CUTICLE CARE

The cuticle is the thin strip of skin that turns along the base of the nail. Its function is to protect the nail by acting as a barrier against bacteria that may try to work their way under the nail and damage the live cells that are being formed just underneath.

If cuticles are neglected and become dry and you handle them roughly, they could become sore. If you push cuticles back too roughly, you may damage the new cells underneath - and the future growth of your nails. The best time to push back dry or ragged cuticles is right after a bath, when they are soft from the warm water.

Never clip cuticles or chew around them as hangnails may develop. Do not pull or tear cuticles. To prevent them from pulling back any further, always cut away gently with nail nippers, leaving the cuticle as intact and untampered with as possible. There is no risk of infection if you sterilize the nippers.

If the cuticle is hard and dry, and sticks up, trim it slightly, but never remove the whole thing. Control strong cuticle growth with a cuticle softener. Apply a little to the cuticle of each nail and massage well into the base of each nail with your fingers to ensure that it works properly. Leave it to work for 3 minutes, or as long as instructed. Then gently push your cuticles back using a cotton wool-covered hoof stick, or a rubber-tipped cuticle pusher.

Remove any residue with a tissue. Always remember to rinse your nails in warm water to ensure that they are really clean.

Trim cuticles gently with nail scissors only if they are very hard and dry.