Those ‘Small Round Holes’ On Nail Clippers Actually Have an Ingenious Use, and We Had No Idea


Nearly everyone has used or seen a nail clipper. They’re invaluable for tackling hangnails, painful and peeling cuticles, and cutting through plastic wrappers on beauty products. While most people are familiar with them, few know why there’s a little hole at the end.

A Nail Clipper’s Mysterious Hole

A close up of a nail clipper. Black textured background.

Although mysterious, the hole in nail clippers is just for loss prevention. A keychain can be slipped into the hole, allowing the user to attach it to their key ring. They’ll always have nail clippers on hand if a nail breaks unexpectedly. Additionally, the nail clippers won’t get lost as easily.

Versatile Nail Clipper

Three pairs of nail clippers in various sizes.

As previously mentioned nail clippers aren’t limited to clipping nails. Rather, nail clippers often have a file attached which can help cut the tape on packages. Meanwhile, some nail clippers have small screws, used to clean under the nails. However, they can be helpful where other tools like a screwdriver may not be available.

Embracing Natural Beauty

Candles with a towel and flowers in a spa-like setting.

A nail clipper is useful for maintaining overall nail health and preventing cracking or splitting but they only scratch the surface of tools and tips for beauty and wellness. It’s important to embrace our imperfections- scars, curves, stretch marks, etc. but that doesn’t mean we can’t strive for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Several options enhance our beauty naturally, from subtle foundation coverage to plant-based products. Firstly, daily supplements can improve hair, skin, and nail health. However, you should consult your doctor and assess any skin conditions that require more specified treatments before adding anything to your daily routine.

Using the Nail Clipper without Damage

A close up of a nail clipper. Black textured background.

Unfortunately, a nail clipper can also cause harm to the nail. Therefore, they should be used after a shower or bath. Similarly, cuticles should be pushed back, rather than cut; only when the nail beds are wet and pliable. Furthermore, the same applies to babies, their nail beds should be soft and moist but a great time to trim is while they’re deeply asleep, so consider bath time before bed when their nails need a trim.

Alternatively, electric nail filers are on the market for parents daunted by the idea of using a nail clipper on their bay.

Moisture is Crucial

A hand pumping lotion onto another hand. White background.

Secondly, natural treatments like coconut oil or cocoa butter make great moisturizer replacements. Or supplements, as too much can cause greasy skin or clogged pores. For instance, adding a small amount of either, to your daily body or hand cream will heighten the moisture in your skin without overdoing it. Furthermore, natural nail polishes and removers, like No Miss Nails and Kapa Nui Nails, help create beautifully manicured nails without toxic chemicals. Additionally, TikTok’s beauty channels are teeming with DIY hair treatments like Olive Oil infused with Rosemary Oil to create a hydrating hair mask.

A manicurist painting someone's nails.

At-home treatments and tools like the nail clipper are among the most cost-effective and easiest ways to maintain healthy glowing skin, nails, and hair. Here are some of the top 2024 skin and hair care tools and trends.

    • Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask. The LED lights do wonders for the skin: reducing fine lines and acne, and boosting collagen production. It’s renowned for its ease and convenience. However, the product is costly and there are more affordable brands. As such, a little research might be necessary to find the product that meets your needs.
    • Joanna Czech Facial Massager. This tool helps with puffiness and fine lines. However, some have suggested that a massage with an ice cube or stone face roller will yield similar results, at a fraction of the cost.
    • OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser. This tool combines hydrocolloid patches infused with salicylic acid and antioxidants and, LED lights to tackle blemishes and improve skin’s health.
    • Meanwhile, hair care experts note that fragrance-free hair care products are increasing in popularity as well as simplistic routines with minimal chemicals and steps while bolstering moisture, health, and shine.

Natural Nail Care

A hand with a fresh pink manicure and flowers.

Meanwhile, nails are treated with harsh and toxic chemicals. Fortunately, some beauty experts have thoroughly researched some of the most effective yet gentle products for maintaining nail health. For instance, the Addicted 24K Nourishing Nail Kit has been voted a favorite because it’s naturally derived and gentle yet effective. The kit has several natural products to boost hydration and improve cuticle and nail health. Meanwhile, brands like ProNail Complex, Nano DefensePro, and ISDIN SI-NAILS fortify the nails, promoting healthy growth.

A nail clipper, among several other beauty tools, is integral to most beauty routines, albeit not a daily part. Either way, it’s nice to have one on hand, and the mysterious hole in the bottom allows you to do that. Meanwhile, maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails is a process that becomes more difficult as we age. As such, keeping up with the latest beauty trends and natural or affordable alternatives is a great way to boost collagen production, maintain moisture, and fight blemish-causing bacteria.


Like it? Share with your friends!