Caring for (and Understanding) the Cuticle

To start in on fulfilling your requests for help with preventing lifting, a good place to begin is the cuticle. Most likely we all go through the steps of cuticle work and everyone uses different tools, different products, and maybe even different methods. All of that is fine as long as the end result is the same — that we use professional tools and completely rid the nail of cuticle. Great cuticle work can eliminate lifting issues, give you smoother polish application, and make the nails in general just look and feel “clean”.

The first place to start in cuticle work is to truly understand what cuticle is. I think Doug Schoon has already done an amazing job explaining this so I will just direct you to his website for the information.

(Side note: That article would be a great piece to add to your nail notebook.)

Now that we know what cuticle is, let’s work on being able to “see” it and get it off the nail plate to improve our product adhesion. I have created a video since we nail people tend to be a visual lot and I thought you may get more out of it. While the tools and product I use may be different than yours, what I really want is for you to come away with it having improved your “nail eyes”. See those stray pieces of cuticle, know where it usually likes to hide and get rid of it! While some of you in your enhancement service may buff the cuticle off the nail, in the new generation of polishing — clients are enjoying freedom from buffing so your cuticle work may need some attention.

The video is clearly a home movie, if you don’t get anything out of it let me know and I will see if I can’t shoot another and stay in camera better!

— Holly

Editor’s note: The first 10 people to comment on this blog post will receive one of Mehaz’s Professional Curettes (each with a salon value of $20.99) that Holly talks about in the video. The Mehaz Professional Curette Nail Cleaner is a two-sided tool that features tiny scoops on either end to clean under the fingernails and toenails. The textured surface provides a sure grip, even when wet, making it the perfect pedicure tool!