Nail Clippers: Applications & Health Benefits

The nail clipper was invented in 1896 and is used for foot and hand care. The clipper, or clip as it is sometimes called, has a pincer-shaped design. This is to make it easy to trim fingernails and toenails.

What is a nail clipper?

A nail clipper refers to a plier-like device that can be used to trim fingernails and toenails. A nail clipper refers to a plier-like device that can be used to trim fingernails and toenails. The advantage of the nipper, which usually consists of two curved cutting edges, is that relatively little force is needed to trim the nails. The reason is the leverage effect that the nail clipper makes use of. This not only facilitates pedicure and manicure, but also benefits the nail. Because each cut can damage the nail substance – but always only in the affected area.

Forms, types and types

A nail clipper always consists of two curved cutting edges, which are made of metal and rest on each other. Depending on the type and nature of the clipper, the entire clip is made of metal, or the body is made of plastic, ceramic or tempered special glass. Sometimes the body of the clipper is also sheathed, which can benefit the design and handling. Nail clips can also differ from each other in shape. On the one hand, they are available in different sizes, which makes them very adaptable to the size of the nail. On the other hand, there are also clippers where the cutting edges are not at the end of the nipper, as is usually the case, but where they are located on the side. Due to their popularity, nail clippers today are represented in a wide variety of designs and price ranges. Only a few nail clippers differ from each other at first glance. However, the differences are often found in the workmanship and quality of the material.

Structure and mode of operation

Unlike nail scissors or a nail file, the nail clipper is used to separate the nails by pressing on a small lever, which is usually located on the top of the clipper. This process is now often referred to as clipping. Since nail clips are now available in a wide variety of sizes and thus also with cutting surfaces in different dimensions, nails can be cut quickly and easily in one piece. The cutting surfaces of the clips are usually slightly curved, so that a natural and well-groomed curve is created directly during the first application. The disadvantage of a nail clipper, however, is that it cannot be guided as finely as nail scissors. In addition, the edges on the fresh cut edge of the nail are sometimes sharp or frayed, depending on the quality and sharpness of the clip. Therefore, they often need to be filed down a bit. For this reason, some clippers are equipped with a small file that can be folded out. A great advantage of a nail clipper is that it can be easily rotated 360°. This allows you to achieve the desired lifting effect from any cutting position. When the clipper is not in use, the nipper arm can be rotated to a rest position. Then the Knipser is immobile, smaller and can be stowed safely.

Medical and health benefits

In addition to utensils such as nail scissors, nail file or nail nippers, nail clipper belongs to nail care. Its purpose is to shorten the nails of the feet and hands quickly and easily – while keeping the risk of injury as low as possible. First and foremost, shortening the nails serves to protect the same. If they are too long, they can easily bend, break or crack, causing severe pain and also inflammation. The tips of the nails, the longer they are, also lose stability and can even affect gripping. In addition, much more dirt can collect under long nails, which can harbor bacteria or germs. For this reason, nail care is an important part of personal hygiene. The special thing about a clipper or clip is that its shape ensures that it can be placed very close to the finger or toe. Usually, the cutting edges are placed against the nail, so that it can be neatly separated from the outer edges of the nail in a slight curve – and with just one movement of the hand. This makes the nail clipper quite easy to use.Nail scissors and nail nippers, for example, must be used several times until the nail is completely trimmed. This could result in a more uneven result. Compared with nail scissors, however, the cut edges of a clipper are not always clean and may need to be reworked with a file. Another advantage of a nail clipper, however, is the lever effect. Thanks to this, even very hard nails can be trimmed with the clipper, which otherwise can only be shortened with pliers and with greater effort. In this case, the harder and thicker the nail, the larger the nipper arm of the clipper should be. This is because it determines the leverage and the force that the clipper can exert on the nail. For smaller or softer nails, on the other hand, a clipper with a lower force and thus with a shorter nipper arm should be used. This also protects the nail substance and ensures that the cut edges are finer and cleaner.