How to Trim Thick Toenails Safely at Home (Step by Step)

Thick toenails are one of the most common nail problems as we get older. They are hard to cut, a regular clipper slips or cracks the nail, and you need more strength than your hands may have. The good news: with the right preparation and the right tool, you can trim thick toenails safely at home.

Why do toenails get thicker?

Nails grow more slowly with age, so the layers build up and the nail becomes thicker and harder. Pressure from tight shoes, a past injury to the toe and poor circulation can add to this. A fungal infection can also make nails thick, but then the nail usually looks yellow, white or brown and becomes crumbly. In that case, see your doctor or podiatrist first.

What you need

• A bowl of warm water or a shower
• A towel
• A sturdy nail clipper or an electric nail clipper
• A nail file
• A good light, or a clipper with a built-in light
• Foot cream

Step by step: trimming thick toenails

1. Soften the nails. Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes, or trim right after a shower. Softer nails are much easier to cut and less likely to crack.
2. Dry your feet well. Wet feet are slippery, and a firm grip on your foot makes trimming safer.
3. Sit comfortably with good light. Put your foot on a stool or the edge of the bath so you do not have to bend too far.
4. Trim straight across in small steps. Do not try to cut the whole nail in one go. Take off small pieces and keep the edge straight. Do not cut deep into the corners, as this can cause ingrown nails.
5. Leave a little length. Keep about 1 to 2 millimetres of white nail. Cutting too short makes the skin around the nail sore.
6. File the edges. Smooth sharp edges with a file so the nail does not catch on your socks.
7. Finish with foot cream. Moisturise your feet and the skin around the nails, but not between the toes.

Regular clipper or electric nail clipper?

A regular clipper needs a lot of squeezing force on thick nails. If your fingers are stiff or your grip is weaker, the clipper can slip and the nail can split or tear. An electric nail clipper does the work for you: the motor trims the nail gradually, without squeezing. Models with a protected, rounded head keep the blade away from your skin, and a built-in LED light helps you see exactly where you are trimming.

When should you see a podiatrist?

Trimming at home is fine for most people, but get professional help if:

• the nail is painful, red or swollen, or you think it is ingrown
• the nail is discoloured or crumbly (possible fungal infection)
• you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet
• you cannot reach your feet safely

Frequently asked questions

How often should I trim thick toenails?

About every 4 to 6 weeks is enough for most people. Thick nails grow slowly, so trimming little and often is easier than waiting until they are very long.

Can I trim thick toenails without soaking them?

You can, but soaking first makes it much easier and reduces the risk of cracking. With an electric nail clipper, soaking is less important, because it does not need to cut through the nail in one go.

Is an electric nail clipper safe for thick nails?

Yes, as long as you start on a low speed and guide it gently along the edge of the nail. Choose a model with a protected head, so the blade does not touch your skin.