Satisfied customers
We all have cuticles on our hands and feet, and we usually only notice them when they bother us or hurt. But precisely because they're both sensitive and stable, we should pay special attention to them. In our guide, we provide a closer look at cuticles and nail care.
Why do cuticles form?
To understand why cuticles form, let's take a look at where the fingernail originates. Starting at the lunula, the light-colored area at the bottom of the nail, the new cells for the fingernail form. The upper cells of the nail root die and are gradually pushed upward. The nail plate is pushed forward on the nail bed , and thus the fingernail or toenail grows. The area of the lunula is very sensitive and must therefore be protected by the cuticle .
On the sides of the fingernail, the transition between the nail and the surrounding skin is called the nail fold . The nail fold also protects the nail bed from invading germs and fungi. Injuries here can easily lead to nail fungus or other nail diseases.
Why is cuticle important?
The cuticle prevents germs and bacteria from penetrating the nail bed. The skin on the nail is often removed because it doesn't look good or is too dry. Cracked and dry cuticles are a particularly annoying problem for men.
But more and more people also want to have well-groomed hands and are learning about proper cuticle removal. Cuticles can also interfere with nail polish. When applying gel or acrylic nail extensions, they can even prevent the nails from adhering properly and quickly peeling off. This creates what's known as "lifting."
Sometimes, however, it can also be medically advisable to remove the cuticles. If they grow too deep into the nail bed, adhesions form that prevent the nail from growing. However, you should definitely consult a dermatologist or cosmetician before performing this treatment.
Remove cuticles
Cuticles grow around every fingernail and, of course, on toenails as well. For some, they're more pronounced on the feet, for others on the hands. Hardened and excessive cuticles in particular don't look good and raise the question: How do I remove them? There are many options, but not all of them are suitable for home use. Tough cuticles, in particular, must be removed very carefully, as otherwise, they can quickly lead to torn edges and inflammation .
How often should you remove cuticles? Cuticles protect the nail bed and the nail plate. If you remove them too often, or even too much of them, they can easily grow back even stronger and thicker than before. Like a tree that grows stronger after each trimming. Overgrown cuticles should definitely be professionally removed regularly . It's best to make an appointment at a nail salon or beautician. We advise against trimming cuticles with scissors if you're not a professional.
What should I pay attention to when removing cuticles?
1.) Correct cutting tool
Please do not trim your cuticles with scissors if you are a layperson. If you are a trained professional, use sharp cuticle nippers to avoid damaging the skin and causing it to become infected. Regular nail scissors are too blunt and usually don't have a point that allows you to reach the corners of the nail.
2.) Milling cutters only for professionals or with training
At emmi®NAIL, you'll find professional nail files for everyday use in the salon. With the right attachments, excess skin can be easily removed. However, please only use an electric file if you have already completed qualified training. Despite videos and tutorials online, a nail file can cause serious damage to the nail bed if you haven't learned how to use it properly.
3.) Avoid nail biting
Chewing is very harmful to nails and skin. It promotes the growth of fungi and can lead to nail diseases. For those who can't stop, there are special nail polishes available at pharmacies that can reduce nail biting thanks to their unpleasant taste.
Instructions for cuticle manicure at home
1.) Soak cuticles
Cuticles are best soaked in lukewarm water. They can be easily pushed back directly after a warm bath or shower. However, even five minutes in a water bath is sufficient. If you're on the go or don't want to use water, use a cuticle remover with a brush. A cuticle remover is a mild alkaline solution that dissolves the keratin in the skin. This makes it softer and easier to push back. The emmi®NAIL cuticle remover also contains castor oil, which protects the skin from drying out. If you're on the go, nail oil also works well.
2.) Push back cuticles
The sensitive skin can now be pushed back very easily. We recommend using the emmi®NAIL rosewood stick to prevent the delicate skin from tearing when pushing back. Simply gently place it from the nail tip to the nail bed and press back. Repeat on all nails.
3.) Cut off any excess cuticles
With severely damaged nails, the cuticles may grow excessively. Sometimes they are frayed due to improper nail care and must be carefully trimmed. The excess skin should be removed by a beautician, cosmetician, or trained nail technician.
Blunt scissors can easily tear the cuticle. This is painful and quickly leads to inflammation. Cuticle nippers have a pointed end, allowing them to reach even the tightest corners of the nail. When cutting, be sure to start directly at the nail bed and only clip off the loose skin. Cutting too much or damaging the intact skin layer risks callus formation and overgrown cuticles.
4.) Care for cuticles
Good nail care is especially important after a manicure. If you'd rather avoid olive oil or sunflower oil, it's best to use the high-quality nail care products from emmi®NAIL. If you want to apply nail polish after a manicure, it's best to wait until the polish has dried. Don't skimp on hand cream for your hands either. It also nourishes the skin around the nail bed and keeps your fingers soft.
Professional cuticle removal with the cutter
Using a nail file is far more difficult than you might initially think. You have to pay attention not only to the speed and direction of rotation. The pressure on the nail, the correct angle, and the right attachment are equally important. Even the slightest mistake can lead to pain and injury for the client. Therefore, we recommend completing a qualified training course before using a nail file.
At emmi®NAIL, you'll find not only the right training but also a wide selection of bits for use in nail salons. We have models with or without a foot pedal, or even with a battery, for greater freedom of movement. This is especially beneficial for manicures in nursing homes or hospitals. In our Attachments category, you'll find exactly the right bit for every application. We've taken a closer look at some attachments for manicures here.
The emmi®NAIL cuticle remover bits, flame fine and pin fine, are made of carbide and, thanks to their grain and shape, are ideal for manicures with a nail file. They can be sterilized and disinfected in an ultrasonic bath and can be used both wet and dry.
During the "Russian manicure," the visible cuticles are almost completely removed. Due to the high risk of injury, this should only be performed by a professional. For this, we recommend using our special Russian manicure bit set with diamond bits and a polishing bit.
For more severe calluses, we recommend our medium diamond bit pen or the medium flame diamond bit. The lower grit allows for faster removal of the skin. However, this also generates more heat and increases the risk of injury. For thickened nails and calluses, the Promed round sapphire bit and the small conical diamond bit work wonders. Thanks to its pointed shape, the conical bit reaches even the smallest corners.
How to properly care for your cuticles
Proper nail care is also essential for beautiful and healthy nails. Otherwise, problems with dry and cracked skin can quickly arise. We've put together a brief overview of the essential manicure tools:
- Manicure bowl or normal bowl with lukewarm water
- rosewood sticks
- Cuticle remover
- Cuticle nippers and cuticle scissors
- Nail care oil and hand cream
Visit our well-stocked online shop now. At emmi®NAIL, you'll find professional nail tools and everything related to artificial nails and nail design. Of course, we also provide the appropriate instructions and videos. Browse through the latest nail design trends and be inspired. Purchase on account and next-business-day shipping are a given for us. We look forward to seeing you!
