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Question

Should you cut your cuticles or push them back?

Kristin Pulaski
Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
Kristin Pulaski is a Professional Nail Artist and the Founder of Paintbucket, a self-owned and operated nail salon based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has over five years of experience running Paintbucket and is licensed as a nail technician. Paintbucket offers nail art manicures, pedicures, and soft gel extensions along with customized packages for wedding and bridal parties. She holds a BA in Managerial Science from Manhattan College.

Kristin Pulaski

Salon Owner & Nail Specialist

Expert Answer

Always push your cuticles back instead of cutting them. Your cuticle (also known as your eponychium) is there to block any outside bacteria from getting in—if you cut your cuticles, you could get a bacterial infection.

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Question

Can I use Vaseline to soften my cuticles?

Community Answer

Yes! Be sure to rub it in a bit and allow it to sit on your cuticles for some time before trying to push them back. Vaseline is what I use for my cuticles, and they look quite nice!

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Question

Why is a metal cuticle pusher less recommended?

Community Answer

The metal cuticle pushers can hurt if you push too hard or if you slip while pushing. The rubber tipped cuticle pushers are more gentle, but still get the job done.

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Question

Can I use lotion to soften the cuticles?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use lotion. If you have cuticle oil, that would be better.

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Question

Do I need to apply cuticle cream?

Community Answer

You could if you wanted to. It isn't necessary, but it would probably help.

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Question

Should I cut my cuticles after they are pushed?

Community Answer

There is a type of liquid that you apply to the cuticles that eat them away, since cutting cuticles can be difficult and dangerous.

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Question

How often should I replace the cuticle pusher?

Community Answer

You don't really have to replace it as long as it's not broke and it is still effective when you use it.

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Question

Which kind of cuticle cutter should I use?

Community Answer

I prefer using cuticle cream or oil that dissolves the cuticle rather than a cutter. It seems like the cutters cause more damage.

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Question

What happens if I push my cuticles back too far?

Community Answer

Just apply a band-aid, so you don't pick at it to cause more pain.

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Question

What should I know about a cuticle nail pusher?

Community Answer

When using a cuticle pusher, make sure it is made out of rubber or wood. Never use metal pushers. For best results, first apply a cuticle balm or oil and let it soak for a minute. Gently and easily push the cuticles back. Cut hangnails with nail scissors.

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Question

Where can I buy a rubber cuticle pusher?

Community Answer

You could look it up on Amazon, Target, or Walmart. You can also check your local supermarket.

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Question

How often should I remove cuticles?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Gentle pushing and scraping is okay, cutting is not. Use an orange stick or cuticle pushes with cuticle remover liquid, lotion, or cuticle oil and push back the cuticles. Repeat every 6 - 9 months.

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Question

What is a cuticle pusher?

Community Answer

A cuticle pusher is a simple nail tool used to perform manicures and pedicures. It pushes the skin from your cuticles back and away from your nails to help them grow stronger.

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Question

How can I use a metal cuticle pusher without getting hurt?

Community Answer

Make sure to be very gentle when using your cuticles pusher, and maybe wrap some cotton balls around the tip to cushion your nails.

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