On: Feathers are one of evolution's cleverest inventio...

[Balgair]

For others that have had this issue too: Cut your toe nails in a straight line. I used to cut them in a curved line, a 'C' kind of shape. Don't do that. Cut them in a '|' kind of shape. Yes, you'll have a big overhang on the edges, but give your toe time to adapt.

I've had a few of these procedures too and it never really stuck for me. Ingrown toenails kept being a problem. Then I started cutting my toenails in the flat / straight '|' sort of way and I've not have a problem since.

I figure it's worth a shout out to the few of you out there that need the help. But, again, it may not work for you too.

[djtango → Balgair]

My friend told me this like 15+ years ago. I was skeptical but it really works. I then just use a file to take a bit of the edge off until its a curve

[aqfamnzc → Balgair]

Wow, amazing. Why does this work? I would think that the nail bed has no knowledge of what the end of the nail is shaped like.

[londons_explore → aqfamnzc]

Ingrown toenails basically don't happen in cultures where people don't wear shoes.

I suspect the cause is socks or shoes pushing against the skin at the end of the toe, causing it to grow incorrectly over many months.

An untrimmed nail pushes any sock/shoe away, solving the issue.

[Kubuxu → aqfamnzc]

It keeps the side from curling in and causing the irritation/cut that results in what we call ingrown toenail.

[ars → aqfamnzc]

The nail doesn't change, rather the skin by the end of your toe does.