Why Cutting a “V” in Your Nail Doesn’t Work (and What to Do Instead)

It is one of the most common home remedies people try for ingrown toenails: cutting a small “V” into the centre of the nail to stop the edges digging in. You might have heard it from a friend, a parent, or even read it online. Unfortunately, it simply does not work.

At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we see this all the time. Patients come in frustrated because the pain keeps coming back despite their best efforts. Cutting a V into the nail might seem harmless, but it can actually make things worse over time.

Let’s look at why this myth persists, what really happens when you cut your nail this way, and what you should do instead to fix the problem for good.

The Origin of the “V” Trick

The idea behind cutting a V into your toenail goes back decades. People believed that removing a small notch from the middle of the nail would relieve pressure on the sides, encouraging the nail edges to grow inward and “pull out” from the skin.

It sounds logical: if you remove a section from the middle, the nail should curve less, right? Unfortunately, that is not how nail growth works. Toenails grow from the base (the nail matrix), not from the tip. So whatever you do to the end of the nail has no impact on how it grows out.

Why Cutting a “V” Doesn’t Work

The nail plate grows continuously from the root, pushing forward as a single solid structure. The centre of the nail and the sides grow together as one unit.

When you cut a V into the tip, three things happen:

1. The nail continues to grow forward from the base exactly as before. The sides still grow in the same direction, so there is no pulling force.

2. The notch can weaken the nail. It creates a central weak point that can split or tear, especially in thick or brittle nails.

3. You risk introducing bacteria or trauma. Rough cutting can cause small cracks or even cut the skin which makes infection more likely.

So while it may seem like you are “relieving pressure,” you are actually leaving your nail more vulnerable to breaking and your toe at higher risk of infection.

How Ingrown Toenails Really Develop

To understand why the V method fails, it helps to understand how ingrown toenails form.

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin rather than straight ahead. The most common causes include:

• Nails cut too short or with cutting down the edges

• Tight or pointed shoes pressing on the nail edges

• Naturally curved nails that grow downwards

• Toe trauma, like stubbing or dropping something on the toe

• Repetitive pressure, such as running or kicking sports

Once the edge penetrates the skin, inflammation and pain begin. If left untreated, infection can develop, causing swelling, discharge, and sometimes pus.

Why the Pain Keeps Coming Back

When the nail edge is not properly corrected, the same section continues to push into the skin as it grows out.

This is why temporary fixes like cutting a V or soaking the toe can seem to help for a few days but never stop the problem from returning. Each time the nail grows, it follows the same path...right back into the soft tissue.

The only way to break this cycle is to reshape the edge or, in recurring cases, permanently remove the part of the nail that causes the issue.

What You Should Do Instead

If you are starting to feel pain or notice redness around your toenail, here is the correct approach:

1. Avoid digging or cutting deep into the nail corners.

This often worsens the problem and can create small wounds that easily become infected.

2. Soak the foot in warm salty water.

This can help reduce inflammation and soften the skin, providing short-term relief.

3. Wear open or wide-fitting shoes.

Reducing pressure on the toe will help prevent further irritation while the area settles.

4. See a podiatrist early.

If pain persists for more than a few days, the nail needs professional attention. Your podiatrist can gently lift the nail edge, remove the small spicule causing the pain, and dress the toe properly.

At My Family Podiatry, we assess each case to determine whether conservative care will work or if a minor procedure called a Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) is needed to prevent recurrence.

When a Permanent Solution Is Needed

For recurring or severe ingrown toenails, a Partial Nail Avulsion offers a permanent fix.

This quick, in-clinic procedure involves:

• Numbing the toe with local anaesthetic

• Removing the offending nail edge

• Applying a phenol to the nail root to prevent that edge from regrowing

You walk out the same day, with most people returning to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours. Healing is quick, and once complete, the nail looks natural and the problem does not come back.

What Happens If You Leave It Too Long

Leaving an ingrown toenail untreated allows infection and inflammation to worsen. Over time, this can cause:

• Hypergranulation tissue (the red, bumpy skin that can bleed easily)

• Increased pain and throbbing

• Difficulty wearing shoes

• Infection spreading deeper, potentially even to the bone

These problems can delay healing and increase the need for surgical intervention later. The earlier the issue is treated, the better your outcome.

Why Cutting a “V” Can Make Things Worse

Beyond simply not working, cutting a V can actually aggravate the problem.

• It weakens the nail, causing cracks that catch on socks or shoes.

• The sharp corners left behind can dig even deeper into the skin.

• It can delay professional treatment, allowing infection to worsen.

What starts as a simple sore spot can quickly become a painful, swollen, and infected toe that needs medical attention.

The Correct Way to Trim Your Toenails

To reduce your risk of developing ingrown toenails in the future:

• Cut nails straight across, not curved down the edges.

• Leave a small amount of nail extending past the skin edge.

• File any sharp edges gently with an emery board.

• Avoid tearing or peeling nails, as this can leave jagged edges.

If you struggle to see or reach your toenails, or have thick nails that are difficult to cut, regular podiatry care can help prevent issues before they start.

Why Choose My Family Podiatry

At My Family Podiatry, we treat ingrown toenails daily for patients across Albany Creek and surrounding suburbs through North Brisbane.

We provide:

• Gentle, professional care for immediate pain relief

• Permanent solutions for recurring problems

• Clean, modern facilities and sterile technique

• Same-week appointments for urgent cases

Our goal is to keep you walking comfortably and confidently without fear of pain returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cutting a V in the nail ever help?

No. The nail grows from the base, not the tip, so a V cut has no influence on nail shape or direction.

Can I treat an ingrown nail at home?

You can try warm saltwater soaks and open shoes for temporary comfort, but professional care is needed for lasting results.

Is ingrown toenail surgery painful?

No. It is performed under local anaesthetic (this part does sting) and provides immediate relief once the problem edge is removed.

How can I stop ingrown toenails coming back?

Follow proper trimming techniques, wear shoes that fit well, and seek early podiatry care if you notice pain or redness.

Book an Appointment

If you have been trying to fix your ingrown toenail at home and it keeps coming back, it is time for a permanent solution.Our podiatrists at My Family Podiatry Albany Creek provide gentle, effective care to relieve pain and prevent recurrence.

Book Now