Identification

• Nail clippers are used to groom the fingernails and toenails. This metal tool trims the nails. Its components consist of a "head," which is the cutting edge. The person inserts her nail between the blades and presses the hand held lever. The lever presses the sharp blade onto the nails, which makes a cut through the nail. The head of a nail clipper will be convex or concave. Convex nail clippers are intended for toenails, while concave clippers are intended for fingernails. Toe nail clippers have a wider head compared to finger nail clippers. The majority of nail clippers consist of metal parts. Nail clippers are also known as nail trimmers.
  
  

Features

• Nail clippers come with a variety of features designed to make your life easier. Clippers usually have a file attached that can be used to clean your nails or to smooth rough edges. If you are worried about clipping messes, there are nail clippers with a built-in plastic shield that prevents nails from flying as you clip. Those that enjoy the outdoor life can carry a clipper that has a bottle opener and a pocket knife attachment. Clippers that have key chains attached ensure that you will always have your clipper when you need it. Some nail clippers have a curved shape to makes holding them comfortable. High quality clippers offer rust protection and hypoallergenic stainless steel.
  
  

Types

• There are many nail clipper styles available. The lever nail clipper is popular because of its small compact size. It can easily fit into a purse or a travel kit. Scissor nail clippers trim the sides of the fingernails and around the cuticles. People with limited dexterity can use specialty clippers that enable them to clip their nails with one hand. Ingrown nail clippers can quickly remove ingrown nails. Child-proof nail clippers are entirely encased in plastic so it feels comfortable against a child's finger. Nail clippers designed for infants play melodies as their nails are being clipped. In addition, there are nail clippers that are designed for dogs and cats.
  
  

Considerations

• When purchasing a nail clipper, buy the best that you can afford. Stainless steel blades should be sharp to prevent jagged edges. A straight edged nail clipper will make a clean cut across your nail without any uneven edges. A nail clipper with a curved blade should fit over your nail to prevent the blade from cutting into the surrounding skin. It may be necessary to purchase two nail clippers for toes. Choose a large clipper that will fit over your big toe to prevent ingrown toe nails. Choose a smaller clipper for your other toes.
  
  

Warning

• Always keep your nail clipper clean. Your nail clipper should be cleaned before and after you use it. Place your nail clipper in a bowl of hot water. A bit of liquid soap can be added to the bowl. Let the clipper soak in the hot water for at least 15 minutes. Remove and rinse your clippers. Once they are dried with a towel, put some rubbing alcohol on a tissue. Wipe the cutting edges with this alcohol soaked tissue. Dry your clipper after you have disinfected it. It is advised that you don't share your nail clippers with anyone. If you break the skin when you trim the nail, bacteria or viruses can attach to the blade. If this bacterium is left to grow on the blade it may cause an infection the next time that you use it. You should also throw away dull nail clippers. A dull nail clipper will create jagged cuts thus making your nails look unattractive.