[thedoc (OP)]

How should you shape your nails? Physicists have been
calculating the optimal frequency and shape to stop
ingrown nails...
Read a transcript of the interview by clicking here
or [chapter podcast=1000890 track=14.10.28/Naked_Scientists_14.10.28_1002874.mp3] Listen to it now[/chapter] or [download as MP3]

[CliffordK]

A lot of recommendations are to cut the toe nails "straight across". 

Personally I dislike corners sticking out and getting caught on stuff, so I follow the contour of the nail beds, and usually trim a little skin near the ends of the big toenails. 

Short toenails may also help prevent conditions such as toenail fungus.

[silvesta001]

If you want to cut your toenails then it is a good idea but I think you should cut your toenails that it has grown much bigger. However, you should always cut your toenails very carefully because of you cut your skin by mistake then it may cause a fungus to grow. So, if you ever come across toenail fungus issue, also known as onychomycosis then you can get rid of it with the help of some natural home remedies. You can have a look at some common home remedies to cure Onychomycosis issue easily at home.

[Bored chemist]

For best results you should chew them to shape.

[mrsmith2211]

Guess I must be an ignorant hillbilly. Now I like toenail clippers, the little 3 I chop straight across, the other 2 I do a 2 stage, one right side, one left side, trimming up in the middle if I miss. Now many times it takes 2 clippings because they get so long to get down to  where I need to be is determined by that little stub in the clipper. Have not had an ingrown toenail in 50 years, though I do notice there is quite a bit of curl on the outer edges of my big toenail.

[chris]

For best results you should chew them to shape.

Yum! Crunchy cheese flavour!

[neilep]

I'm just so thrilled about this study. Only last week I was wondering when a study into the nature of nail cutting/shaping efficacy would happen.

It's Christmas to read this thread now that my nail cutting/shaping-study needs are satiated. At last I can put my ingrowing toenail fears to rest.

[alice123]

If you want to cut your toenails then it is a good idea but I think you should cut your toenails that it has grown much bigger. However, you should always cut your toenails very carefully because of you cut your skin by mistake then it may cause a fungus to grow.