Most people have the habit of cutting their cuticles because they believe it makes their nails look cleaner. However, this is actually bad for your toenails. Here, I’ll tell you four (4) reasons why cutting your cuticles is a terrible idea.
It Can Cause Infection
Cutting your cuticles can lead to infections. A lot of nail technicians cut their clients’ cuticles to make their nails look neat and to extend the lifespan of the manicure. This is dangerous because cutting your cuticles can open wounds, which can become infected and lead to a nail infection. The cuticle serves as a barrier that covers the nail matrix, which is the area responsible for nail growth. By removing the cuticle, you leave the nail exposed to bacteria and fungi. Fungal infections can cause pain, discoloration, and may even slow down healthy nail growth. The possibility of infection is the main reason why it’s advised not to cut your cuticles, whether you’re DIYing at home or visiting a nail technician.
Your Cuticles Grow Harder and Thicker
Constantly cutting your cuticles can lead to hypertrophy, a condition where skin cells harden and cause the cuticle to grow back thicker. Your body naturally responds this way to protect itself from the trauma of being repeatedly damaged.
It Makes Cuticles Look Darker
When you cut your cuticles, they can become discolored and darker. Trimming the wrong area of the cuticle can lead to the development of scar tissue, which tends to be discolored. Continuously doing this over time can cause your cuticles to remain permanently darker.
Cuticles Look Rough
Cutting your cuticles can cause pain and make them look rough. This usually happens when living tissue is cut into, either by an inexperienced nail technician or when you try to do it yourself. Experienced nail technicians push back the cuticles and only use cuticle nippers to remove dead hangnails.
Better Ways to Deal with Cuticles
There are better alternatives to making your nails look neat and extending the life of your manicure instead of cutting your cuticles. The best way is to push back your cuticles. I recommend that you push back your cuticles daily in the shower by using soap to soften them, and then use your fingers to gently push them back.
For manicures, use jojoba oil to soften the cuticles and then a cuticle pusher to push them back. This method keeps the cuticles in place, protecting the nail matrix while maintaining a neat appearance.
