Why you should never cut your cuticles

Clipping cuticles is a common practice in most nail salons, but does that make it ok? Well, the short answer is no.

"Our cuticles connect the skin around the nail to the nail plate to protect them from infection," explained cosmetic and medical dermatologist Dr. Janet Prystowsky. Therefore, cutting the cuticles means it’s more likely to invites germs, including fungal infections, to infiltrate your nails. Cuticle cutting can also lead to white spots or ridges if there’s accidental trauma to the fingernail.

Instead of cutting the cuticle, you should gently push well-oiled cuticles back with a manicure stick (the small wooden stick with a flat, angled end) and then clip away any dead skin that’s been pushed up. And voila, you’ll have beautiful nails that don’t compromise on the health of your nails and fingers.