A comprehensive guide to doing toenail care easily at home

A comprehensive guide to doing toenail care easily at home

Regardless of the season, doing toenail care frequently is essential. Prioritize proper hygiene, treat them with care to soothe soreness and reduce calluses, and don’t hesitate to seek medical help when needed. A little attention goes a long way in keeping your feet healthy, comfortable, and ready for whatever the day brings.

=> Read more: How To Cut Toenails Effectively?

Essential Nail Care Routine for Healthy Nails

How to do Toenail Care easily?

To do toenail care easily, here is a comprehensive guide for you: 

Giving Yourself a Pedicure 

Frequency and Benefits 

While painting your toenails isn’t a must for every pedicure, regular pedicures every two weeks go a long way in keeping your feet smooth, free from dry or rough skin, and your nails clean and well-groomed. 

Attending to Toenail Care

Trimming your toenails is much easier when they're soft from soaking, so always start your pedicure after a warm foot bath. Be sure to cut them straight across, not too short, to help prevent painful ingrown nails. If you prefer a softer, rounded look, gently smooth the edges with a nail file to create a square shape with slightly curved corners.

Don't forget your cuticles. While it's best not to cut them, you can soften the area by applying cuticle oil, then gently push them back using an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Be gentle—pushing too hard can cause damage or lead to infection. If you’d rather not mess with your cuticles, that’s fine too—many people skip this step entirely without issue.

How to do Toenail Care easily?

Giving a procedure frequently is very important

Moisturizing

After soaking, exfoliating, and trimming, apply a nourishing lotion or cream. Massage it into the entire foot—top, bottom, and between the toes. For calloused feet, use a thicker, richer cream to keep skin soft and reduce buildup. If your heels crack in dry weather, apply moisturizer and wear socks overnight for deeper hydration.

Applying Nail Polish

To finish your pedicure with a polished look, apply your favorite nail color. For longer-lasting results, start with a clear base coat, then use the “three-stroke method” to apply color evenly—one stroke on each side and one down the center. 

Seal it with a top coat to prevent chips. Toe separators help keep nails smudge-free while drying. Make sure to take off your nail polish after a few days to prevent your nails from becoming discolored or yellow. And when it’s time to take it off, choose a non-acetone remover to protect your nails and skin from dryness

You can refer to the Nghia Nippers manicure set for caring for your toenails, includes:
- Women Compacted Nail Kit - RED: Cuticle Nipper, Nail Clipper, Tweezers
- Men Multifunctional Manicure Set - GS-08: Cuticle Nippers, Cuticle Pushers, Slanted Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Scissors
- Men Compacted Nail Kit - GREY: Nail Clipper, Tweezers, Cuticle Scissors

Addressing Foot and Toenail Problems

Correcting Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are a common issue that you can often treat at home, but it’s important to be cautious. Trim the nail straight across, then gently lift the ingrown edge and place a small piece of cotton underneath to prevent it from digging in further, changing the cotton daily. Cover the toe with a bandage to protect it as it heals. 

=> How to Safely Trim an Ingrown Toenail: A Step-by-Step Guide

Essential Ingrown Toenail Treatment Tools

Managing Toenail Fungus

If you’re dealing with an itchy rash, it’s likely athlete’s foot. Over-the-counter antifungal creams can usually clear it up—just follow the instructions and keep your feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly. If it doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s time to see a doctor.

Toenail fungus is more stubborn. If your toenails are thick, discolored, or cracked, it may require prescription treatment from a healthcare provider.

=> How to Identify and Prevent Toenail Fungus

Addressing Foot and Toenail Problems

Tackle toenail problems 

6 toenail care tips you should know 

Below are 6 toenail care tips you should know to do it easily: 

Cutting Your Toenails Properly

One of the most common questions we get about toenail care is how to cut them properly. The best approach is to trim your toenails straight across, without curving into the sides, to avoid ingrown nails. Gently file the edges with an emery board to create a smooth finish. Trim them after a shower or bath when your nails are softer, and use clippers to cut in small sections rather than one big snip for better control and precision.

=> Best Toenail Clippers for Easy and Safe Trimming

6 toenail care tips you should know 

Cutting toenails properly is essential 

Caring for Your Cuticles

To keep your cuticles healthy, use cuticle pusher and gently push them back using a cuticle or orangewood stick—never cut them. Cutting can lead to bleeding or infection, as cuticles serve an important role in protecting new nail growth from bacteria and other harmful germs. Treat them gently—they're there for a reason! 

=> How to Effectively Use a Cuticle Pusher

Best Cuticle Pushers for Flawless Nail Care

If you want to trim your cuticles, you should only use cuticle nippers and carefully cut the excess cuticle. Afterward, moisturize to protect the skin around your toenails.

=> Top Cuticle Nippers: Our Best Picks for Perfect Nail Care

Using Nail Polish Safely

Your nails are constantly growing and need occasional breaks from polish to stay healthy. Wearing nail polish for long periods can cause slight yellowing due to the pigments and chemicals it contains. Letting your nails go bare for a few days—exposing them to fresh air and natural light—can help them recover their natural color. Always remove any old polish before applying a new coat, as layering can make discoloration worse. If you're a fan of summer pedicures, try giving your toenails a short, polish-free break between sessions to let them reset and stay strong.

6 toenail care tips you should know 

Remove any old polish before applying a new coat

Letting Toenails Breathe

Let your feet breathe whenever possible to help keep them dry and reduce the risk of fungal infections. At home, kick off your shoes and go barefoot when it’s safe and comfortable—fresh air can do wonders for foot health.

Exposure to Sunshine

Sunlight has natural germ-killing properties thanks to UV rays, so whenever you can, let your feet soak up a bit of sunshine. It’s a simple way to help keep them clean and healthy—just don’t forget the sunscreen if you’ll be out for long!

6 toenail care tips you should know

Sunlight has natural germ-killing properties thanks to UV rays

Choosing the Right Socks and Shoes

Choose moisture-wicking socks, like those made from wool or bamboo, to help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of fungal infections. While cotton is soft, it tends to hold moisture, which can encourage fungus growth.

Wearing well-fitting shoes is just as important. Tight or poorly fitting footwear can put pressure on your toenails, leading to friction, ingrown nails, and even nailbed damage over time. Keeping your feet dry and comfortable is key to maintaining healthy nails.

Doing toenail care frequently doesn’t require much effort, but the payoff is healthy, great-looking feet. If you’d like more tips or have any questions about foot and nail care, feel free to reach out— Nghia Nippers is here to help!

=> Read more:

45+ Creative Toenail Designs for Any Occasion

Effective Toenail Clippers for Thick Nails: Best Tips and Techniques

Choosing Nail Clippers for Seniors: A Helpful Guide

RELATED ARTICLES