Is It Really Bad to Cut Nails at Night? The Truth Behind the Superstition

Is it really inauspicious to cut nails at night? Know why it is forbidden to cut nails at this time:
Although nails can be cut at any time. But it is often said that cutting nails at night is inauspicious. But, should nails really not be cut at night?

Why Should We Not Cut Nails at Night: Once I was cutting my nails with a nail cutter at 9 o’clock at night, when my grandmother saw me. Grandmother started shouting at me and said, will you bring poverty in the house by cutting nails at night? Grandma said that nails should not be cut at night. This makes Maa Lakshmi angry and brings negative energy in the house. That means cutting nails at night is very inauspicious. However, I do not believe this at all. I don’t think cutting nails at night is inauspicious. Or cutting nails at night brings negative energy in the house. This is why I spoke to Dr. Raman Kumar, General Physician of Family Physicians of India, to know the reason behind this-

Why is cutting nails at night considered inauspicious

The elders of the house often forbid cutting nails at night. According to them, cutting nails at night is very inauspicious. It is believed that cutting nails after sunset i.e. at night increases negative energy in the house. If nails are cut at night, then Goddess Lakshmi becomes angry and poverty enters the house. It is believed that cutting nails at night makes Goddess Lakshmi angry and leaves the house.

Why should nails not be cut at night? – Why It Is Forbidden to Cut Nails at Night

• There is no big scientific reason behind cutting nails at night. In old times, there were no nail cutters. In such a situation, people use tools or blades to cut nails. In such a situation, if nails are cut at night, it can cut fingers. Or the risk of injury can increase.
• One reason behind not cutting nails at night is that in earlier times there was no electricity. In such a situation, if nails are cut with a blade at night, it can hurt the fingers.
• If nails are cut in low light, then due to this, cutting nails at night is prohibited.
• In today’s time there is full light and blades are not used to cut nails. In such a situation, nails can be cut easily even at night. Therefore, in today’s time there is no danger of cutting nails at night.
• In earlier times, there was no proper arrangement of light in the houses. In such a situation, most of the work was done before sunset. Therefore, it is considered right to cut nails in the light.

Keep these things in mind while cutting nails

You can cut nails at any time. However, it is best to cut nails after bathing. Because at this time the nails are soft and can be cut easily. After cutting nails, you should clean your hands thoroughly. You must cut nails from time to time. Because dirt gets accumulated in the nails. Due to this many types of diseases can occur. This reduces the risk of infection. Keeping nails clean makes hands and feet look beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cutting Nails at Night

1. Why is it considered inauspicious to cut nails at night?

Traditionally, it is believed that cutting nails at night brings negative energy into the house and angers Goddess Lakshmi, leading to poverty and misfortune. This belief comes from ancient customs passed down through generations.

2. Is there any scientific reason behind not cutting nails at night?

Yes, there is a practical reason from older times. In the past:

• There was no electricity, and homes were lit with lamps or candles.
• People used blades or knives to cut nails instead of modern nail cutters.
• Poor lighting increased the risk of injury, such as cutting fingers or getting infections.

So, the practice started as a safety measure, not due to superstition.

3. Does cutting nails at night really bring bad luck?

No, in modern times, cutting nails at night does not cause bad luck. Today, we have:

• Bright lights for visibility.
• Safe nail clippers instead of sharp blades.
• Better hygiene practices.

This means cutting nails at night is completely safe and does not invite negative energy.

4. Why did elders strongly forbid cutting nails at night?

Elders strictly discouraged it because:

• They wanted to prevent injuries when lighting was poor.
• Most household chores were completed before sunset.
• It was a way to maintain discipline and cleanliness by setting a proper time for grooming activities.

5. Is it okay to cut nails at night today?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to cut nails at night now. With modern lighting and nail cutters, there is no danger of injury or superstition-related consequences. However, some people still prefer to follow traditional beliefs out of respect for their culture or elders.

6. When is the best time to cut nails?

The ideal time to cut your nails is:

• After a bath, when nails are softer and easier to trim.
• During daylight hours, especially if you follow traditional customs.
• Whenever needed, if hygiene and nail care are a priority.

7. How often should nails be cut for good hygiene?

To maintain hygiene and prevent infections, trim your nails once every 1–2 weeks. Regular trimming helps:

• Prevent dirt buildup under the nails.
• Reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
• Keep your hands and feet looking clean and neat.

8. What are some tips for safe and hygienic nail cutting?

Here are a few tips to follow:

1. Wash your hands and feet before and after cutting nails.
2. Use a clean, sanitized nail cutter.
3. Trim nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
4. Avoid cutting nails too short, as this can cause pain or infection.
5. Moisturize nails and cuticles after trimming to keep them healthy.

9. Why were most household chores done before sunset in old times?

In the past, there was limited or no electricity, so people relied on natural sunlight for visibility.
Tasks like nail cutting, cooking, and cleaning were completed before sunset to avoid accidents and injuries in the dark.

10. What are the health benefits of keeping nails clean and trimmed?

Maintaining clean and trimmed nails helps:

• Prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
• Reduce the chances of nail infections.
• Keep hands and feet looking healthy and attractive.
• Lower the risk of fungal issues caused by dirt accumulation.

READ ALSO: 5 Expert Tips for Safe Artificial Nails: Avoid Nail Damage