How to trim cuticles correctly?

One of the mandatory components of a manicure is the removal of the leathery cushion surrounding the nail.

In this article we will tell you how to remove cuticles correctly and safely at home.

Why is this procedure so important?

There is no clear answer to the question of whether cuticles need to be trimmed. After all, on the one hand, it is designed to protect the root of the nail plate from pathogenic microbes and infections. On the other hand, a rough and unkempt cuticle itself becomes the cause of inflammation in these areas of the skin and hangnails. Among other things, this phenomenon looks, to put it mildly, unaesthetic and gives your hands an unkempt appearance.

Please note in advance that you cannot remove the cuticle to the very root, because then the nail will become vulnerable. Therefore, for those who do not know how to remove cuticles correctly, it is better to use the services of a specialist so as not to harm the health of their nails and hands.

There are 2 ways to remove cuticles:

• classic, or trimmed (in this case, the overgrown cuticle is removed using nippers (tongs) or scissors);
• European, or chemical (the cuticle is removed without cutting).

The classic method is the most difficult, because it requires certain skills in handling manicure tools and dexterity.

How to trim cuticles at home?

1. Preparation. You definitely need some free time to slowly get your hands in order. The place for manicure should be well lit by daylight or a table lamp. Procedures must be carried out at a table and not on your knees.

   The following tools will be needed: a disinfectant for manicure instruments, bath salt, cotton pads or a piece of cotton wool, medical steel cuticle cutters, semicircular and pointed spatulas, a small towel.

2. Let’s take nails with overgrown cuticles and other “charms” of long-groomed hands.

   

3. We disinfect the instruments along their metal cutting edges with cotton wool or a cotton pad moistened with a disinfectant.

   



4. Place one hand in the water to steam the skin. The softer the skin on your hands becomes, the easier it will be to carry out the procedures. It is advisable to wait 7-10 minutes.

   

5. We take our hand out of the water and lightly blot it with a previously prepared towel so that water does not drip from it. It should be remembered that the cuticle must remain moisturized during the process. Then we take a semicircular spatula, place it flat and as close as possible to the nail, and with light movements we push the keratinized cuticle off the nail. Remember, do not put too much pressure on the scapula, otherwise you may damage the base of the nail plate.

   

6. Using a sharp spatula, collect the cuticle in a corner; the remaining residue can be wiped off on a towel.

   

7. Lightly wet the already dried cuticle and take tweezers. We bring them to the outside of the nail plate, where the skin fuses with it. We grab a little of the skin that needs to be removed and, pressing the tweezers, cut off the first small piece. Don't cut too deep, otherwise you'll be afraid to do a manicure at home next time.

   

8. Then we try to cut the cuticle with a continuous thread from one edge to the other. Otherwise, there will be hangnails, and the cuticle itself will begin to grow torn, uneven and look sloppy.

   

9. We take the sight for another clip and cut off a little more around the entire circumference of the nail. And so on until we remove all the cuticle.

   

10. Using a semicircular spatula dipped in water, lightly go over the base of the nail again to make sure that nothing remains.

    

11. Carefully remove the skin in the corners of the nail. To do this, apply pressure with a neighboring finger on the finger that is currently being treated and move the skin as much as possible. Prying off the overgrown skin, cut it off with tongs.

    

12. Ready. Now we apply a special antiseptic to the cuticle, which moisturizes it and promotes faster healing.

    

    Now you can definitely cope with cuticle removal at home and will do it with pleasure.

How to use cuticle cleaner?

Cuticle removers come in several forms. Experts advise choosing those that are based on natural ingredients. Previously, they were produced in the form of vials with a brush or tubes, but today you can purchase similar preparations in the form of a capillary pencil, elixir, or peeling. When using cuticle remover, you should strictly follow the instructions.