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what length should your toenails be

by Graham Hoeger Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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about 1 to 2 millimeters

Full Answer

How long is the longest toenail in the world?

When measured at their longest in 1991 the combined length of all ten toenails was 220.98 cm (87 in). Hollis, from Compton, California, USA was inspired to grow her toenails in 1982 after seeing a television programme featuring the longest fingernails.

What is the length of the longest toenail?

Longest toenails. Since 1982, Louise Hollis (USA) has been growing her toenails to exceedingly great lengths. When measured at their longest in 1991 the combined length of all ten toenails was 220.98 cm (87 in). Hollis, from Compton, California, USA was inspired to grow her toenails in 1982 after seeing a television programme featuring the ...

How long is too long for toenails?

If you leave your toenails too long, they are more likely to get caught on something and tear. It's recommended that you maintain your toenails at a length of about 1 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches). Similarly, it is asked, how long should you let your toenails grow?

How to make my toenail grow back without fungus?

You can prevent thick toenails or the recurrence of toenail fungus in several ways:

  • Keep your feet clean by washing them with soap and water regularly. ...
  • Keep your feet as dry as possible: Change your socks a few times a day, wear cotton socks that remove moisture from your feet, rotate your shoes so they can ...
  • Try a foot powder that keeps your feet dry.

More items...

How to cut toenails?

What to use to cut toenails?

Why is it important to trim your toenails correctly?

How to keep toenails from getting jagged?

Should you keep your toenails short?

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How do you know if your toenails are too long?

Signs & symptoms of long (elongated) toenails Long white tip o nail plate (free margin) hanging over the edge of the toe. Toenails curling under the end of the toe. Thickening of the nail plate. Long toenails hitting the end of shoes.

How far down should you cut your toenails?

Do Not Cut Your Toenails Too ShortThe white area at the tips of your nails should never be fully removed. ... A good range is about 1-2 mm of white – enough so you're not cutting too deeply, but not extending past the toes and risking the nails becoming caught or torn.On average, toenails grow at about 1-2 mm per month.More items...•

What should properly cut toenails look like?

0:161:15How to Cut Toenails Properly | Foot Care - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the nails should be cut straight across I usually recommend to my patients leaving at least oneMoreAnd the nails should be cut straight across I usually recommend to my patients leaving at least one millimeter of white showing at the tip of your nail.

Should toenails be rounded or square?

The best nail shape for toenails is flat across. It's important to avoid cutting the nails round or angled to prevent the formation of ingrown nails.

What is the white stuff growing under my toenail?

Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.

What happens if you cut your toenails too short?

When people cut their nails too short, the skin on the sides can cover the corners of the nail. This causes the nail to grow back into the skin. Nails that are ripped instead of cut or cut in a rounded shape also tend to become ingrown because they don't have clear corners.

Should you cut toenails straight or curved?

straightIt's important to make sure that you cut your toenails straight across, leaving them long enough so that the corners lie loosely against the skin at the sides. In other words, don't trim your toenails too short, don't round the edges, and also don't try to cut the toenails into a pointy V-shape.

Does Vaseline help toenails?

In fact, many already apply Vaseline to their cuticles as a soothing, healing medicine when dry or cracked. Turns out, it's also a great help when painting your own nails if applied on your cuticles or any skin surrounding your nail.

Should nails be cut straight or curved?

To trim your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail. Use a nail file or emery board to slightly round the nails at the corners, as this will help keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things like clothing or furniture.

Why do toenails smell when you cut them?

Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.

Why can't diabetics cut toenails?

Myth: People with diabetes can't cut their own toenails Don't cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short. Remember, your nails are there to protect your toes.

How do you get perfect toenails?

Toenail Treatment Remove any nail polish. Trim toenails straight across so that some of the white remains. Lightly brush the surface of toenails with a nail buffer or fine grit nail file. Apply some lemon juice with a cotton swab on and around the nail to further remove dead skin and give nails a healthy shine.

Should nails be cut straight or curved?

To trim your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail. Use a nail file or emery board to slightly round the nails at the corners, as this will help keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things like clothing or furniture.

How do you get rid of thick big toenails?

Applying a small amount of melted coconut oil can help heal thick yellow toenails. You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal nail creams and ointments. Be sure to clip and clean your nails before use to make sure the creams reach deeper layers. Laser therapy can be used to treat a fungal toenail infection.

How short should you cut your nails?

There really is an optimal length to cut your fingernails. “You do want a nail to extend past your finger pad,” says dermatologist and author Dr. Rajani Katta. “You need that protection.

How do I cut my toenails to avoid ingrown toenails?

Preventing ingrown toenailsAvoid cutting nails too short and cutting unevenly at the corners. Cut straight across.Make sure your socks and shoes fit properly. You should be able to wiggle your toes easily in your shoes.Avoid trauma to the toe area.

How to Trim a Toenail Correctly | Healthfully

Cutting toenails can prevent them from growing too long, becoming ingrown or causing discomfort as you walk 5. The MedlinePlus website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health notes that ingrown nails curve and grow into the skin, resulting in pain and possible infection 2.Using the correct trimming process may help you avoid the uncomfortable foot condition.

How to Cut Toenails: Step-by-Step Instructions - Healthline

Cutting your toenails seems like a simple task, but, if done wrong, it can result in ingrown toenails, cut skin, or the spread of fungus. To properly cut your toenails, cut straight across the ...

How long should toenails be?

So, how long should toenails be? The average person’s toenails are best kept at a length where there is 1mm to 2mm of free edge (the white part at the end of your nail). That can change, though, depending on your preferences, activities, and lifestyle. So in actuality, there are no exact numbers that work with everyone.

How o You Know If Your Toenails Are Too Long?

If your toenails feel uncomfortable in your shoes, they cut into your toes, collect too much debris too easily, curl, become ingrown, look too thick or hang over the top; they are likely too long.

What Is The Best Way To Clip Your Toenails?

With sharp, clean toenail clippers. Soak your toenails to soften them, dry, and cut straight across with small cuts rather than big ones. File to finish.

Why is it important to keep your toenails the right length?

Keeping your toenails the right length is essential. Not only does it keep your nails neat-looking, but it also keeps them healthy and can go a long way to preventing pain. But what is the right length, exactly? Where should you be trimming your nails to and what is generally recommended? Let’s find out.

How much free edge do you need for toenails?

First, keep in mind the standard given for your toenails: 1mm to 2mm of “free edge,” the white at the end of the nail.

How do you judge when you're barefoot?

For the times when you’re barefoot, such as in bed, you can judge by how your toenails “treat” the rest of your body.

When to use toenail clippers?

You should always use toenail clippers when clipping toenails, not the tools made for fingernails.

Why do men have shorter toe nails?

Men generally prefer to keep their toe nails shorter than women. Both for aesthetic and practical reasons. Longer nails are usually considered more feminine not to mention men wear closed toed shoes more often and when the toe nails are too long, they can dig into the tops or fronts of the shoes causing pain, discomfort and sometimes even bruising and lifting in severe cases. But in regards to your question, there is no “perfect length of toe nails” that guys seem to abide to, but rather what each individual is comfortable with. Usually this is the nail plate with roughly only a mm of free edg

How long does it take for toenails to curl up?

You’d soon be unable to walk without injuring yourself. After around six months, your toenails will start to curl in on themselves. Since, when you walk, you push off with the ends of your toes, every step would force your toenails upwards, eventually causing the nail not just to break but actually tear right out of your skin.

Why do my nails look different?

In reality, abnormal-looking nails may be caused by a number of conditions including, but not limited to, fungal infection. There are many other reasons why your nails may look different.While the fungus must be obtained from someplace, it is not highly contagious. Nail fungus is so common that finding more than one person in a household who has it is hardly more than a coincidence. It can be transmitted from person to person but only with constant intimate contact.Medical treatment of onychomycosis is suggested in patients who are experiencing pain and discomfort due to the nail changes. Patients with higher risk factors for infections such as diabetes and a previous history of cellulitis (infection of the soft tissue) near the affected nails may also benefit from treatment. Poor cosmetic appearance is another reason for medical treatment.Curing fungal nails can be difficult and treatment can take up to 18 months. Relapse and reinfection are common (40%-70% reinfection rate). Trying to remove or modify your risk factors, if possible, is essential to preventing reinfection. People who have medical illnesses that predispose them to fungal nails can have an even more difficult time eradicating the fungus.Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. Fungi are normally present in and on the body alongside various bacteria. When a fungus begins to overgrow, you can get an infection.

What is it called when you have a fungal infection on your toenail?

Many changes in fingernails or toenails may cause people to think they have a fungal infection of the nails, medically known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium.

How to get rid of a girly nail?

I recommend using nail clippers. Work around the nail, starting out with small cuts. Cut more if needed. File nails into a square or round shape with a decent nail file. You can buff them if you like. Buffing works well even on non-"girly" types. It just finishes the nails off. Find buffers at beauty supply stores, or sometimes places like Kmart or Target.

Is toenail fungus contagious?

Fungal infection of the nails sometimes makes the condition sound contagious or related to poor hygiene. In fact, up to 10% of all adults in Western countries have fungal infection of the nails. This percentage increases to 20% of adults who are age 60 or older. Toenail fungus is much more common than fingernail fungus.

Do I have to trim my toe nails before showering?

Every week, I have to trim my toe nails before I have a shower. Then I apply the Vicks to make sure that I get to areas that the longer toe nail protected.

How long should toenails be?

It’s recommended that you maintain your toenails at a length of about 1 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches).

Why is it important to cut your toenails short?

This is important, because cutting your toenails too short could heighten your risk for ingrown toenails. If you leave your toenails too long, they are more likely to get caught on something and tear.

What is the sixth step in nail polish?

The sixth and final step is to file your nails with an emery board to smooth any jagged edges that could snag and potentially tear the nail as it grows.

Why do you need a bigger clipper for toenails?

Since your toenails are broader and thicker, they require a larger clipper. Also, by having separate clippers, you reduce the chance of transferring bacteria or fungus between your feet and hands. Make sure to clean your clippers thoroughly between each use. 2. Cut frequency.

What is the first step in nail cutting?

The first step is to use the proper nail-cutting tool. Nail clippers or manicure scissors are appropriate. Avoid tools such as regular scissors or knives that aren’t specifically designed for cutting nails.

Why are my toenails so thick?

Your toenails might be thick for any of a number of reasons, including: 1 fungal infection, such as onychomycosis 2 psoriasis, a skin condition that causes rapid cell build up on the skin’s surface 3 injury 4 tight-fitting shoes

How to avoid splintering nails?

Using a nail clipper, make small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and cut straight across. To lessen the chance of the nail becoming ingrown, don’t round off the corners. Use an emery board to smooth edges and corners that could snag.

What is the best shape for toenails?

Miguel Cunha, a board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare, and Marcela Correa, a medical pedicurist and owner of Medi Pedi NYC, the best shape for toenails is flat across.

What should I do if I have thin toenails?

If you have thin toenails that are prone to breaking or peeling, Dr. Cunha recommends taking supplements such as prenatal vitamins, biotin, or hair, skin, and nails vitamins, which are all over-the-counter.

What is the best treatment for weak toenails?

Correa adds that a “ treatment polish with protein and nail strengthening oil” can help bolster weak or fragile toenails.

What kind of clippers do you use for thick toenails?

Generally, Dr. Cunha recommends using a large pair of flat-edge clippers to get the job done. However, if you have thicker toenails, opt for a nail nipper instead.

Why do runners get bruised toenails?

On that note, length is also important. Though you don’t want to cut your toenails too short, it’s important to cut them regularly. “When your nails are too long, they can become damaged due to micro trauma of the nail, which is caused by the repetitive stress of your nails hitting your shoes with every step,” says Cunha. “It’s one of the main reasons why runners develop bruised toenails,” he adds.

How to keep toenail clippers clean?

Keep your clippers restricted to hands or feet only. A good pair of toenail clippers should also be a clean pair of toenail clippers. Wipe them down regularly with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any hitchhiking germs or fungus, and outright replace them if they’re starting to look broken down or nasty.

Why do nails have curves?

Curved edges provide more opportunity for your nails to grow into your skin instead. If you are concerned about the corners of your nails poking against you or catching on your socks, gently file them down instead of clipping them off. A very slight amount of roundness is OK there.

What causes black toenails?

Fungal infections (thick, brittle, crumbly, and even unpleasant smelling nails) Black or otherwise discolored toenails. Nails that are falling off. We can help you get to the root of the problem and recommend a course of action to achieve a healthier and more comfortable situation on your feet.

Is it too late to trim toenails?

It may surprise you to know that, in many cases, the way people trim their toenails is one of the main reasons they eventually need to see us about their recurring ingrown toenails and other painful problems! It’s never too late to learn some new tricks for toenail trimming.

Can you slip your nails with clippers?

That can make it all too easy to slip with your clippers and either tear your nails or injure yourself. Instead, try working on your toenails after a shower or bath, when the nail tissue tends to be softer and potentially easier to work with.

Can you use fingernail clippers on thicker toenails?

This tends to be fine for smaller, thinner fingernails. Try to use them on thicker, larger toenails, however, and it can cause trouble.

Is it too late to learn toenail trimming?

It’s never too late to learn some new tricks for toenail trimming. Check out the tips below, and never hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns not covered here.

Why do dogs have long toenails?

In a dog with long nails, the neurologic signals from the toenail touching the ground are interpreted by the brain as an inclined ground surface. This abnormal compensatory posture results in excess weight shifting onto the hind legs, overloading those joints.

Can you shorten your toenails?

The easiest way to do this is to use multiple small, shallow cuts focusing on the top of the nail, parallel to the quick, not across it. It is possible to significantly shorten the toenails, and get an immediate postural response in a single session. The difference in posture before and after one nail trimming.

Do dogs have toenails above the ground?

Normal toenails well above the ground with good contact between pads and ground. However, modern environments can tend to alter the sensitivity of this feedback loop. Dogs spend much of their time on slippery floors, abrasive concrete or pile carpeting – all very different from tall grass, stones, sand, snow, or dirt!

How to keep toenails from getting ingrown?

In between pedicures, cut your toenails straight across to trim them. This helps prevent ingrown toenails and keeps them strong. Filing your nails slightly so they're rounded in the center is fine. Before you polish your nails, gently clean underneath them with a manicure stick. If you have diabetes, your health care provider will do regular foot exams and teach you how to care for your feet.

What does it mean when a nail salon smells?

Most salons have an odor from nail products, but it shouldn't be overpowering. A very strong smell may mean that the ventilation system doesn't work. And look for the nail technician's state cosmetology license. It should be current and on display.

How to get yellow nail polish off?

Use an acetone nail polish remover (or a nonacetone remover followed by lemon juice) to remove stains. When you polish, use a clear base coat first. But if your discolored nails are also thick, brittle, or curled, you may have a fungal infection. Skip the polish and head over to your doctor's office instead.

How to protect pedicure in winter?

Do Protect Your Pedi in Winter. In cold weather, bring plastic wrap to your pedicure to help avoid smudges. Before you leave the salon, ask the technician to put a layer of cuticle oil on your newly polished toes. Then wind the plastic wrap around them before you put tights, socks, or shoes back on.

How to get rid of calluses on feet?

Razors raise the risk of infection. At home, soak your feet in warm water for at least five minutes. Then use a foot file, pumice stone, or exfoliating scrub to remove calluses. Don't go barefoot, either -- it can cause calluses. Swipe to advance.

Can you cut your cuticles during a pedicure?

Cuticles keep out germs, so treat them well! Tell the nail technician not to push back or cut your cuticles during a pedicure. This raises your risk for infection. In between visits, never tear your cuticles. You can soften ragged cuticles by rubbing in moisturizer. If you notice that your cuticles are red or irritated, see your doctor.

Can you take your own nail tools to a nail salon?

You can take your own tools to a nail salon, even if you feel self-conscious. Germs can linger on salon tools that aren't cleaned, like emery boards. If you choose to use the salon's tools, they should be heat sterilized, soaked in clear antibacterial solution, or come prepackaged.

How to cut toenails?

Learning how to trim your toenails correctly will help protect you against ingrown toenails, which often lead to pain, discomfort, and possible infection. 1 Wash your feet and dry them. This will help make your nails less brittle and easier to cut. 2 Use a proper toenail cutting tool, such as nail clippers, and make sure they are clean and sanitized. 3 Trim your nail straight across. This step is key. If you round the edges of your toenails or cut them at an angle, you risk the corners growing into your skin, which can be very painful.

What to use to cut toenails?

Use a proper toenail cutting tool, such as nail clippers, and make sure they are clean and sanitized.

Why is it important to trim your toenails correctly?

Learning how to trim your toenails correctly will help protect you against ingrown toenails, which often lead to pain, discomfort, and possible infection.

How to keep toenails from getting jagged?

Be sure to eliminate any jagged edges by filing the cut nails down with an emery board. This will help prevent any snags or tears as your nail grows. Your toenail is there to protect your toes from the wear and tear you put on your feet each day.

Should you keep your toenails short?

For instance, if you’re a runner, you should keep your toenails short enough so that they don’t jab into your skin or the end of your shoes as your feet experience extra pressure and impact when you’re running.

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Url:https://www.quora.com/How-long-should-my-toenails-be

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