Every single time I get a manicure, there is one point during the appointment when I completely freeze up — it’s when the technician asks if I want my cuticles cut or not. “Um, whatever you think,” I usually tell them. Even though I’ve written about many skin, hair and nail concerns over the years, I’ve never done a deep dive on the proper way to take care of your cuticles — until now.
To learn about the proper way to take care of your cuticles — including whether you should cut them or not — I interviewed dermatologists and nail experts. Keep reading to find out what they said, plus get some of their top product recommendations for cuticle maintenance.
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Why do you need to take care of your cuticles?
Think of your cuticles as a protective barrier. “They form a natural seal over the nail plate and prevent water, bacteria, and irritants from getting under the nail fold,” says Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan. “This helps protect you from inflammation and infection.” Healthy cuticles are also essential for smooth, strong nail growth, says Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
If you don’t take care of your cuticles, several things can happen. For example, if you allow them to get overly dry, they may crack and even bleed. “Also, when that barrier breaks down, you can develop paronychia, which is painful and can even distort nail growth if it’s not treated,” says Henry.
Should you trim your cuticles?
“Cutting your cuticles is not recommended because it removes the protective barrier that guards against bacteria and infection,” says Reszko. “It can also lead to irritation, inflammation, or even nail damage.” Instead, gently push them back after softening or trim only small, loose pieces of dead skin if necessary.
How I picked the best cuticle care products
Moisture is key to properly caring for your cuticles, according to experts. You can also use tools to push them back, which can make your nails look longer and help prevent hangnails, says Akiko Sugiyama, owner of Akiko Nails in New York City. Listed below are the most helpful types of cuticle care products.
- Hydrators: “Hydrated cuticles are healthier and make you less tempted to cut them in the first place,” says Henry. Almond oil is commonly used in cuticle products because it is rich in soothing vitamin E, says Sugiyama. You can also try olive- or coconut oil-based products.
- Cuticle pushers: These tools usually have a stick-shaped body with a curved head that mimics the shape of your nail so you can gently push back the cuticle. They can be made from metal, plastic or wood. Any material works as long as there are no jagged edges that could damage your nails or skin, says Viviana Torres, a Georgia-based nail technician.
- Clippers: Though most of our experts agree that you should avoid cutting your cuticles, there are times you may need to — like if you have a hangnail.
The best cuticle care products
I used the guidance from experts above to source products that can help you care for your cuticles. All of the options below are either recommended by experts or highly rated.
This cuticle pusher is made from durable tempered glass with a high-grit finish that is gentle on skin, according to the brand. One end is pointed and can be used for cleaning up around the nail bends, while the slanted edge can be used to gently push back cuticles.
I’ve been using this cuticle cream for a few years to hydrate the skin around my nail bed. I like the scent and the fact that it doesn’t make my skin greasy. The formula has shea and cocoa butter, rice bran and jojoba oils. The tube also has a pointed tip, which makes it easy to dab a little on each finger before rubbing it in.
If you’ve gotten a manicure at a salon, chances are you’ve seen this cuticle oil. It is made with almond oil, which Sugiyama says is one of the better oils for long-term cuticle hydration. It also contains jojoba, vitamin E and rice bran oils for added moisture. I’ve used this before and appreciate that it absorbs quickly.
Though the experts I spoke with do not recommend cutting your cuticles, they did say having a trimmer on hand to gently snip away hangnails is a good idea. This option has a rubber handle that is easy to grasp, even if your hands are wet. The slanted edge is very sharp to easily trim away hang nails without leaving a jagged edge, according to the brand. It also comes with a plastic cover to protect the tip when you’re not using it.
Though this serum is not made just for cuticles, it can help keep them moisturized. “It strengthens brittle nails, smooth ridges, and hydrates the cuticle area,” says Reszko. “It is lightweight and fragrance-free and it supports healthy nail growth and improves resilience, especially for those prone to dryness.” Also nice: The serum has a brush attached to it, making it easy to apply.
How to take care of your cuticles at home
The good news: taking care of your cuticles at home can be easy if you follow these expert tips:
- Push them back: The best way to handle your cuticles is by pushing them back gently with a cuticle pusher. “This can stop and prevent cuticles from growing on top of your nail bed,” says Sugiyama. “The best time to do this is right after a shower since the skin is soft and easier to manipulate.”
- Keep them hydrated: After pushing your cuticles back, apply a hydrating cream or oil. This prevents hangnails or cracking and makes your nail beds look better, says Torres. As for how often you should hydrate, it really depends on your skin type. Most people can get away with applying moisturizer once a week, but if you have drier skin, you may need to do it more frequently.
- Clean up hangnails: The only reason to cut your cuticles is if you end up with a hangnail or peeling skin. In that case, use a cuticle clipper to carefully cut off the excess dead skin, says Torres. If you nick yourself, stop the bleeding with a cotton ball. Then, you can apply Vaseline to create a barrier as it heals, says Sugiyama.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan
- Dr. Anetta Reszko is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Akiko Sugiyama is the owner of Akiko Nails in New York City
- Viviana Torres is a nail technician based in Georgia.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a contributing editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. Some of my previous skin care reporting covers microneedling at home, back acne and wrinkle patches.
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