Cuticle

The cuticle is that thin, translucent layer of dead skin that adheres to the base of your nail plate, right where your nail grows out. It's a crucial natural protective barrier for your nail health, acting as a tight seal that safeguards the most vulnerable area of the nail.

While often seen as an aesthetic nuisance that we wish to remove, its primary role is to seal the area and prevent bacteria, fungi, or any harmful external agents from entering the nail bed and the matrix, which is where your new, healthy nail forms. It's important not to confuse it with the eponychium, which is the live skin directly underneath the cuticle and should never be cut.

In the salon, our goal isn't to cut the cuticle, but rather to soften it with specialized products and gently push it back with a cuticle pusher. This not only improves the nail's appearance, making it look longer and cleaner, but also prepares the surface for better adhesion of polish or gel, ensuring a more durable and professional manicure.

A common mistake is believing that cutting the cuticle is necessary. It's not! It's much better to hydrate it daily with a dedicated cuticle oil and gently push it back after showering or soaking your hands. If you cut it, you can create micro-cuts that serve as entry points for painful and unsightly infections, and it can even cause the cuticle to grow back thicker and more unruly over time.