Perfectly manicured hands will make you look beautiful and refined. But what often remains underrated in getting the perfect manicure is the cuticles. That is the thin skin growing at the base of your nails. How to push back cuticles? Should you do it? Are there any risks?
Pushing your cuticles will make the nail bed look longer and give your nails an elegant appearance. With that in mind, never, EVER cut your cuticles. That will leave you exposed to infections.
Your cuticles are the only protection and prevention against things from entering your nail region.
What Is The Cuticle?
As we said before, the cuticle is the thin layer of dead tissue sitting at the bottom edge, or base of your nails.
Sometimes we call it the nail bed. The cuticles have the most important purpose. That is to create a seal between the nail plate and eponychium. This prevents the root of the nail from becoming infected.
Why Should You Push Back Cuticles?
Before we go to the part about how to push back cuticles, let’s talk about why should you do it. There are five important reasons to implement pushing cuticles into your beauty routine and nail care routine.
- Pushing back cuticles will allow products to bond easily with the surface of your nails and deliver longer-lasting results
- You are clearing away dead skin cells from the surface and allowing products to seal more easily
- Pushing back cuticles keeps them sealed to the nail root and prevents bacteria and germs
- Your nails will benefit from looking longer and more elegant
- It is a better idea than trimming because it is not painful
How To Push Back Cuticles?
Now let’s talk about how to prepare your cuticles, how to push them back, and what to do afterward in your cuticle care routine.
Step 1 – Remove existing nail polish
Before you can push back cuticles, it is important to remove any existing nail polish. Use either acetone or a non-acetone nail polish remover method. Leaving old polish on the nails will leave the door open for small chips to get pushed into the nail beds and cause an infection.
Also check:
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Step 2 – Soften your cuticles
To soften your cuticles, simply soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. When they are softer, you can easily push them back with less discomfort. You can also heat up and add coconut oil or jojoba oil to the mixture.
Or, you can take a long shower and that will do the trick. This is why we recommend pushing back cuticles after a shower.
If you soak them only in water, you can apply a small amount of oil for 3 to 5 minutes as well. Lotion, special cuticle oil, or any carrier oil will do it.
Step 3 – Using a cuticle pusher
Choose a pusher made of wood. This will prevent any damage to your cuticles. You can use orange sticks, sometimes called orangewood sticks. These are small round pieces of wood with a round, slanted edge at both ends. The wooden orange stick is great for gently pushing back the delicate skin of the cuticles.
When you are pushing back cuticles, rest your hand on a flat and sturdy surface to steady yourself. Do not do it in the air, as it is harder to control the pressure you apply to the cuticles.
Using the wooden orange stick, gently push back the skin along the bottom of your nails. Hold the cuticle stick at an angle, carefully push the excess cuticle all the way into the corner, and then gently work your way up the sides of the nail. Do not push too hard or scrape your nails.
Step 4 – Rub your cuticles with a damp washcloth
When you finish using the cuticle pusher, get a warm, damp washcloth, and rub your cuticles gently with it. When you finish with this process, your cuticles should make a smooth, thin line at the base of the nail.
Finish by washing your hands in warm and soapy water to remove any residue from the cuticle oil and small pieces of skin. Dry them thoroughly before painting them with nail polish. Or just leave them without polish to breathe and take a pause from nail products like acrylic nails.
Is It Safe To Cut Cuticles?
Now, this might seem like a good option. But while it is possible to cut your cuticles, it is not easy. And we do not advise it. Trimming the cuticles will increase the risk of infection. There is also the added risk of probably cutting your skin around the nail. The skin around the nail is fragile, making cutting painful and uncomfortable.
Remember, the purpose of the cuticles is to protect and shield your growing nails. So, avoid removing them completely. Be mindful not to pull the skin. And if you are in doubt, seek advice from your professional manicurist.
Also, do not pick at your cuticles. Never use your fingernails to push back. Remember, the fingernails can harbor bacteria underneath them, which is a potential infection risk.
How Often Should You Push Back Cuticles?
To keep your manicure and cuticles in great condition, we recommend pushing them back once per week. If you establish a good routine, you will quickly understand that you do not need to do it as often.
The goal is to get into the habit of tending to your cuticles after a shower. At this point, the skin is softer and it is easier to manage.
How To Care For Cuticles
Here are a few tips to avoid cracked and painful cuticles. Give them some routine love.
- Moisture your cuticles with cuticle oil often, rub them so they can absorb the moisture and prevent splitting or cracking
- Add some healthy foods to your diet, or supplements to give brittle nails and tired cuticles rejuvenation
- Use a new wooden stick every time you push back cuticles
- Establish a regular manicure routine
- Moisturize your hands with a hand cream after every wash to prevent dry skin and dry cuticles
How To Avoid Damage To Your Nails And Cuticles?
Let’s finish off with a few tips about cuticle care and how to prevent damage. Here are some ideas:
- Never bite your nails and the skin around the nails
- If your nails split or chip, always use a nail file to smoothen them and shape them
- Push back the cuticles when they look overgrown. Why? Because overgrown cuticles are prone to cracking damage
- When cleaning, try to protect your hands by wearing gloves and prevent damage done by cleaning product’s chemicals
- Avoid over-soaking your nails, as it will strip them of natural oils. It will cause the cuticles to become dehydrated
