How to care for cuticles at home – tips and life hacks

Even the most beautiful manicure on groomed nails looks ridiculous. Care is subject not only to the nail plate, but also to the cuticle. We will tell you how to properly care for your nails and cuticles, what simple products you can use.

It is not difficult to take care of the cuticle at home, the main thing is not to forget to pay attention to it during the care procedures for hands and nails. Remember, it is important to treat the cuticle systematically, and then the nails will be healthy and the manicure bright.

What is a cuticle, what is its importance for nails

The cuticle is the skin fold around the base of the nail plate. It performs a protective function, preventing bacteria and infections, as well as just dirt from penetrating the nail growth zone. The cuticle consists of the visible part and the stratum corneum, which grows along with the nail. Completely the cuticle is updated in 21 days, partially – in 2 weeks.

How to take care of cuticles? It is necessary to remove dead cells, and give enough moisture to the living. The thing is that if you do not clean the nail from the dry, overgrown cuticle, it breaks and burrs form. Bacteria can enter through the wound at the site of the torn burr, and inflammation or suppuration will begin, causing pain. In addition, it has been noted that it is poor care of the cuticle that can cause slow nail growth, changes in their shape, and the appearance of longitudinal stripes.

How to remove the cuticle: four effective ways

• In the process of classic edged manicure

The cuticle is trimmed with nail scissors or tweezers. It is necessary to first shape the nails, and then do a 5-minute bath with sea salt, cleanser or essential oil. Next, the hands are blotted with a soft towel or napkin, and then a cuticle softener is applied to the nails. 

When removing the cuticle with a pusher, you should work from the edge of the nail to the middle. With a hatchet, they clean out the dead layer, while trying not to scratch the nail plate. To avoid the appearance of burrs, remove the cuticle with one ribbon.

Removing the cuticle in the process of trimming manicure is an ideal option for those who have a strong increase in nature or damaged nail plates. The disadvantage of this method is that the cuticle is cut off completely, which means that infection is possible. If you use a trim manicure all the time, you have already noticed that the cuticle has become tougher and grows faster.

• Unedged European manicure

Softening agents are applied to the cuticle – keratolics, with acids (better – fruit). Next, the soft cuticle is separated with an orange stick and the product is applied again, only to remove the cuticle. Since the skin is not steamed, this method is called dry. Unlike a trimmed manicure, only dead skin cells are removed, while living ones continue to protect the nail from infection.

• Brazilian trimless manicure

This type of manicure differs from the European one in that special gloves are put on the hands. The product is distributed inside the gloves, in the cuticle area, and rubbed into the nails with a hand massage. Next, the edges of the gloves in the area of ​​u200bu200bthe fingers are simply cut off and the cuticle is processed with an orange stick. Only then the gloves are removed completely. Remember: a Brazilian manicure will not solve the problem of heavily overgrown cuticles, and besides, it is not cheap, because you need to constantly spend money on a special set.

• Hardware manicure

The most popular cuticle removal method. As with a trimless manicure, only the dead layer is removed, and the living one remains untouchable. It is quite difficult to make a hardware manicure at home, certain knowledge is required, otherwise you can harm your nails.

How to care for nails at home

The most popular care is the use of cuticle oils. It is applied daily, and thanks to this, the cuticle will be elastic, the nails grow faster, their surface becomes smooth, leveled.

Often, hand creams are labeled as good for nails and cuticles. They must be applied after each washing of hands and always at night.

One of the salon methods for caring for nails and cuticles is paraffin therapy. At the same time, you can sign up for both hot and cold paraffin therapy. Spa treatments for hands give a good effect; you can even find appropriate home kits in retail chains.

To keep your nails beautiful and well-groomed, follow these five helpful tips:

• Cosmetic products for hands and nails must contain vitamin E.
• Massage once a day, carefully massaging the base of the nail for a minute.
• Use only high-quality manicure sets, preferably hand-sharpened medical grade stainless steel.
• It is necessary to take care of the cuticle with gel polish especially carefully, multiplying the number of care procedures by two.
• Don't forget to put sunscreen on your hands if you plan to sunbathe or stay in the sun for a long time.