Top Tips for Healthy Cuticles

Posted on: 16 January 2017

Healthy cuticles are essential for beautiful nails. The cuticles are the thin line of skin at the base of the nails and act as a protective barrier for your nail growth matrix. For healthy nail growth, you need to keep your cuticles strong.

Here are some top tips on cuticle care.

  1. Never cut your cuticles! You should never cut or bite your cuticles, period. Damaging the cuticles could allow infection to enter the nail bed, potentially leading to painful nail loss or poor growth. Broken cuticles can also lead to uneven nail regrowth, ridges, and white lines. If you want to make your nails look longer, use an orange stick to gently push the cuticles back. To make this easier, use a good-quality moisturiser to soften your cuticles first.  
  2. Go to an experienced, qualified manicurist When you have your nails done, always choose a qualified manicurist at a professional spa or salon. Sometimes cuticle problems are caused by an overly aggressive manicure technique that can leave your cuticles red and sore. In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary to calm the infected skin.  
  3. Try to avoid placing your hands in dehydrating substances Your hands take quite a lot of punishment every day. They are placed in dish water, exposed to wind, sun, and rain, and assaulted with nail polish remover too. All this can really dry your skin and cuticles. Wear rubber gloves when immersing your hands in water, and remember to apply plenty of moisturiser to your hands and cuticles a couple of times each day to help keep the skin soft and supple.  
  4. Kick the habit of nibbling your nails and cuticles! Your mouth is full of saliva that contains enzymes which break down skin. If you are habitually putting your fingers into your mouth, you are exposing the delicate cuticles to damage by those enzymes. If you struggle with willpower, you can make kicking the nail nibbling habit easier by buying a 'stop and grow' product to apply to your nails. The product is applied like colourless nail polish and tastes absolutely foul, reminding you not to nibble every time you're tempted.

In conclusion

Healthy, beautiful nails start with strong, healthy cuticles. Follow the tips above to make sure that your cuticles stay healthy and your nails look great. For more advice and guidance on how to care for your nails and hands, have a chat with the experienced technicians at a good local spa or salon.

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