The best nail scissors

The best nail scissors are the ones whose blade shape suits the nail: curved for fingernails, straight and sturdy for toenails, pointed for cuticles and corners. This guide shows which scissors suit whom and gives an honest answer to the question of the "test winner". You will find all models in our nail scissors category.

In short: which nail scissors suit whom?

• Normal fingernails – nail scissors with a curved blade; if you also trim your cuticles, choose the combination scissors.
• Cuticles and nail corners – extra-pointed cuticle scissors.
• Thick toenails – toenail scissors with a short, sturdy blade; for very hard nails, nail nippers are the better choice.
• Babies and toddlers – baby scissors with rounded tips.
• Left-handers – left-handed nail scissors with mirror-image blades.
• Looking for a traditional Solingen brand – the DOVO nail scissors or toenail scissors by Dreiturm.

About the term "test winner": We do not carry out our own product tests and do not crown a winner – and as far as we know, Stiftung Warentest has not yet published a test of nail scissors (more on this in the questions at the end). What you get here are the criteria by which nail scissors can be judged, and the models from our range that meet these criteria.

Prices at nagelzange.de, as of October 2026. Free shipping within Germany on orders of 50 € or more.

Advantages and disadvantages of nail scissors

Advantages:

• lighter and easier to handle than nail nippers
• cuts along the shape of the nail, so little touching up is needed
• low risk of injury when used correctly
• easy to clean and keep hygienic
• high-quality models last for many years and can be resharpened

Disadvantages:

• not strong enough for very thick toenails or thumbnails – nail nippers are better for these
• often several cuts are needed for the finished result; smooth sharp edges with a nail file

What types of nail scissors are there?

Extra-pointed scissors – for precision work

With their extremely fine, tapered blade, the extra-pointed cuticle scissors reach even the smallest corners and edges. They are ideal for trimming cuticles, removing hangnails and tidying up the nail corners – but they are too fine for shortening the nails themselves.

Curved nail scissors – follow the shape of the nail

The curved nail scissors have a gently curved blade that follows the natural curve of the fingernail. Because you cut along the shape of the nail, hardly any edges are left and filing is often unnecessary. A fine micro-serration holds the nail securely while cutting.

Combination scissors – nail and cuticle scissors in one

The combination scissors combine two pairs of scissors in one tool: use the wider blade to shorten your fingernails and the slim tip to remove bits of skin around the cuticle. Ideal as a first pair and for travel.

Toenail scissors – for strong toenails

Toenails should be cut straight across so that the corners do not grow in. Toenail scissors have a short, sturdy blade for this purpose; models with long handles such as the MANePED toenail scissors transfer more force and make it easier to reach your toes.

Nail scissors for babies, seniors and left-handers

Babies: Baby scissors have rounded tips and short blades, so there are no sharp points that could cause injury.

Seniors: Toenail scissors with long handles or the wide Dreiturm toenail scissors make cutting easier: the long handles extend your reach to the foot and increase leverage, so even thicker nails can be cut with less effort.

Left-handers: On left-handed nail scissors, the blades are arranged as a mirror image, so you can see the cutting line when holding them in your left hand.

Nail scissors, nail clippers or nail nippers?

Nail scissors cut precisely along the shape of the nail. Nail clippers are quicker but leave an edge that usually needs smoothing with a nail file. For thick, hard or ingrown toenails and thumbnails, nail nippers are the better choice – for example a professional head cutter or nail nippers with a lever transmission.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Stiftung Warentest test of nail scissors?

Not as far as we know (as of October 2026). Stiftung Warentest has not yet published its own comparative test of nail scissors. There is only a general foot care guide on test.de (German), which advises cutting toenails "relatively straight" – a recommendation on technique, not a product test.

Which nail scissors are the test winner?

There is no independently determined test winner. What comparison websites present as a "test winner" is usually based on sales rankings and customer reviews, not on their own testing. It is more reliable to match the blade shape to the purpose – see the table above.

Curved or straight nail scissors – which is better?

For fingernails, curved scissors, because they follow the natural curve of the nail. For toenails, straight ones: toenails should be cut straight across so that the corners do not grow in.

How can I recognise good nail scissors?

The blades close right to the tip without a gap, the joint has no play, and the nail is cut cleanly rather than crushed. In addition, they should be made of stainless steel so that the scissors can be cleaned hygienically.

Can I take nail scissors in my hand luggage?

Usually yes: under EU rules, scissors with blades up to 6 cm long, measured from the pivot point, are permitted in hand luggage, and most nail scissors are below that. The final decision rests with the security staff at the airport. Read more in our guide Nail scissors in hand luggage.

Nail scissors or nail clippers?

Nail scissors cut more precisely along the shape of the nail and need hardly any touching up. Nail clippers are quicker but leave an edge that usually has to be filed. Neither is ideal for very thick nails – nail nippers are the answer there.

How long do good nail scissors last?

Many years, if used correctly. Important: only cut nails and cuticles, clean the scissors after use and store them dry. High-quality scissors can be resharpened through our sharpening service.

---

You might also be interested in

Toenail scissors for thick, hard toenails · Guide: The best toenail scissors · Guide: The best cuticle scissors · Tweezers

Matching products