
How we pick our products
Welcome to our big nail scissors test 2023. Here we present all the nail scissors we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the web.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best nail scissors for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy nail scissors.
Summary
- Nail scissors are an essential product for hand and nail care. Especially with very sharp scissors you can shorten your nails optimally.
- High-quality nail scissors are made of stainless steel. To ensure that the nail scissors adapt to the shape of your nails when shortening them, you should also look for curved blades.
- A nail file, nail nippers and nail clippers can also be used as a supplement for comprehensive nail care. You can also use them to remove nail stains.
The Best Nail Scissors: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying nail scissors
How much do nail scissors cost?
You can usually get nail scissors together with tweezers, nail files and cuticle pusher in a nail care case. This variant usually costs 20-40 euros, depending on the brand. In a few cases, you only have to pay 7-10 euros. Depending on the contents, however, it can cost 60-90 euros or even more.
What alternatives are there to nail scissors?
Here you can see at a glance which alternatives we would like to present to you.
- Nail file
- Glass nail file
- Nail nippers
- Nail clippers
For all nail care utensils, you should first soak your fingernails in water to soften the nails and cuticles before shortening them. This makes it easier to shorten the nails.
Next to the nail scissors, the nail file is the classic tool for shortening nails. No matter what shape of nail you prefer – round, square or pointed – nail files make it quick and easy.
Did you know that nails neither crack nor split when you use a nail file instead of nail scissors or nail clippers?
The disadvantage, however, is that a manicure with a nail file is very time-consuming.
Glass nail files shorten your nails very gently thanks to their finely grained surface. Glass nail files are used in the same way as any other nail file. The only difference is that glass nail files do not damage the nail surface and the nails therefore split less.
Another advantage of glass nail files is that they are easier to clean than conventional nail files. This is because you can simply wash off the small nail debris with water.
Nail nippers help with very thick and tight fingernails. You should use nail nippers instead of nail scissors to prevent your nails from splitting. You don’t have to use a lot of force to use nail nippers. Simply place the nail nippers on the appropriate part of the fingernail and press lightly to remove part of the nail.
You can also trim your fingernails with nail clippers. The principle is the same as with nail clippers. The only difference is that when you use nail clippers, the nails are not cut, but clipped off. This ensures that the nails do not tear so easily.
But here too, you can work more precisely with nail scissors. However, you can use a nail file to smooth out any unevenness.
Decision: What types of nail scissors are there and which is the right one for you?
Basically, you can distinguish between three types of nail scissors:
- Hand nail scissors
- Toenail scissors
- Baby nail scissors
All types of nail scissors are specially designed for use on fingers or toes.
Depending on whether you want to maintain and trim your fingernails or toenails, a different type of scissors is suitable for you, as the nails of the hand are softer and more flexible than the strong toenails. For delicate baby or toddler nails, you can also opt for baby nail scissors.
In the following section, we would like to help you find out which type of nail scissors is best for you. For this purpose, we will introduce you to all the above-mentioned types of nail scissors and show you clearly what the advantages and disadvantages are in each case.
What distinguishes hand nail scissors and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
The special advantages of classic nail scissors are the design optimised for fingernails, a short overall length and a manicure tip. The nail scissors for fingernails are usually no more than ten centimetres long and can be found in any handbag.
Due to the short handle, the guidance of these scissors is also very precise and the thin cutting edge enables clean and exact nail care. The straight shape of the scissors has become particularly popular, with a curved cutting edge that makes it easier to shorten the nails along their natural curve.
This allows you to quickly shorten your nails to the desired length and use the manicure tip to lift the ends slightly to cut them into a nice, rounded shape.
What distinguishes toenail scissors and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
A pair of toenail scissors with a straight cutting edge and a more stable design allows for easy and controlled shortening of stronger toenails. A special feature is the extended handle.
This reduces the distance to your feet and you can reach your toenails almost as easily as the nails on your hand. In addition, the greater leverage means that less effort is required to cut the nails.
Typically, this type of nail scissors also has a larger grip hole. This allows you to guide the scissors with your thumb in the smaller opening and with your middle finger, ring finger and little finger in the larger opening. A bent end additionally prevents you from twisting excessively.
If a toenail cannot be shortened, you no longer need to fear unclean and blunt cuts or even a bent edge with a special pair of toenail scissors.
What distinguishes baby nail scissors and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
Baby nail scissors are particularly suitable for cutting the sensitive and soft nails of babies and toddlers. They have a rounded tip and usually wider cutting surfaces to minimise the risk of injury to wriggling children.
Some models also offer you special slip resistance thanks to the handle, which is partly coated with plastic. Some nail scissors are also equipped with a protective cap to keep the scissors safe.
Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate nail scissors
In the following, we would like to show you which factors you can use to compare and evaluate nail scissors. This will make it easier for you to decide whether a particular pair of nail scissors is right for you or not.
In summary, these are the following comparison criteria:
- Curved or straight blades
- For left-handed or right-handed use
- Total length
- Suitable for artificial nails
In the following paragraphs you can read about the individual purchase criteria and how you can classify them.
Curved or straight cutting
You can buy nail scissors in many different variations. In addition to size and price, the cutting surface of the nail scissors can also differ. They can be curved or straight.
Slightly curved cutting surfaces can be found on almost all nail scissors nowadays and adapt perfectly to the shape of the nail. This way you can cut your nails directly in an arc.
However, some nail scissors are also available in a straight shape. After cutting your nails with these nail scissors, you will most likely need to use a nail file to get the perfect nail shape.
For left-handers or right-handers
A few nail scissors are suitable for both left-handers and right-handers. Before buying, you should find out what type of hand your nail scissors are designed for.
It is often impossible for left-handers to use nail scissors that are made for right-handers – the same applies the other way round. This is one of the most important criteria for buying a pair of nail scissors so that you can get an ideal grip on them.
Especially in families where there are both left-handed and right-handed people, it is important to find a pair of nail scissors that is tailored to all needs.
Overall length
The overall length of a pair of nail scissors is crucial for their ease of use. Nail scissors with an overall length of nine to ten centimetres are easy to store and usually have a cutting surface of two centimetres. This means they cut your nails optimally and are easy to hold.
If nail scissors are not easy to use, you will not be able to cut your fingernails properly and will spend a lot of time caring for your nails. Therefore, before buying nail scissors, you should make sure that you can handle them well.
Suitable for artificial nails
Artificial nails require special care. Not all nail scissors can be used on artificial nails without damaging them.
If you regularly have your nails professionally done and want to cut them at home, you should therefore use special nail scissors for artificial fingernails.
Facts worth knowing about nail scissors
Are nail scissors allowed in hand luggage on planes?
According to German rules, everyday items such as nail scissors with a blade length of 6 cm are normally allowed in cabin baggage. However, nail scissors can be used as potential weapons on board. Other countries may therefore have different regulations.
To be on the safe side, keep your nail scissors in your suitcase if you don’t need them on board the plane. This way you can avoid any problems at the security check. It is possible that your nail scissors will be taken away from you there.
If you don’t want your nail scissors to be destroyed at security, take a stamped and padded envelope with you so that you can send them home.
Do nail scissors need to be sharpened?
Scissors that have been used for years become dull in the long run – this also applies to nail scissors.
So that you can cut your nails optimally, you should sharpen them after some time. Just like for knives, you can also use sharpening machines for scissors from the DIY store.
But cheaper alternatives that can be found in every household can also be used to sharpen nail scissors. The correct application is also important: you should always move the abrasive away from the scissors to achieve the desired effect.
You can use sandpaper or emery paper for sanding, for example. Here you should run the selected paper over the scissors several times, opening them wide. Only then can you go over the tip of the scissors again. Then wipe the nail scissors with a cloth and you can use them again.
Can nail scissors be used to cut hair?
Nail scissors can also be used to cut hair. However, if you have the opportunity to visit a hairdresser, you should do so.
For example, if you are on holiday and you want to cut your fringes or your tips short and you don’t have professional hairdressing scissors at hand, you can also use nail scissors. However, you should be careful when cutting and at best you should already be practised.
Under no circumstances should you use household scissors for your hair touch-up.
Are there special nail scissors for babies?
Babies and small children have very small and delicate hands. Normal nail scissors are usually too big and run the risk of injuring the child’s hands.
To be able to cut your little one’s fingernails, you should use nail scissors especially for babies. These have rounded tips. The softer cutting surfaces also adapt perfectly to the baby’s soft skin, so that safe handling is guaranteed. This way, your child’s little hands will not be hurt by sharp and pointed nail scissors.
You can find nail care sets especially for babies and small children in drugstores or on the Internet.
Image source: Иван Река / unsplash.com