Cuticle care: why it matters (and why you shouldn't cut your cuticles)
Published 11 September 2026
By Iasmina Tunaru, nail artist at JT Nails in Badhoevedorp
Short answer: your cuticle is a natural seal that protects the growth zone of your nail from bacteria and fungi. So don't cut it, and don't push it back forcefully. Keep it supple with cuticle oil or hand cream, and only let loose, dead skin on the nail plate be removed gently. The result: healthier nails and a manicure that stays beautiful for longer.
Almost every appointment, I hear the same question: "Should I actually be cutting my cuticles?" It's an understandable question. Cuticles can feel like they're in the way, especially when they're dry or have little flaps of loose skin. Yet the cuticle is one of the most important parts of a healthy nail. In this article I'll explain what the cuticle actually does, why good care makes such a difference, and how to treat it well at home and in the salon.
What exactly is the cuticle?
The cuticle is a thin layer of dead skin attached to the base of your nail that seals the gap between skin and nail. In medical terms, it's a thickened layer of the outermost skin that adheres firmly to the nail plate and forms a seal protecting the nail's growth zone (the matrix) from toxins and microbes (StatPearls, NCBI).
In everyday language, "cuticle" is used for two different things. The distinction matters, because it decides what can and can't be removed:
- Cuticle (true cuticle): a thin, translucent layer of dead skin stuck to the nail plate, just above the skin fold. It seals the space between skin and nail. Can it be removed? Only the loose part on the nail, very gently.
- Eponychium: the living rim of skin your nail grows out from. It produces the cuticle and protects the growth zone. Can it be removed? No – this is living tissue.
So what many people snip away isn't just dead skin – it's often part of that living, protective rim as well. And that's exactly where things go wrong.
Why is cuticle care so important?
Good cuticle care comes down to four things: protection, healthy growth, a better-looking result, and a longer-lasting manicure.
1. Your cuticle protects against infection
The cuticle works like a seal. As long as it's intact, bacteria, fungi and dirt can't easily reach your nail's growth zone. When the cuticle is damaged, tiny wounds appear where germs can get in. The result can be an infected nail fold (paronychia): the skin around the nail becomes red, swollen and painful, sometimes with pus (University of Utah Health).
Dermatologists are clear about this. Mayo Clinic advises against having your cuticles removed, because they seal the skin to the nail plate and removal can lead to nail infection (Mayo Clinic). The American Academy of Dermatology likewise recommends never cutting or forcefully pushing back your cuticles (AAD).
2. Healthy nail growth starts at the root
Your nail grows from the matrix, which sits just beneath the skin fold. Fingernails grow about 3 millimetres per month on average (StatPearls, NCBI). Damage or inflammation around the growth zone can show up in the nail that grows out afterwards – as ridges, dents or discolouration. Because a whole fingernail takes roughly four to six months to renew completely, the effects of one bad treatment can stay visible for months.
3. Your manicure lasts longer
This is the part I see every day in the salon. Gel polish and gel extensions bond best to a clean, well-prepared nail plate. If a thin film of dead cuticle skin is left on the nail, the gel bonds less well to it. The result: gel polish lifting at the cuticle after a week or two, right where it's most noticeable. Careful cuticle prep isn't a luxury – it's the foundation of a manicure that looks good for three to four weeks.
4. Well-kept cuticles change how your hands look
Even without colour, hands with smooth, supple cuticles instantly look groomed. Dry, cracked cuticles with loose flaps of skin take away from even the most beautiful polish. Good care is the quickest route to naturally beautiful hands.
Should you cut your cuticles?
No, it's better not to cut your cuticles. Cutting almost always catches the living skin rim, creating small wounds and removing the natural seal. Many people also notice that the skin grows back rougher and more uneven, so they feel the need to cut again and again. A vicious circle.
What you can do:
- Loose, dead skin on the nail plate can be removed gently – ideally by a professional who knows exactly where living tissue begins.
- A hangnail can be snipped carefully at its base with clean, sharp nippers. Never pull or bite it, as that tears the skin further.
- Pushing back is fine, but only gently, on a softened cuticle (after a shower, for example) and with a wooden or soft rubber stick. Dermatologists advise against forceful pushing, as that can cause small wounds too (AAD).
Signs your cuticles need attention
Watch for these signs. Most simply call for better care, but some are a reason to see your GP:
- Dry, white or flaky cuticles – a sign of dehydration; daily oil usually helps within a few weeks.
- Cracks and hangnails – often caused by cold weather, frequent handwashing or cleaning products.
- A thick, hard skin rim – often the result of regular cutting or picking.
- Redness, swelling, pain or pus – this can point to an infection. Contact your GP (huisarts) if it doesn't improve or gets worse. If you're in the Netherlands, Thuisarts (in Dutch) explains what you can do yourself.
Please note: this article offers general care tips and is not medical advice. If there's any sign of infection or ongoing irritation, I'll always postpone treatment and refer you to your GP.
How to care for your cuticles at home: step by step
Good cuticle care takes just a few minutes a day. This is the routine I give my clients:
- Use cuticle oil every day. Apply one drop per nail, ideally in the evening, and massage it in for a few seconds. Light oils such as jojoba absorb well and don't feel greasy.
- Put your hand cream on your nails too. After washing your hands, deliberately massage the cream in around your cuticles – advice Mayo Clinic gives as well (Mayo Clinic).
- Push back gently, and only after a shower. That's when the skin is soft. Use a wooden stick or soft rubber pusher, never a sharp metal tool.
- Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up. Water and cleaning products dry out the skin around your nails considerably.
- No picking, biting or pulling. Snip a hangnail at its base; leave the rest alone.
- Keep your own tools clean. Clean files, nippers and sticks after each use, and don't share them.
Your cuticle routine at a glance
- Daily: cuticle oil and hand cream – keeps the skin supple and prevents cracks.
- Weekly: a gentle push-back after a shower – keeps the cuticle tidy without wounds.
- Every 3–4 weeks: a professional manicure – loose dead skin is removed safely and your nails stay in shape.
- Never: cutting, biting or pulling skin – it damages the protective seal.
What happens to your cuticles in the salon?
A good nail artist treats your cuticle as protection, not as something to get rid of. In the salon, that means:
- Only dead skin on the nail plate is removed. The living skin rim stays intact.
- Clean, sanitised tools for every client. Not sure? The AAD itself recommends simply asking your salon how they clean their tools (AAD). A good salon is happy to answer.
- Time and attention. Cuticle work is precision work. Rushing is exactly what leads to nicks.
At JT Nails I always work with one client at a time. That gives me the calm to prepare your cuticles carefully, whether you're coming in for gel polish, gel extensions or a nourishing Japanese manicure for your natural nails.
"A beautiful manicure doesn't start with the colour – it starts with the cuticle. When the base is prepared properly, you won't be back after two weeks because your gel is lifting." – Iasmina Tunaru, JT Nails
Final thoughts
Your cuticle isn't excess skin – it's your nail's natural protective layer. Leave it intact, keep it supple, and leave the fine work to someone who knows where the line is. Your nails will be healthier for it, and your manicure will last longer.
Want to see what well-kept cuticles look like after a treatment? Browse our gallery, or get in touch if you have a question about your nails.
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FAQ
Should I cut my cuticles?
Preferably not. Cutting almost always damages the living skin rim, removing the natural seal and raising the risk of infection. Only a hangnail should be snipped carefully at its base.
How often should I use cuticle oil?
Ideally every day, one drop per nail. For very dry cuticles you can apply it twice a day, for example in the morning and before bed. With regular use, you’ll often feel a difference within a few weeks.
What is the best cuticle oil?
Choose a light oil that absorbs well, such as jojoba oil, optionally with vitamin E. More important than the brand is actually using it every day. If you have sensitive skin, choose a fragrance-free oil.
Is pushing back cuticles bad?
Gently pushing back a softened cuticle is fine. Pushing forcefully, or using sharp metal tools on dry skin, can cause small wounds. So do it after a shower, gently, with a wooden stick.
Why does my gel polish lift at the cuticle?
Usually because a thin layer of dead cuticle skin was still on the nail plate, or because the gel was applied over the cuticle. Careful cuticle prep prevents most of this.
Do cuticles grow back if you cut them?
Yes, the skin grows back – but often rougher and more uneven, which makes it feel like you need to cut more and more often. With daily oil and gentle pushing back, your cuticles stay supple and tidy instead.
When should I see a doctor about my cuticle?
If the skin around your nail is red, swollen and painful, if there’s pus, or if the symptoms don’t go away. If the underside of your finger also becomes swollen and red, contact your GP straight away.