Choose cuticle nippers by blade length, grip, spring and cutting shape. Compare sizes from 3 to 14 mm, then use the photos to see how each design differs. Match the blade to your work and the handles to your hand.
01Blade length
Shorter blades suit fine detail. Longer blades offer more cutting span. These are our practical starting points.
| Blade | Best suited to | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 3 mm | Fine detail and tight nail folds. | NS-30-3 |
| 4 mm | Fine detail with slightly more cutting length. | NS-10-4 |
| 5 mm | General cuticle work. Our starting point for a first pair. | NS-30-5 |
| 6 mm | General work when 5 mm feels too short. | NE-80-6 |
| 7 mm | Longer cuts for technicians comfortable with a larger jaw. | NS-30-7 |
| 8 mm | Longer cuts when you prefer more blade than 7 mm. | NX-20-8m |
| 9 mm | Experienced users who prefer a long cutting edge. | NE-90-9 |
| 10 mm | Long-blade work with an established technique. | NE-21-10 |
| 11 mm | Long-blade work with a flat, non-inclined edge. | NE-11-11 |
| 14 mm | The longest option here; for an existing long-blade preference. | NE-11-14 |
Available STALEKS cuticle sizes, smallest to largest. Bars show relative length, not actual size.
02Grip
Choose handles that sit in your palm without digging in or forcing your fingers apart.
Short, straight
Compact grip for smaller palms.
SMART 10NS-10-5
Short, rounded
Rounded ends nestle into the palm.
SMART 30NS-30-5
Elongated, rounded
More room for medium or wide palms.
SMART 50NS-50-5
Elongated, curved
Curved handles and a clearer view of the cutting area.
EXPERT 80NE-80-6
Comma-shaped
One curved handle supports the fingers.
EXPERT 100NE-100-5
Wavy
Finger grooves help hold a consistent position.
EXPERT 11NE-11-11
Classic, textured
Raised metal texture adds grip.
SMART 100NS-100-9L
Scissor rings
Finger-ring control for specialist pedicure work.
PODO 20NP-20-703Spring type
The spring reopens the handles after each cut. Choose the action that feels comfortable in your hand.
04Cutting shape
The heel is the projection behind the blade. Inclination is the blade’s angle.
With heel
More skin capture; suits rougher dead skin and an experienced hand.
Inclined · SMART 30NS-30-5
Small heel
Less protrusion for a shallower capture.
Inclined · EXCLUSIVE 20NX-20-5m
Without heel
Fine finishing and thin cuticle; less skin capture.
Inclined · SMART 11NS-11-7
Without inclination
A flat cutting angle for technicians who prefer this profile.
With heel · EXPERT 11NE-11-11Trim dead skin only. Photos compare designs, not physical size.
FAQs
Which cuticle nippers are best for beginners?
Start by comparing 5 mm models with a comfortable grip. For a training kit, use your educator’s specified blade and profile.
What do quarter jaw, half jaw and full jaw mean?
They describe cutting-edge length. Millimetre equivalents vary between brands, so compare the stated mm size.
Are nippers or cuticle scissors better?
Nippers use a squeezing grip; scissors use finger movement. Choose the action you can control comfortably.
Can cuticle nippers cut nails?
No. Use nail nippers for the nail plate. Cuticle nippers trim dead skin.
Why do my nippers pull instead of cutting?
Check for residue, blunt edges, damage or misalignment. Stop using a pair that pulls; have it assessed or replace it.
Can I sharpen cuticle nippers?
A specialist can assess them. Compare the full service and postage cost with a new pair: sharpen, repair or replace?
How do I clean and sterilise them?
Clean first, then follow the exact model’s processing instructions. For salon use, choose a model compatible with your required sterilisation method.
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