Toenails are the detail that makes or breaks how your feet look, especially up close in a photo. Healthy, neat nails read as well-kept even without polish, and they are the base any color sits on. If you post your feet, they are also the first thing your fans notice: the ones who follow you, chat with you, and one day come into your backroom.
Here is how to keep them healthy and ready for the camera.
Trim straight to avoid ingrown nails
Cut toenails straight across rather than curved down the sides to prevent ingrown nails.
Shape and file
File the edges smooth in one direction for a clean, even shape.
Look after your cuticles
Push cuticles back gently and keep them moisturized, but never cut them.
Choose polish that photographs well
Go for glossy finishes and flattering colors, applied in thin coats with a top coat.
Keep your nails healthy
Give nails polish-free breaks, keep them dry and moisturize the skin around them.
Trim straight to avoid ingrown nails
Cut your toenails straight across rather than rounding them down at the sides. Curved cuts encourage the nail to grow into the skin, the main cause of painful ingrown toenails.
Do not cut them too short either. Leave a little length at the tip, so the nail has a clear, straight edge.
Shape and file
After trimming, smooth the edges with a file, working in one direction rather than sawing back and forth. You get a clean, even shape and no snags that catch on socks.
Aim for the same shape on every nail: in a close-up, that is what makes a foot look tidy.
Look after your cuticles
Cuticles are easy to ignore and easy to overdo. Push them back gently with a cuticle pusher after a shower, when they are soft, and keep them moisturized with a little cream or cuticle oil. That is all.
Choose polish that photographs well
If you paint, a few choices make nails look great on camera:
- Glossy over matte. A good top coat catches the light and reads as clean and healthy.
- Classic colors. Warm neutrals, soft pinks and reds flatter most skin tones and photograph reliably.
- Thin coats. Two thin coats and a top coat give the smooth, even finish that reads as professional.
Our guide on giving yourself a pedicure at home covers the full painting process.
Keep your nails healthy
Healthy nails hold color better and look better bare.
- Give them polish-free breaks now and then.
- Keep your feet dry to avoid fungal problems.
- Moisturize the skin around the nails.
Strong, healthy nails are the foundation. Everything else is finishing.
FAQ
How do I take care of my toenails?
Toenail care comes down to trimming straight across, filing the edges, pushing back cuticles without cutting them, and giving nails polish-free breaks.
How should I cut my toenails?
Straight across, not curved down the sides, then file the edges smooth. Leave a little length at the tip to avoid ingrown nails.
What nail polish colors photograph best?
Warm neutrals, soft pinks and classic reds flatter most skin tones. A glossy top coat helps, since shine reads as clean and healthy on camera.
Should I cut my cuticles?
No. Push them back gently after a shower and keep them moisturized. Cuticles protect the nail from infection.
Show them off
Neat, healthy toenails are worth showing. On RateMyFeet you can post your feet for free, anonymous if you want, and see how the community rates them. Start your routine with our guide on taking care of your feet. The foot analyzer also tells you whether your polish reads on camera, without uploading anything.