As someone who likes to do her nails at home – I never cut my own cuticles. So when I got my nails done for the first time and my manicurist cut them off, I was appalled. While the finished set looked absolutely stunning, the few cuts I got on my nail beds were raw and red. But I had to know if going through so much pain for a fresh mani was really something everyone in the world was okay with!
Your cuticles are like the unsung heroes of your nail beds. They keep your nails looking fresh and clean, especially if you trim them on a routine basis. But some folks think they cramp their manicure style, opting to cut them for that oh-so-clean look. But nail pros suggest not doing that at all!
So, Should You Cut Your Cuticles Or Not?
Here’s the thing – cuticles are like natural shields for your nails. They protect against bacteria and fungus, especially when your nails are just starting to grow. If you cut them, you’re not just tweaking their look, you’re risking your nail’s overall health.
Experts say cutting cuticles creates tiny openings. Seems harmless, right? Wrong. These openings are like welcome mats for bacteria, increasing the chances of infection. Overdo the cutting and you could mess up your nail’s growth, leading to painful, swollen ingrown nails. Worse still, if you cut them too often, you might end up with chronic cuticle damage. That means rough, irritated skin around your nails that is more prone to infections.
So, think twice before you cut. Keeping your cuticles intact means keeping your nails healthy.
What Should You Do Instead?
Soften Your Cuticles: Cuticle creams and oils are your BFFs here. They’ll make your cuticles look less like they’ve been through a desert and more like they’re ready for their close-up. Plus, no dangerously irksome cutting is needed!
Many dermatologists recommend using a super thick product that locks to moisture in for the best results. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as an inexpensive way to care for the cuticles.
Push the Cuticles Back After you’ve softened those cuticles, gently push them back. Good nail tools are easily available online – I highly recommend getting a full nail care set but a simple stick nail pusher does the job for a little pre-mani cuticle care. Doing this keeps the cuticles in their bodyguard role but remember to be gentle, and make sure you’re not tearing them in the process.
Trim the Cuticles: If you’re feeling extra brave (or trust your manicurist’s skills), a little trim’s okay. As long as they have sterile snippers and the skills to focus just on the grown-out bits, you can ask them to trim (not cut) your cuticles before putting on a fresh set of nails. Remind them that there’s a fine line between a trim and going full Edward Scissorhands.
Ask For A Dry Manicure: A dry manicure is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of soaking your nails to soften the cuticles, your manicurist will use a bunch of hydrating products on your hands and gently nudge the cuticle back instead of peeling it off. This works fantastically in avoiding cuts that can cause unwanted infections and irritation.
Cuticle care’s a bit like tightrope walking – too much or too little, and it’s a disaster. Keep it simple: soften, gently push back, and only trim if necessary. Your nails will definitely thank you in the long run!
Featured Images: Unsplash
