You can use an emery board on your toenails, but it takes a few adjustments and considerations. Toenails are often thicker than fingernails, and emery boards are not the best option for removing lots of length.
When an Emery Board Works Well on Toenails
An emery board can work well if you only need to do light shaping on your nails. An emery board or file can be great for smoothing sharp corners or tidying up the free edge of the nail. It can also be used to soften roughness after you have just clipped your nail.
When Clippers are Better First
If your toenails are long or reasonably hard and thick, clipping them first is a great way to remove length. You can then file them to tidy them up.
Be gentle with the file and consider opting for a sturdier glass nail file over an emery board.
Should You Use the Same Emery Board for Fingers and Toes?
No, this is not advisable. Emery boards and other nail files can very easily pick up both visible debris and unseen nasties, such as infections. You likely don’t want to transfer anything that has been on your toes to your hands.
Keep a separate board or file for your feet and toes.
Can You Use an Emery Board on Thick Toenails?
Whilst you can always try, a basic cardboard emery board is probably not strong enough to file thick toenails. If a toenail is very painful, discoloured, difficult to cut, or very thick, seek professional medical advice instead of trying to file it away.
How to Store Toenail Files
Keep files used for toes in a separately from files used for hands. Make sure to also keep toenail boards and files dry, clean, and away from unused emery boards.
Good storage ideas include:
- A separate pouch.
- A separate section in a manicure box.
- A separate section in a divided draw.
Quick Pedicure Order
- Wash and dry your feet.
- Clip your toenails if they are too long.
- Use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges.
- Avoid digging down the sides.
- Apply foot cream or cuticle oil if you need it.
- Store or throw away the file.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These common mistakes should be avoided:
- Using the same file for your fingers and toes.
- Filing too aggressively.
- Trying to file down lots of nail length (clippers are better for this).
- Using a worn-out emery board.
- Filing infected, painful or problematic nails (seek medical advice instead).
FAQs
Can I use a normal emery board on toenails?
Yes, if toenails need light smoothing. For thicker nails, consider clipping them first and using a stronger, perhaps glass, nail file.
Should I use the same nail file for hands and feet?
No, it is better to keep separate tools for your fingers and toes, so that you do not cross contaminate.
Can an emery board shorten toenails?
Yes, but only slightly. Clippers are a better option for removing length.
Should toenails be wet or dry before filing?
Dry nails are easier to file. If you have just washed or soaked your hands or feet, allow them to dry first.
Final Thoughts
You can use emery boards on toenails, but it may be better to opt for a stronger glass nail file instead. Filing is better as a way to finish off the toes, whilst clippers are good for removing substantial length.
For the sake of hygiene, always use a separate file for your toenails and your fingernails and store these tools separately from each other.