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Getting or doing a mani? Skip this step

 

Getting a mani at a salon or giving yourself a spa day at home means lots of filing, painting and clipping. One step, though, has recently been racking up lots of negative reviews: cuticle cutting. Normally a staple in any tip-top manicure, controversy is sparking around this phase and many are suggesting it be skipped all together.

Cuticles aren’t just the annoying piece of skin on the bottom of your nail; they actually serve a purpose. Cuticles help prevent germs and bacteria from getting into that sneaky area where your nail starts. If your cuticle is removed, you open up an entryway to infection.

Getting rid of cuticle also can be pretty difficult and hard to master. It’s tough to remove all your cuticles without snipping too low. And watch out: This seriously hurts—it can cause bleeding and leaves your fingers feeling sore for days. Ouch!

So what are you supposed to do about your cuticles, you ask? There is another safer and healthier option. Push ’em back! To do this, first soak your fingers in warm water for five to 10 minutes, then apply a drop of moisturizer or petroleum jelly to each cuticle. With an orangewood manicure stick, gently push back each cuticle. Dry them off and you’ve got salon perfect (and safe) nails!

 

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by Alyson Katz | 2/1/2016
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