How to Have Pretty Toenails

Last Updated: March 5, 2023 References

If you're worried about your feet being spring- and summer-ready, the first problem area you should address is your toenails. To create pretty toenails, you need to first make sure your toenails are healthy. By trimming them and adding a pop of color, your toes will be ready for sandal weather.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Keeping Toenails Healthy

1
Use petroleum jelly or other oil such as almond oil or shea butter to make toenails softer. Toenails can harden over time, but petroleum jelly or oil can keep them softer, which means you will have an easier time trimming them.^{[1]
X
Research source} Oil also helps to moisturize the nail, which prevents chipping.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Don't forget to rub oil around the cuticle, as well, as that can make the cuticle look better. This process also helps moisturize the nail.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
2
Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers. These types of polish removers can dry out toenails, causing them to split or crack. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Non-acetone nail polish removers use ethyl acetate or methyl ethyl ketone to remove nail polish. Look for a label that says "non-acetone."^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- Be aware that because non-acetone nail polish removers are not as harsh, you might have to work a little harder to remove your nail polish.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Add biotin to your vitamin regiment. According to studies, taking this vitamin-B based supplement can help create stronger nails and toenails.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
See a doctor if your nails are significantly yellowed. Yellow nails can be sign of other health problems.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For instance, if your nails are yellow and separating from the skin, it could be a sign of thyroid disease or psoriasis.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Yellow nails without separating could be a sign of a respiratory disease,^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} infection, or diabetes.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Trimming and Cleaning Toenails

1
Clip toenails once a week. Long toenails increase your chances of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and require medical attention. Long toenails are also uncomfortable when you wear shoes with closed toes because the nails dig into the shoe, placing pressure on your toenails.^{[12]
X
Research source} Trimming regularly also helps to keep your toenails from splitting.
- Trim your toenails until they are about the length of your toes. If they are too long, they will split. Too short toenails can lead to ingrown toenails.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
- Square off your toenails rather than curving them. Squaring off your toenails helps prevent ingrown toenails, as the edges keep the skin from crowding back over the toe.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
2
File toenails every four days. By checking in regularly with your toenails, you can make sure they stay in shape.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.} Also, always file in one direction, as moving the file back and forth can tear or break toenails.^{[16]
X
Research source}
3
Don't trim your cuticles. Cuticles help stop infection, and trimming cuticles opens up the possibility of your skin becoming infected.^{[17]
X
Research source}
4
Buff out stains. Lightly use a nail buffer to help remove stains from the tops of your nails.^{[18]
X
Research source}
5
Clean under your nails with a toothbrush. The toothbrush helps remove any dirt under your toenails. In the shower, add a little soap to the toothbrush, and then scrub your toenails clean. Be sure not to scrub too hard, as you could break the skin.
- If you want your toenails whiter, use a whitening toothpaste in addition to the toothbrush.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Painting Toenails

1
Push cuticles down gently. You can move the cuticle out of the way for painting but don't force it to the point of breaking.^{[19]
X
Research source}
2
Use a base coat first. The base coat creates a stronger bond between the toenail and the polish, meaning you won't need to touch up the color as often.^{[20]
X
Expert Source

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.} Also, a base coat can help protect the nails against stains when you do remove the polish.^{[21]
X
Research source}
3
Apply polish in three strokes if possible. While your big toenail might need a bit more polish, generally you apply a center stroke, then spread it out to the right and left. Let the polish smooth itself out by getting a big drop on the brush, then gently rolling it out with the brush.^{[22]
X
Research source}
4
Don't forget the top coat. ^{[23]
X
Research source} The top coat adds extra shine and protection.
5
Clean up any mistakes. Use a small brush or piece of tissue and nail polish remover to clean up the nail polish you get on your skin.^{[24]
X
Research source}
6
Avoid hot water after painting. Cold water can help set your nail polish, but hot water can cause your nails to expand, which can lead to cracking.^{[25]
X
Research source}
7
Have a good selection of nail polish on hand, so you always have the color you want, especially if you are trying to match your toenails to your outfit.
- Glittery polishes tend to last longer on your toenails than non-shimmery polishes. ^{[26]
  X
  Research source}
- Use polishes that claim to be "three-free." That means that they don't contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate. These chemicals can be harmful over time.^{[27]
  X
  Research source}
8
Paint your toenails to reflect your personality. If you're shy, don't go with funky neon orange. For classy events, try French tips.
9
Try fancy designs. An easy way to create fancy designs for your toes is to paint them on a plastic bag or parchment paper first. Once you are done, you can peel it off and adhere it to your toe with a base and top coat.^{[28]
X
Research source}
- Stickers and tape can help you create interesting designs. Lay down a base color, and let it dry. Use stickers or tape to create an interesting design that you paint in with another color. You can do curves, star bursts, or even just split the nail down the middle.^{[29]
  X
  Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I keep cuticles healthy?

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.

Lindsay Yoshitomi

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Invest in a high quality cuticle oil to help hydrate your cuticles and always put it on after any nail polish has cured.
Question

What does cuticle oil do?

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.

Lindsay Yoshitomi

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

It just keeps your skin hydrated. Your cuticles can dry out, especially if you ever use any acetone or nail polish remover.
Question

What can I do if I have white-looking cracks on my toenails?

Community Answer

These white marks will eventually go away when your nail grows. If you find them unsightly, you can try making them less noticeable with a nail buffer, pumice stone, or file.

Warnings

Be sure to consult your doctor if your toenails don't look healthy. They can be a sign of further health problems.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 26 Not Helpful 8