Have you ever wondered why manicurists gently push back your cuticles during a nail treatment? It’s a small step in the nail care routine, but it plays a significant role in achieving beautiful and healthy nails.
As a nail care specialist, recently, during a session with a client, I had to push back her cuticles a bit; she queried: Why do you push back cuticles? Pushing back cuticles helps in getting rid of dead skin from your nail surface.
It not only creates a clean and polished nail appearance but also prevents the cuticles from growing over the nail plate, which can lead to unsightly hangnails and even nail infections.
However, there are several other reasons why you should push back your cuticles. In this blog post, you will discover reasons why you should push back your cuticles. I will also guide you on when and how to push back your cuticles.
6 Reasons To Push Back Your Cuticles
There are several reasons why you should push back your cuticles. Below are some of them:
1. You will have an enhanced nail polish adherence
When you push back your cuticles, it helps create a smooth, clean surface for applying nail polish. This results in better adherence of the polish to your nails, making your manicure last longer and look more vibrant. So, in addition to the health and aesthetic benefits, maintaining your cuticles can also help you enjoy your favorite nail colors for an extended period.
2. It prevents hangnails
Pushing back cuticles helps prevent the occurrence of painful hangnails. When cuticles are not pushed back, they can grow over the nail plate, becoming dry and prone to cracking. This cracking often leads to the formation of irritating hangnails.
3. Your manicure would appear longer
Pushing back cuticles can give you the illusion of longer nails. When you expose more of your nail bed, your manicure will appear extended, resulting in an elegant and sophisticated look.
4. Your nails would appear neater and longer
Pushing back your cuticles would also contribute to neater-looking nails. It helps create a clean line between your cuticle and nail, making your nails appear well-groomed and elongated.
5. You will have less risk of infection
Your cuticles are the natural barrier that protects your nail matrix from potential infections. When you gently push them back, it helps maintain this protective function. You get to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria entering the nail area.
6. You will have a healthy nail growth
If you want to encourage healthy nail growth for yourself, then you need to adopt a proper cuticle care routine. When you push back your cuticles, you are preventing overgrowth and damage to the cuticles. You also support your overall nail health, thereby leading to stronger and more resilient nails.
When Should I Push My Cuticles?
You should push your cuticles when they appear to be overgrown or when you are preparing to do a manicure. It’s best to do this after you have soaked your hands in warm, soapy water or after a shower when the cuticles are soft and more pliable.
Always use a proper cuticle pusher or orangewood stick, and be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate skin around your nails. If your cuticles are not overgrown, it’s not necessary to push them regularly; simply moisturizing them daily can help maintain their health and appearance.
How To Push Back Your Cuticles
Below are steps on how to push back your cuticles:
1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water
To push back your cuticles, you need to prepare your hands. You should start by washing your hands with warm, soapy water or soak them in warm water for a few minutes. This will soften your cuticles, making them easier to work with.
2. Use a cuticle pusher
You should choose a quality cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. Hold it at a slight angle and gently push the cuticles back in a circular motion. You should be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate skin.
3. You should be mindful of your cuticle borders
You should pay attention to the border where your cuticle meets the nail. This is where you should gently push. Avoid pushing too aggressively or too far, as it can cause damage or injury.
4. Carefully remove excess skin
If you notice any excess or loose bits of the cuticle, you should carefully trim them. Again, you should be careful and avoid cutting healthy tissue.
5. Apply a cuticle oil or cream
After pushing back your cuticles, it’s important to apply a cuticle oil or cream to your cuticles. This will help keep your cuticle area hydrated and healthy. You should massage it in order to promote your nail and cuticle health.
Final Words
Cuticle care is an essential part of your nail care routine. While everyone doesn’t need to push back their cuticles, doing it comes with several amazing benefits. You get to reduce your risk of infection and prevent hangnails.
You also elongate your nails, making them appear elegant and healthier. However, when pushing back your nails, ensure to do it gently. Also, apply a cuticle oil when done to moisturize and hydrate your cuticle area.
If you want to learn more about this topic, kindly check out the links below:
- https://www.medicinenet.com/should_you_push_back_your_cuticles/article.htm
- https://www.nailpolishdirect.co.uk/blog/2022/04/06/how-to-push-back-your-cuticles/#:~:text=Nail%20roots%20can%20easily%20become,or%20the%20area%20becomes%20infected
- https://easynailtech.com/why-push-cuticles/
