The cuticle is a clear layer of skin located on the nail bed of your fingers and toes. The nail bed is the place where your nail and skin meet. Your cuticle is made of dead skin, which is why it doesn’t typically hurt when you cut or tear it.
Some people, especially those who get regular manicures, may choose to remove their cuticles. They might do it themselves or have their nail technician take care of it for them.
Cutting your cuticle has no health benefits, though; it’s purely an aesthetic choice.
Dermatologists generally don’t recommend cutting your cuticle. This practice could result in a condition called paronychia, an infection that typically results in red, tender skin around your nail. It can also cause blisters or changes in nail shape or color.
Pushing back your cuticle means moving it back toward your nail bed at the base of your nail. It’s considered the safer way to care for the health of your nails, compared with cutting or ripping your cuticle. If you choose to push back your cuticles, you’ll need to do so properly and with sanitized tools.
People who choose to push back their cuticles may do so because it makes their nail look longer and more pronounced. Sometimes, technicians at nail salons may cut or push your cuticles because it can make the polish stay on longer and your hands look cleaner.
If you continue to push your cuticle improperly, however, it may grow back irregularly or ragged. If that happens, it’ll require even more pushing.
A cuticle pusher is used to push the cuticle back so it’s less visible around the nail. This tool is usually made of wood, though it can also be made of metal. It has a rounded edge that’s about the size of your nail or smaller.
Experts like the American Academy of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic strongly recommend against cutting your cuticles. It can cause bacteria to get into your skin and cause an infection, especially if your cuticle-cutting tools are not properly cleaned.
Pushing back your cuticles is a safer option than cutting them. If you are going to push your cuticles back, there are precautions you should take:
- Always use the proper tool and make sure it’s sanitized and clean in order to avoid infection.
- Soak your fingertips or toes in warm water, so the cuticles don’t tear when you push them.
- If your cuticles are dry, cracked, or peeled, wait until they heal to push them back.
If you’re planning to push back your cuticles on your fingers or toes, the guidelines below can help.
How to push back cuticles on fingers
If you’re pushing your cuticles yourself, rather than having it done by a technician, follow these steps for the best results:
- Soak your fingertips in warm water beforehand, so your cuticles are pliable and easier to push back.
- Always use a proper cuticle pusher designed for the nails, and make sure it’s sanitized and clean to avoid infection.
- Gently use the tool to push your cuticles toward your nail bed at the base of your nail.
- If your cuticle is attached to the nail, you can try using a cuticle remover. But use it sparingly because it may dissolve keratin, a type of protein that protects your nails from damage. You could also use hand moisturizer or cuticle oil, which will make your cuticles less likely to crack.
How to push back cuticles on toes
You can push the cuticles on your toes the same way as those on your fingers. But the cuticles on your toes may be a bit thicker, so they might require a bit of extra soaking beforehand.
When you’re ready to push your cuticles, it’s helpful to put your foot on a sturdy, level surface — like a coffee table — so you can reach your feet more easily.
If you’re getting a pedicure at a salon, always ask the nail technician to push your cuticle rather than cut it.
While it’s strongly recommended that you don’t cut your cuticles, it’s generally acceptable to push them back. Just make sure to take proper precautions and use the right tools.
If you’re getting your nails done professionally, you can ask the technicians to push your cuticles instead of cutting them. Cutting can result in infection and weakened, ragged cuticles.