What is the sunnah way to cut your nails?

What is confirmed

• It's part of fitrah. The Prophet ﷺ listed "cutting the nails" among the ten acts of fitrah (Sahih Muslim 261).
• There's a time limit. Anas reported that nails shouldn't be left "far more than forty nights" (Sahih Muslim 258).
• Start with the right. Aisha said the Prophet ﷺ liked to begin with the right side in putting on shoes, combing his hair and washing himself (Sahih al-Bukhari 168). Many scholars apply this general habit to nails too, so starting with the right hand is a good approach.

What isn't firmly established

You'll find online lists that give an exact finger-by-finger sequence, and others that say nails must be cut on a particular day. Scholars say there is no authentic hadith that fixes a finger order, and the reports that link nail-cutting to Friday are weak. They aren't sinful to follow as personal habits, but they aren't a sunnah to insist on. Cutting nails at night is fine too. See Is it okay to cut my nails at night?

Simple etiquette

• Start with "Bismillah" if you like. It's a good habit before any task, though nail-cutting has no special dua.
• Use clean tools. Clippers, scissors or a file are all fine; clean them before and after.
• Don't bite them. It spreads germs and damages the nail. Use clippers instead.
• Cut straight across on toenails to avoid ingrown nails. Fingernails can be gently rounded.
• Don't cut too short, so you avoid hurting the skin.
• Do the toenails too. They fall under the same rule.

For the full guidance on timing, see How often should Muslims cut their nails?

What to do with the clippings

Many Muslims bury them or wrap them and bin them. Neither is required. See Should I bury my cut hair and nails?

Nails and wudu

Cutting your nails doesn't break your wudu, and short nails make washing easier because there's no trapped dirt. Nail polish is different, because it forms a layer over the nail and stops water reaching it. See Can I pray with nail polish on?