Clippers vs. Scissors
Though the choice to use nail clippers or nail scissors is mainly one of personal preference, there are some distinct advantages to using each.
Nail Clippers
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Quick – Clippers cut through nails quickly and easily. | Leave Sharp Edges – Clippers have a small jaw width so it takes several cuts to trim a single nail. All the cuts are also straight. This tends to leave sharp edges. |
| Portable – Clippers are small and most fold for easy storage or travel. | Not Good for Thick Nails – The jaw opening of clippers tends to be best for nails that are thin to medium in thickness. Thicker nails simply won’t fit. |
| Inexpensive – Traditional clippers are very budget-friendly and most households have many. | Easy to Lose – Because of their small size, clippers are easy to misplace or lose. |
| Hard to Grip – Traditional clippers are small and metal, which can make them slippery and hard for some people to hold and squeeze. |
Nail Scissors
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Smooth Edges – It is much easier to control the cut size and shape with scissors. The slight curve in the blade helps to follow the shape of the nail, minimizing small, straight cuts. | Not as Portable – Scissors, with their sharp points, do not travel well on their own. They should be kept in a protective pouch or package during storage and travel. |
| Solid Grip – Scissors style handles provide finger rings for leverage and control. | Can be Dangerous – There is no safety built into scissors. They can cut nails too short or even cut skin depending on the skill of the person wielding them. |
| Value – The right nail scissors can literally last a lifetime. With some care and easy maintenance, they will easily retain their sharp edges and their smooth action. While their cost is higher than that of a nail clipper, their life is typically much longer. | Can be Uncomfortable – Because of the finger rings, some people can find scissors uncomfortable to use. Those with arthritis or thick, sensitive fingers might find that the rings press into them painfully. |
| More Expensive – Good scissors require a larger, up-front investment. Be prepared to pay in the $10 range for a value-priced, high quality pair. |