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The one crucial element of a picture-perfect nail look you’re probably overlooking: yourcuticles.
If you feel like you absolutely must trim, only clip what’s hanging and not the cuticle itself.
@lolo.nailedit
“Eyeball that piece of skin.
Place the head of your nipper at the base of the hanging skin.
Byrdie Tip
An alternative that dermatologist, Alexandra Bowles, DO, recommends is an electric cuticle remover.
“Apply thePaintbox Cuticle Oildaily to keep nails hydrated and to preventdry cuticlesand hangnails.”
Dr. King agrees with using oil on the cuticles.
Soak Your Nails
Nicole Wong, a Boston-based manicurist, swears by soaking nails in soapy water.
“Soaking your cuticles will make it easier to see and trim dead skin.”
Once the cuticles are dry, “end the process by moisturizing your nail beds,” she says.
“Use a hydrating hand cream and preferably a cuticle oil with healing ingredients to avoid infection.
My favorite is the Miniluxecuticle nourishing oil.
The more hydrated they are, the easier they’ll be to shape and push back.
“Dryness causes damage,” Tuttle says.
“Applying daily cuticle serum is our number one tip to encourage healthy cuticles and nail growth.”
“It contains mastic oil, which boosts keratin production, making your cuticles stronger and healthier.”
Dr. Thacker says to apply it once a day on dry, bare nails.
“The applicator pen makes it quick and easy to use.
Use Exfoliating Scrubs
Keep your nails and cuticles feeling fresh by routinely exfoliating them.
Dr. Bowles recommends using anexfoliating scrubof your choice, preferably a sugar-based one.