You’ve probably relied on a nail salon to care for your cuticles in the past, but now, we are taking measures into our own hands (literally). 

Caring for your cuticles at home may sound easy, but do you really know how to do it?

Knowing the right and wrong way to tend to your cuticles can make a huge difference in the way they look and feel.

It may sound intimidating, but taking care of your cuticles is essential for your nail health. With the proper tools and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to care for those cuticles like a pro. We’ll show you how.

What Are Cuticles?

So, you probably know where your cuticles are, but what are they exactly. Like… what’s their purpose?

Your cuticles are the thin, transparent skin at the base of your fingernails and toenails. This area is very delicate and can get dry, damaged, and infected if not cared for properly.

The purpose of your cuticles is to protect the new nail growth from bacteria when they grow from the nail root. Keeping your cuticles clean and maintained is vital to prevent infection.

How to Care For Your Cuticles

Your cuticles and the area around them are very delicate, so it is normal for cuticles to become dry and peel sometimes. There are certain steps you can take at home to prevent this from happening.

One thing to always remember is never to attempt to fully remove your cuticles. They are meant to be there to protect your new nails that will be growing in from bacteria and germs.

Apply a Cuticle Remover

Cuticle remover can be used to determine which part of your cuticle can be pushed back and which parts can be removed.

Moisten the cuticle area with the remover. This will loosen the cuticle from the nail plate and make it easy to see which parts you should trim or push back. 

Use a clean cuticle nipper tool to carefully remove the hanging pieces of cuticle that are just barely attached. The nipper should be placed at the base of the hanging skin. 

Carefully close and reopen the nipper in the same spot without moving it or pulling upward on the cuticle. Place the nippers on the loose skin, close them and reopen. It’s that simple. Never pull the skin. 

Always make sure that the tools you are using are clean and sanitized. If you are going to a salon, make sure they follow proper sanitation procedures according to their state’s licensing regulations.

Push the Cuticles Back

An orangewood cuticle stick is ideal for pushing your cuticles back. Use the flat, angled side to carefully push them back. The pointed side is for cleaning around the nail area. Be careful; this part of the stick can be sharp.

Be sure to push the cuticles back evenly around the nail, making sure you don’t push too far. 

After you’ve trimmed and filed your cuticles, wash your hands in warm soapy water to remove the cuticle remover and any lingering loose cuticles pieces. 

Apply Cuticle Oil

Cuticle oil moisturizes the cuticle and the skin around it to keep it healthy. Look for a cuticle oil that contains Vitamin E, an antioxidant and hydrator. It helps strengthen and repair dry cuticles and prevent cracking. Vitamin E oil also other benefits, including:

• Vitamin E helps grow healthy nails by strengthening them and preventing cuticle dryness.
• Vitamin E oil helps to repair and protect against damage.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant which means it protects the nails from environmental damage such as damaging UV rays and free radicals. 
• Vitamin E can help erase the yellowish tint that your nails get from wearing nail polish and other nail applications for too long.

Brush the oil onto the cuticles and underneath the nail bed. If you don’t have nail polish on, apply it to the nail bed also. Massage it well into these areas.

If you don’t have cuticle oil handy, go to the kitchen and grab some olive oil. Olive oil works effectively in the same way, although it won’t have quite the same benefits. 

Gently massage the oil into your cuticles and the surrounding skin. It will help circulation in the nail area and encourage healthy nail growth.

Nail Application After Cuticle Care

If you want to apply acrylic or gel nails after priming your cuticles, follow the proper procedures. Acrylic overlays and gel nails are usually harsher on your nails and cause more damage than press-on nails.

Once your cuticles are trimmed and pushed back, your nails are in prime condition for a press-on nail application. 

For a quick, glam look without the hassle of a long, tedious application, difficult removal, and damage to your nails, try Glamnetic press-on nails. 

Glamnetic press-on nails are waterproof, chip-resistant, and can be worn for up to two weeks. There are lots of designs to choose from, so you can get a trendy, celebrity-inspired look that’s less expensive than going to the salon. To apply your press-on nails after prepping your cuticles, follow these steps:

1. Wipe each nail with the alcohol prep pad, and file your nails to the length you want them to be.
2. Apply the nail glue to your nail and to the press-on nail and press down for about ten seconds. Apply one nail at a time.
3. Voila! Your nail set is complete! It's SO easy! Your friends will never believe you did them yourself.

When you purchase your nail set, it will include:

• A set of 24 nails in several different sizes so you can find your perfect fit.
• Nail file
• Cuticle stick
• Alcohol prep pad
• Nail glue

If you can’t decide which press-on nail set you want (because you’ll be obsessed with them all), take the nail quiz to help you decide.

The Takeaway

Taking care of your cuticles is vital to keeping your nails healthy and preventing infection. If you are visiting a nail salon, make sure that they are following proper cleaning procedures. 

Cuticle oil will help keep your cuticles hydrated and protected from peeling. Vitamin E oil or olive oil will also work well.

Glamnetic press-on nails are a great option for trendy nails. They don’t cause damage to your natural nails as acrylic and gel nails do. Our press-on nails come in lots of different designs, so you can find the perfect nails to fit your style.

If you like to live on the wild side, try Spotted. These nails have a fierce leopard French tip that screams gorgeous. They flaunt a long, coffin shape and matte finish.

Wild Card is a celeb-inspired style that flaunts a spunky multi-design look on each nail. Artsy pastels dance across this almond-shaped nail set.

Whichever nail set you choose, choose Glamnetic. We’ll make sure your nails look chic and on fleek.

♡SUBSCRIBE BELOW FOR 10% OFF YOUR GLAMNETIC PURCHASE!♡

Sources:

OSHA.gov | OSHA

Vitamin E Oil for Nails: The Complete Derm-Approved Guide | Byrdie

Cuticle Oil: Benefits, How to Use It, and Nail Growth | Healthline