Best Nail Supplies
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A good pair of nail clippers is a medicine-cabinet essential, whether you prefer doing your own nails at home or need a trim between manicures. Often, clipping your nails can feel more like a shore than a rewarding routine, so it’s normal to treat purchasing nail clippers as an afterthought. Believe it or not, this can be a huge mistake! Nail clippers come in a variety of different weights, sizes, and blade shapes, so we decided to take the guesswork out of your next purchase by creating a hit list of some of the best nail clippers loved by our salon experts.
Our beauty editor Joanna went years without giving a second thought about the nail clippers she was using. That is, until one Christmas she was gifted a set of really nice stainless-stell nail clippers from a Japanese brand. Upon using them for the first time, she wondered how she’d ever used anything else in her life. Investing in good nail clippers can make all the difference, from perfecting your ideal nail shape to getting a nice, clean cut.
In our search of finding the best nail supplies in stores, we asked a few manicurists (some with over a decade of experience) in Los Angeles, what their favorite nail clipper brands were. After testing 16 different nail clippers, there was one clear winner. We’ve linked where you can purchase them below, and the bonus is you can enjoy prime shipping so you can get your nails in top form ASAP.
Whether you’re looking for nail clippers for babies or toenail clippers for the thickest of nails, these are the only 5 nail clippers worth using. Keep scrolling for5 of the best nail clippers worth your money—from the best model for your toes to the best budget pick—we have you covered.
What nail clippers do professionals use?
Green Bell G-1008 Nail Clipper – These are pretty legendary and basically regarded as the best model of nail clippers on the market. Our Gloss Guru editor Joanna owns 3 – one for her car, home, and travel bag. With a price tag of $20, they’re a little bit more of an investment, but according to the reviewers who love them, they deliver such a clean, swift cut that your filing and shaping follow-up will likely become obsolete.
What to look for when buying nail clippers?
If you’re considering purchasing a set of nail clippers, there are a few things you should look out for. Firstly, clippers vary by shape, material, blade curve, and design.
Nail clippers with a longer lever-gripped padding and extra surface area on the handle make it easier to trim your nails. Avoid nail clippers that are too small and do not provide a lightweight, easy-to-grip hold or enough leverage to ensure you can safely and effectively cut your nails.
Ideally, a great nail clipper has an easy-to-hold ergonomic design and is made with a stainless-steel blade. Our salon experts instruct you to only ever buy stainless steel or titanium steel clippers as they’re hypoallergenic and rust-resistant—aka they’re the cleanest, safest, and most long-lasting options.
Next up, consider shape. Toenail clippers have a straight-across blade, in order to avoid all-too-common ingrown toenails. Take into consideration your nail shape, size, and thickness as these differ from person to person
What will happen if you don’t cut your nails regularly?
There are risks associated with not cutting your nails. The longer we allow nails to grow, the higher the chance that dirt and germs can get lodged in the nail bed causing painful nail infections. When your nails are long, you’re also more inclined to bite or pick at them which may also lead to infection.
01. What nail clippers do professionals use?
02. What to look for when buying nail clippers?
03. What will happen if you don’t cut your nails regularly?
04. Our Picks
05. Final Verdict
06. How We Tested
07. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
08. Why Trust The Gloss Gurus
Green Bell G-1008 Nail Clipper (Takumi No Waza)
★★★★★ based on 62,000 reviews
For those who want the best nail clippers in the market and don’t mind spending $20, there is no better option on this list than the Green Bell G-1008s. They’re razor sharp, feel sturdy in hand, and aesthetically look nicer than most other clippers. Definitely be prepared to have your nails cut so cleanly that you may not even need to file off the edges when you’re done.
2. Harperton 2-Pack Stainless Steel Nail Clippers Set
Another popular option amongst manicurists is this affordable set by Harperton. The set includes smaller and larger clippers, allowing you to have dedicated clippers for your fingernails and toenails. Although they may not feel as sturdy as the Green Bell and the Seki clippers, they still do the job – they cleanly trim nails without leaving jagged edges.
3. Nail Clippers for Thick Nails – Dr.Mode
The best clipper for toenails!
These nail clippers by Dr. Mode are heavy-duty nail tools offering a sleek design perfect for fingernails and toenails. Thanks to the stainless steel blades, these anti-slip clippers cut right through thick nails with practically no effort. They are antimicrobial and ultra-sharp, meaning they won’t cause nailbed infections over time and will give a precise cut with each use.
4. Mehaz Professional Pro Curved Clipper
These affordable, travel-sized clippers offer a stainless steel curved blade, perfect for shaping and cutting fingernails on the go. The Mehaz Professional Pro Curved clippers have a sturdy, ergonomically sculpted body and are less expensive than some of the other clippers on this list.
5. Seki Edge Nail Clippers
If by some chance the Green Bell clippers are unavailable on Amazon, these seriously sharp clippers come in second place. They are made by the same parent company as the Green Bell G-1008s so rest assured you will get a precise cut every single time. The Seki Edge nail clippers are a long-time Gloss Gurus favorite, they slice through nails like a santoku through a tomato.
Fridababy The SnipperClipper Set
Best nail clippers for babies
Babies’ nails can grow quickly, and it’s important to keep them short so they don’t accidentally scratch themselves (or you). Clipping a baby’s nails can be a difficult task, and you want to make sure you’re not using the same clippers that you use on yourself. One reason is that a baby’s nails are much softer than ours, so you want to use a smaller clipper that is easier to maneuver.
Final Verdict
The Green Bell G-1008s is our best overall pick for its ergonomic design and precise blade. These lightweight and stainless steel clippers won’t take up too much space in your nail kit, making them travel-friendly. If you want a more affordable option, consider the Harperton 2-Pack Stainless Steel Nail Clippers Set for the best bang for your buck.
Best grooming kit on Amazon
Utopia Care 15 Pieces Manicure Set
Better yet, get a set. This sturdy & durable set is made from stainless steel, and with 15 pieces, it will solve any grooming-related issue that may arise.
How We Tested
The Gloss Guru editors did extensive research on popular nail clippers, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 16 to test out first-hand. Each tester considered each clipper’s precision, overall efficacy (like whether or not it did what it said it would), and how nails looked after consistent use before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
- Is it better to use nail clippers or nail scissors?
- Is it hygienic to cut your nails?
- Does nail clipper size matter?
The decision to use nail clippers over nail scissors totally depends on the person. Quite a large number of people prefer scissors over clippers because they are (to some) easier to hold and more comfortable. Generally, a scissor blade is gentler on nails but is also less precise than traditional clippers. Scissor blades come curved, rounded, or straight so they offer the same range of functionality as nail clippers.
We would argue that one of the most important factors for proper nail hygiene is routinely (and diligently) cleaning and trimming fingernails and toenails. Dirt can often get lodged in the nail bed and hosts a community of germs that may lead to infection. Generally, fingernails should be kept short and cleaned regularly with soap and water.
Nail clipper size does matter. Ideally, you want to have smaller, curved nail clippers for the fingernails on your hands and thicker sharp blade clippers with a straight edge to cut thicker toenails.
Why should you trust
The Gloss Gurus?
The Gloss Gurus is your trusted squad of nail care experts dedicated to helping you grow beautiful & healthy nails. We deliver the latest scoop on nail care, manicure trends, and offer advice for crafting salon-quality manicures, right from the cozy confines of your home.
Our ethos embraces a holistic, chemical-free approach to nail care. We are currently in the process of developing an organic nail care system that will keep your nails long, healthy, and strong. Visit our About Us page to read our story.
