Over the course of a few months, the physical contour of a fingernail or toenail can be modified by cutting the nail in a specific pattern. So if you suffer ingrown toenails, if you contend with fungal infections of the toe nail because moisture gets trapped under arching nails, if you are a classical/flamenco guitarist that is challenged to produce a pure sound due to concave nail growth, or if you merely wish to grow more attractive fingernails, the following guide will help you permanently reshape your nails...that is, as long as you continue to cut and file your nails in the pattern that I have illustrated below.

Cutting the nail to an oval (pointed) shape and maintaining the pointedness every few days with a file adds geometric strength longitudinally (fig.1). Below--from left to right--a bird's eye view of the oval nail shape; a view from the end, showing the nail growing round; and a view from the side, showing the concave form, growing down over the end. If your nails are already shaped convex, filing the nail to a point will cause some narrowing of the nail. Reshaping the nail to convex form too rapidly may cause the nail to lift from the nail bed, creating a pallid nail-bed. Changing the physical form of the nail requires time and patience.

   Figure 1

The more you cut a nail straight across, the more it will be inclined to grow upward or concave (see fig.2). You may significantly reverse a "hook" or "claw" nail in this manner, of course filing the corners slightly to avoid snagging. A concave form nail is not as strong for picking as the convex form; it is more likely to pull away from the nail-bed under stress, particularly the distal portion because the nail is growing flatter. If you suffer from an ingrown nail, cutting the nail directly across will alleviate the condition and save you costly medical visits.

   Figure 2

Below is a photo of the pinkie on my left hand, which is how all my fingernails were (fig.3). Notice the concave shape of the nail. Flamenco and classical guitarists with such nails can never expect to reach great heights in their field: the distance from the finger tip to the nail end interferes with production of tone and execution of speed (sorry about the image quality: the same photo on my PC is very clear).

   Figure 3

Below is a photo of the pinkie on my right hand (fig.4). Notice the now slightly convex shape of the fingernail. By cutting the nails on my right hand as shown in the guide I compiled below, I was able to permanently change the way they grow.

   Figure 4

To accelerate the process of reshaping the nails on my right hand--and, gradually, the nail beds--you may use rubber cement-based nail adhesive to glue on the slightly convex-shaped plastic fingernails, pressing down the false nail as the glue dries. If you use Super Glue (gel type), apply clear nail polish to the edges to insulate the adhesive from water, which loosens loosens the glue. I no longer wear an artificial fingernail on my pinkie, the modified nail shape has been kept, merely by filing the tip oval.

To avoid fingernails from lifting from the nail-bed, such as when playing the guitar; applying pressure to the finger tips, such as gripping an object tightly; or performing activities like gardening, cut 1/8" x 3" strips of masking tape and wrap them around the finger tips. Do not wrap the tape too tightly, and do not wear the tape longer than a few hours. If you have your hands in water a lot, several applications of clear nail polish will protects your nails and reduce any concave growth.

Since I still use plastic fingernails on three fingers on my right hand for playing flamenco guitar, I wear a latex glove with a rubber band around the wrist while in the shower. The rubber band--not too tight!--seals the glove, which I turn inside-out to dry. Sprinkling a little talcum powder onto the glove and turning it inside-out again lets me re-use the glove up to about 15 times, depending on the thickness of the latex. When washing my hands, I keep the artificial fingernails dry by pointing them upward. Water counters the adhesive quality of Super-glue and the plastic nails then fall off. Using products from a beauty supply shop, I maintain fingernail hygiene on my right hand without use of water. I no longer wear an artificial fingernail on my pinkie, the modified nail shape has been sustained, merely by filing the tip oval.

WARNING: Consult a dermatologist or your family doctor before using Super glue with artificial nails. Like many flamenco guitarists, I have been using Super Glue for decades, without any adverse effects. But you may be sensitive to the product. You might be advised to apply a very small amount to the eponychium (cuticle) of one nail then increase the amount as a means of ruling out possible sensitivity.

WARNING: Fungal infections can develop when an artificial nail begins to lift and moisture becomes trapped between the natural nail and the artificial one. In such case, consult your physician. Soaking the artificial nail in water and peeling it off permits a twice-daily application of an antifungal cream, like Tinactin, which usually resolves the problem. Applying clear nail polish between treatments to keep the nail dry and exposing it to direct sunlight is also recommended for fungal infections. Fingernails grow at a rate of approximately 1-3 mm/month, depending on age and nutrition; so it may take months before artificial nails can be worn again.

A "V" cut in the center of the nail of the great toe promotes growth of the nail toward the center, instead of down into the lateral folds (Fig.5). This particular intervention offers rapid relief for ingrown toe nail (unguis incarnatus).

Figure 5

By cutting the nail straight across (instead of rounded) and maintaining the form, individuals who endure oftentimes unnecessary surgery for ingrowing toenail 3-4 times a year will never again need to see a podiatrist for this discomforting condition that can lead to paronychia (skin infection). The sharp corners of the nail may be rounded so that they will not catch on your socks.

Fingernail contour may also be diagnostic: for instance, pitted nails are associated with psoriasis and alopecia areata; watch-crystal nails--convex nails that are as wide as they are long--are seen in pulmonary osteoarthropathy and pachydermoperiostosis; and spoon shaped nails--depressed in the center and lateral edges elevated--may indicate achlorhydria or hypochromic anemia.

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This page last updated September 27, 2009