal infection. If you have thick nails, put down the clippers and pick up these heavy-duty toenail clippers from Swissklip, which are designed to cut through thick and ingrown nails safely. The rubberized, ergonomic handles make these clippers easier to control and provide leverage for effortless trimming, even for those with extra thick toenails. Great for seniors or anyone with mobility issues, these nail clippers may take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder why you ever used anything else.
These affordable nail trimmer offers precise trimming, allowing you to trim along the curve of nails and safely around the edges. We like that they're small enough that you can see and feel exactly what you’re trimming so you don’t accidentally trim more than what’s needed.
Straight blades, like the ones here, are the preferred style among the experts we spoke with. "My favorite nail clipper is a stainless-steel straight edge; preferably a medium sized one that allows for a good grip," says Van. "[The] reason why is the straight edge allows you to feel where the blade will go down so you can control what you’re clipping more easily."
If you want to stay well-groomed when you're traveling, you'll want to pack a pair of nail clippers in your bag. We like these neon green nail clippers because they stand out in a crowded toiletries bag. The straight blades are sharp, but not so sharp that they're a danger if you go blindly rummaging through your toiletries bag. Made of durable and stainless steel, these nail clippers are built to last.
Kandalec recommends these professional-grade nail clippers for their ability to make smooth cuts and their ergonomic design. The extra long handle increases grip and stability, and the clippers are coated in titanium to keep them sharp and durable for longer. Made entirely of stainless steel, these tools can be cleaned and sanitized over and over again without rusting. Strong enough to cut toenails, Kandalec also loves the sleek champagne finish, which makes them worth the slightly elevated price point.
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