Why you Shouldn't be Cutting your Cuticles (& What you Should be Doing Instead)

After going for a manicure recently I noticed that it is standard procedure to completely remove the cuticle from the nail. While this has an appealing appearance, it doesn't seem like the most natural thing, making me question whether this generally accepted method could actually be doing us more harm than good.

After conducting my research (as always) I discovered that cuticle removal is most definitely not good for your nails and can lead to icky infections if not done properly. Technically nail technicians aren't even supposed to do this as it is not on the list of requirements for beauty school tests. I found an interesting article from Cosmopolitan which discusses the issue with the expert advice of Simcha Whitehill, pro manicurist from New York City. Here's are some excepts which will make you think twice before cutting your cuticles:

"The thin sliver of skin along the bottom of your nail bed (aka your cuticle) serves an important purpose, which is to protect you from infection. Otherwise it's a point of entry. And when it's sliced open, because you or some salon tech doesn't know what he or she is doing with the nippers, the flood gates are immediately opened for bacteria and fungus to get inside and infect you." 

"Plus, once you get into the habit of cutting your cuticles, you always have to cut them because they grow back quickly, but not as pretty."

Instead, Whitehall suggests just simply pushing back the cuticles to give a more aesthetically appealing look. I've discovered that using a cuticle oil can help soften the area, making it easier to push back, is the best way to achieve this. I love Sakare Cuticle Oil as it is extra nourishing with its high concentration of almond oil and really easy to apply with the rollerball applicator. I take the oil with me every time I get a manicure (around once every two weeks) and get my manicurist to use it before gently pushing my cuticles back (not cutting them!). So far my cuticles have noticeably diminished and look healthy rather than ragged or raw.