Fake nails are an excellent way to add shape and length to your nail manicure, but they can be hard to deal with if they are too long; hence it is important to learn how to cut fake nails.
If you can’t keep going to the salon, you can cut your artificial nails at home. Both time and money will be saved as a result of this.

Simply follow a few simple procedures to prevent the artificial nails from breaking.
Quick Tip:
To find all of your preferred beauty products, check our carefully selected list of premium beauty products include the latest in skin care, fragrances, nails, hair products, makeup, and much more.
- 1. Things you will require when you learn how to cut Fake Nails
- 2. How to cut Fake Nails with Nail Clippers?
- 3. How to cut Fake Nails without Nail Clippers?
- 4. Best Nail Clippers
- 4.1. Best Nail Clippers for Men: Harperton Nail Clipper Set Fingernail and Toenail Clipper
- 4.2. Best Fingernail Clippers for Women: Clyppi Nail Clippers with Swing Out Nail Cleaner
- 4.3. Best Nail Clippers for Professionals: Seki Edge Nail Clippers (SS-106)
- 4.4. Best Toenail Clippers for Thick or Ingrown nails: Harperton Nippit – Precision Toenail Clipper Tool
- 4.5. Best Toenail Clippers for Thick Nails for Seniors: Kohm CP-220L Wide Jaw Toenail Clippers
- 5. Conclusion
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Things you will require when you learn how to cut Fake Nails
To trim and smooth down the edges of your fingernails, you need to keep some essential items handy:
- Nail clippers
- Manicure scissors
- Nail grinder (optional)
- Nail file
We’ll go through how to cut fake nails using nail clippers and how to do them without clippers in a few steps.
2. How to cut Fake Nails with Nail Clippers?
These clippers can be difficult to control, and it’s harder to make a precise cut with them. But quite easier to use as compared to a scissor. Here’s how to use nail clippers:
Step 1: Decide how long you want your nails to be
Consider the size or shape before you want to begin cutting. If you don’t want to significantly cut the length, you can avoid using nail clippers instead of filing it down.
To ensure that your nails are all the same length, you can use one of your nails to guide how much the nail should be.
Step 2: Place the nail clippers in a steady position
This is the second step in learning how to cut fake nails. Place the nail on the outside and cut toward the center. Make a small cut in the center of your nail using the edge of the clipper. Angle the clippers straight upwards to the tip of the nail, creating a little point in the center. Start to clip one corner of the nail, then the other.
Step 3: Clip the Centre tip
At this stage, the center tip can be trimmed. When learning how to trim acrylic nails at home, you will notice that clipping everything at once might cause the nail to shatter due to strain on the cuticle.
If your ordinary nail clipper isn’t strong enough to cut through the tougher artificial nails, consider using toenail clippers, which are typically larger and stronger.
Step 4: Thin out your nails
Using a nail file or a motorized nail grinder. While shaping the acrylic nails, you will find them thicker than your expectation.
So, to get thin, smooth nails, you can use a motorized nail grinder. In case you dont have it, then you can use a standard nail filer to do the job. Worry not, as it will be just as effective as a nail grinder.
Step 5: File the tips of your acrylic nails
In this final step, use a nail file to smooth away sharp edges for the best form. Begin filing to the center on the sides of the nail, just as you would with the nail clippers. Acrylics are highly durable, and they may move quickly at first. Concentrate on the shape you want and execute it steadily.
3. How to cut Fake Nails without Nail Clippers?
If you do not want your nails to be too short, you can use a nail file or an emery board to cut the fake nails without using any cutting tool.
They shape your nails well and are gentler, causing less damage. But, if you do not have these items or want to rely on a precise trim, do it with scissors’ help.
You can cut your nail from the side. It is also less damaging than clippers to your nails. The process is extremely simple, enabling the creation of a clean and exact cut. But remember to cut for accuracy with your dominant hand.
When you are dealing with scissors, make sure that the tips should not have any gaps. The parts move around while you are cutting them, so do it carefully.
Here are a few steps on fake nails at home without using nail clippers:
Step 1: Determine the nail size.
Just like nail clippers, the very first step on how to cut acrylic nails without cracking is deciding how long you want your nails to be.
Take into account the size or shape before you start to cut. You can use your nails as a guide to how much the fake nail length should be. This will help to guarantee nails of similar lengths.
Step 2: Begin trimming your false/ acrylic nails
You must be wondering, how do you trim acrylic nails with manicure scissors?
This procedure is similar to using a clipper wherein the curve of the scissors blade must face the nail and gently cut from one end of the nail to the other. When trimming, employ steady motions rather than repeated ones.
Step 3: Trim the center
Like how you cut fake nails with a clipper on the center after the sides, do the same thing here with a scissor.
Ensure that you have made a sharp cut to the end of the nail, making the chopped piece fall off. Then it won’t be necessary for you to tear or pull the nail off.
Step 3: Smooth the edges
After you’ve trimmed your nails using scissors, this is normally the last step in which you have to smooth off the edges.
If you have a nail file or a nail grinder at home, you can use it. After you shape the edges properly, it will provide you with a sharp and smooth finish.
4. Best Nail Clippers
Here is a list of the best nail clippers for you to use when you are learning how to cut fake nails:
4.1. Best Nail Clippers for Men: Harperton Nail Clipper Set Fingernail and Toenail Clipper
Harperton Nail Clipper Set Fingernail and Toenail Clipper

- This nail clippers for thick nails can be used for all nail types in nail salons or at home.
Acrylic nails are harder than natural nails, and most nail clippers aren’t strong enough; here’s the Harperton Nail Clipper made from a high-grade surgical stainless steel.
It has an ergonomic design that allows it to fit your fingers well, allowing steady control and delivering a precise clip.
The sharp blades prevent the nail from splitting and even cuts ingrown toenails that may cause pain. It comes with a reinforced and forged clipper handle that creates strength for thick nails, especially in men.
The package comes with a separate clipper for the hands and the hands.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic handle
- Stainless steel
- Allows precise trimming
Cons
- Provides less maneuverability
4.2. Best Fingernail Clippers for Women: Clyppi Nail Clippers with Swing Out Nail Cleaner
Clyppi Nail Clippers with Swing Out Nail Cleaner

- This Clipper is 2.6 inches long with fingernail files.
If you want clean and smooth-looking nails, then go for Clyppi Nail Clipper. It has a pointed edge, swing-out nail cleaner with a textured body that works well as a nail file.
The surface is made of brushed steel to make for a comfortable, sturdy grip. All in all, it is made of high-grade stainless steel with an anti-slip pad. It is also easy to carry as you can even attach the clipper to your keychain.
Pros
- Built-in nail file
- Nail cleaner
- Durable material
- Easy-grip
- Has keychain holes
Cons
- None
4.3. Best Nail Clippers for Professionals: Seki Edge Nail Clippers (SS-106)
Seki Edge Nail Clippers (SS-106)

- It provides Sharp Cutting Edges for Thick Nails.
A gift to your friends or yourself is the Seki Edge nail clipper. It is made with high-quality stainless steel that cuts the edges of the nail precisely. Crafted Japanese technology, and hence it is a durable nail clipper.
The design is ergonomic and allows good control in the hand when you decide how to cut fake nails. It also has a built-in nail file for smooth edges.
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel
- Smooth trims
- Easy & firm grip
- Ergonomic control
- Precise cuts
Cons
- Nail catcher may be small
4.4. Best Toenail Clippers for Thick or Ingrown nails: Harperton Nippit – Precision Toenail Clipper Tool
Harperton Nippit – Precision Toenail Clipper Tool

- They can assist in toenail fungus treatment as needed.
We can all agree that keeping your nail look smooth and clean is quite difficult. Here is the nail clipper by Harperton Nippit for how to cut fake nails. It is best used as a toenail clipper and can even trim ingrown nails, saving you from pain.
It has been ergonomically designed so for proper grip that one can hold the nail at a natural clipping angle, preventing the fake nails from shattering or cracking.
The blades are crafted with high-quality stainless steel as well.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed
- Clips thick nails
- Versatile usage
- Stainless steel
- Durable & long-lasting
Cons
- Might not be strong
4.5. Best Toenail Clippers for Thick Nails for Seniors: Kohm CP-220L Wide Jaw Toenail Clippers
Kohm CP-220L Wide Jaw Toenail Clippers

- These big, tough toenail clippers can be used by right and left-handed adults.
An ideal toenail clipper for trimming nails for older people is the Kohm CP-220L Wide Jaw. It comes with extra-wide blades that perfectly trim ingrown nails. It is made of heavy coated alloy and 100% stainless steel for the best pedicure experience.
You can even use it for medical needs such as fungal infections in your nails or learning how to cut fake nails. It works well for both adults and seniors.
Pros
- Strong tool
- Easy to use
- Heavy-duty coated alloy
- Large size
- Stainless steel
- Versatile usage
Cons
- Uncomfortable blade placing
5. Conclusion
In the article, we have mentioned simple steps on how to cut fake nails with or without the use of nail clippers. You can easily follow these easy steps to get precise, smooth cuts.
If you’re looking for an ideal nail clipper, then we suggest you with the Clyppi Nail Clippers for fake nails. It is made with high-quality stainless steel that will not rust out, and you can even carry it with you anywhere, attaching it with a keychain. It even has an ergonomic design that allows you with a precise grip.
But, If you are looking to trim thick cuticles or fake nails, we suggest the Harperton Nippit – Precision Toenail Clipper. It has an ergonomic design for strong grip preventing cracking of thick nails. It has been crafted with high-quality stainless steel as well. One can even trim toenails with it as it is quite durable.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cut fake nails with regular nail clippers?
You can cut fake nails with a regular nail clipper, but there may be chances of the nails cracking.
Make sure your regular nail clipper is made with high-quality stainless steel. If it isn’t strong enough to cut the acrylic/fake nails, you can even try using toenail clippers.
These are generally larger and provide more grip.
What can I use to cut fake nails?
Various methods can cut fake or Acrylic nails. Some of them use a nail clipper, a toenail clipper, manicure scissors, or even a nail grinder.
Some of these are easily accessible and budget-friendly, except the nail grinder, which may be expensive.
Can I shorten my acrylic nails at home?
Yes, you can always shorten your acrylic nails at home with the use of a file.
Although acrylic nails are quite tough, we recommend using a coarse nail file. If that doesn’t work, you can even go for an emery board or nail grinder to shorten your nails quickly.
Share this on Pinterest

Suggested:
- How to Remove Gel Nail Polish?
- How to Remove Acrylics without Acetone?
- 5 Best Korean Gel Nail Polish
- How to Cut Fake Nails at Home With or Without Nail Clipper?
- How to Paint Press On Nails Before Applying at Home?