How to Cut Ingrown Toenails: Square Cut Method to Prevent Pain

The Essential 'Square Cut' Technique

The only correct way to trim nails to prevent ingrown toenails is the Square Cut. This involves cutting the tip straight across without rounding the corners too much.

Three Points of the Ideal Shape

1. Length: The tip of the nail should be even with or slightly (1mm) longer than the toe.
2. Shape: Cut the tip straight across.
3. Corners: Don't cut the corners deep; just file them slightly to remove sharp edges.

Steps for Correct Trimming

1. Trim After a Bath: Dry nails are hard and prone to cracking. Trimming after a bath when nails are soft is the best timing.
2. Trim in Small Steps: Don't cut across the whole nail at once. Work from the edges to the center in small segments.
3. Finish with a File: Use a nail file in one direction to smooth the edges so they don't catch on clothing.

Habits to Avoid: Deep Cutting and Slant Cutting

Cutting the corners diagonally (slant cutting) to relieve pain is a mistake. While it provides temporary relief, the nail will grow back sharper and dig deeper, worsening the condition in a negative loop.