Cuticle care is the part of a manicure that makes hands look groomed, even without polish. It is also the part where the most damage is done. Cuticles have a real job, and a gentle routine keeps them neat without removing the protection they give.
What the cuticle is and why it matters
The cuticle is the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail. It forms a seal between the nail plate and the skin of the finger. That seal keeps water, bacteria and fungi away from the nail root, the area under the skin where the nail is made.
When the cuticle is cut away or torn, the seal is broken. Germs can get in and cause a red, swollen, painful infection around the nail, known as paronychia. Damage to the nail root can also cause ridges and dents in the nail as it grows.
The rule: do not cut
Dermatologists advise against cutting or removing cuticles, at home or in the salon. Trimming also tends to make cuticles grow back thicker and more ragged. If you visit a salon, you can ask the technician to leave your cuticles uncut and only ease them back gently.
A gentle routine
Every day
- Apply cuticle oil or a rich hand cream to the base of each nail, at least once a day and after washing your hands.
- Massage it in for a few seconds. See Cuticle Oil vs Hand Cream: What Each Does for the difference between oil and cream.
Once a week
- Soften the cuticles. The easiest time is after a shower or bath, or after soaking your fingertips in warm water for two to three minutes.
- Apply a drop of oil, or a cuticle remover if you use one. Follow the time on the label and rinse it off afterwards, because removers are strong.
- With an orangewood stick wrapped in a little cotton, a soft rubber pusher or a damp washcloth, gently ease the cuticle back from the nail plate using small circular movements.
- Do not force it. Push only as far as it moves easily.
- Wash your hands and apply oil or cream.
What to use and what to avoid
| Use | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Orangewood sticks, soft rubber or silicone pushers | Sharp metal pushers used with pressure |
| Cuticle oil, balm or thick hand cream | Cutting cuticles with nippers |
| A damp washcloth after a shower | Pushing back dry cuticles |
| Clean nippers for loose hangnails only | Biting or tearing skin around the nails |
How to deal with a hangnail
A hangnail is a small torn strip of skin beside the nail.
- Wash your hands.
- Soften the area with warm water.
- Clip the loose piece close to its base with clean nail nippers or scissors. Do not pull or bite it.
- Apply moisturizer, and cover with a bandage if it is sore.
Regular moisturizing is the best way to prevent hangnails.
Why cuticles become dry and ragged
- Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer.
- Washing dishes and cleaning without gloves.
- Cold, dry weather.
- Acetone nail polish remover.
- Picking and biting. How to Stop Nail Biting: Practical Habits to Try has ways to break the habit.
Protecting your cuticles
- Wear gloves for wet work and cleaning.
- Use non-acetone remover when you can, and wash and moisturize afterwards.
- Keep oil or cream by the sink and by your bed.
- Apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands in the day.
Signs of infection
See a doctor if the skin around a nail becomes red, swollen, warm or painful, if you see pus, or if redness spreads. Do not push or trim cuticles while the area is inflamed. People with diabetes or reduced immunity should seek advice early.
What to expect
With daily oil or cream, dry and peeling cuticles usually look better within one to two weeks. Cuticles that have been cut for years take longer to settle, but they do soften and thin with patient care.
Cuticle care is step four of How to Do a Manicure at Home. For looking after nails between manicures, see How to Care for Nails Between Manicures, and for nails that are dry and brittle as well, Brittle Nails: Causes and Everyday Care Tips.
Related on ArniSun
- Cuticle Oil vs Hand Cream: What Each Does
- How to Do a Manicure at Home
- How to Care for Nails Between Manicures
- How to Stop Nail Biting: Practical Habits to Try
- Brittle Nails: Causes and Everyday Care Tips
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I push back my cuticles?
You can ease them back gently when they are soft, about once a week. It is not essential, and it should never hurt or involve force.
Why do my cuticles peel?
Dryness from water, soap, sanitizer, cold weather or remover is the usual cause, along with picking. Daily moisturizing and gloves for wet work help.
What is the best thing to put on dry cuticles?
A cuticle oil or a thick, fragrance-free hand cream or ointment, applied at least once a day and after washing your hands.