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Speaking from personal experience, nail clippers are really easy to lose! They disappear just when you really need them, and linger in plain site when you don’t. They frequently get thrown into make up bags, handbags, bathroom draws, and random storage pots.
The good news is that clippers (and similar tools such as nail scissors and files, for that matter), can absolutely be organised intentionally. You don’t need to have a fancy storage system, just somewhere clean, hygienic, dry and and, most importantly, obvious!
Where is the Best Place to Store Nail Clippers?
Just like nail polish, somewhere cool and dry is your best bet. It’s also good if they are easy for you to get to (but not children or pets), in a place where you won’t forget them.
Some ideas you could consider include:
- Small nail care pouch
- Draw or desk organiser
- Manicure box or case
- Bathroom cabinet, in a closed area (more on that later)
- Travel toiletry bag
A quick note on boxes and bags; make sure your clippers are organised there. A bag or a box can become a pretty junk draw if you just let everything pile up with no system.
Also, whilst you probably don’t want too many tools strewn around your living space, it’s advisable to keep a spare pair of a tool as essential as nail clippers, just in case. You could keep one in a travel bag and another in your main nail collection. Just make sure to keep the system as simple as possible.
Should You Keep Nail Clippers in the Bathroom?
The bathroom is an obvious place to keep clippers, as it makes them easy to grab after a shower or bath. Plus, it makes sense that you would keep them with other personal care items. If you look in your bathroom cabinet right now, there is a good chance that you may have a couple of pairs of nail clippers or scissors there already.
The main thing to remember is that bathrooms get very damp and hot. Not only is this not ideal for keeping metal tools in their best condition, it also leads to a breading ground for bacteria. Also, it’s best not to keep them in a place where you may accidentally step on them, such as on the floor of the shower.
That’s why, if you do choose to keep tools in the bathroom, they are best in a cool, dry, and neat place. Storing them in a draw is the best bet, provided they are organised and kept clean and out of the way of other items that may cross-contaminate. A small, clean, box or bag that can be closed is a good option.
Alternatively, you can buy pre-packaged nail kits. This manicure kit from KIKO Milano gives you a handy storage pouch, complete with a pair of stainless steel scissors, a cardboard file, a cuticle piler/ nail cleaner and, of course, a pair of clippers.
What Else Should You Store With Nail Clippers?
You can store any nail products that you are likely to need to use at the same time. This could include any of the following:
- Nail files
- Nail scissors
- Tweezers
- Cuticle pushers
- Buffer blocks
- Emery boards
- Cuticle oil
- Hand cream
- Nail polish (of course)
What Not to Do
As nail clippers some into contact with skin and the underside of your nails, hygiene is incredibly important. Therefore, the following should be avoided:
Don’t Leave Them Loose in a Damp Drawer
This is a breading ground for bacteria. Instead, leave them somewhere as clean as possible, and clean or sanitise them regularly.
If you stumble upon a long lost pair of clippers that you that haven’t used for a while, it’s very important that you clean them before use. Don’t just assume that they are clean!
Don’t Mix Them with Messy Makeup
Not only can makeup leave colourful stains and glitter on tools, it is another area that harbours a lot of bacteria. When was the last time that you cleared out your makeup bag? Exactly!
It’s also very easy to lose a small pair of clippers in a big, cluttered makeup bag.
Don’t Leave Them Where Children or Pets Can Find Them
Nail clippers can be surprisingly sharp. Some even have a tool attached for cleaning under the nails. This can make it a bit of a Swiss army knife.
For these reasons, it’s essential to keep them away from kids or animals, who may injure themselves inadvertently. Although less of an obvious danger, dirty tools may also pose an infection risk.
Don’t Leave Them Scattered Around!
This is the easiest way to cause disappointment when your nails need a trim. Instead, a dedicated space where you know you can find them is your friend. Small desk organisers are a great way to do this.
The Easiest Set Up for Most People
Remember the first mantra of nail storage; simpler is better. Put your tools where you can find them easily, so you can find them when you need to use them. It’s also a good idea to keep them accessible; easy to grab instead of having to route through a whole lots of supplies.
And the golden rule, keep them clean.
If it’s not just your clippers you keep losing, you may want to check out this guide to organising nail polish in a small space.