How To Use Cuticle Remover Tool: Step-by-Step Guide

When was the last time you had a manicure? With the price of almost everything steadily rising, more and more people are choosing to save money and do their nails at home instead.

The first step to any great manicure is removing the cuticles from your nails to start with a blank canvas. The best cuticle removal tool is an orange stick or a remover liquid. 

You can buy plenty of different tools on the market designed to remove your cuticles. With so many options, which cuticle tool is best for you? Keep reading to find out how to use cuticle remover tools.

 

What Is Cuticle Remover?

A cuticle remover is a special solvent that removes dead, dry skin from your cuticles. Your cuticles have a crucial job – protecting new nail growth from bacteria and injuries. You can promote your nail health by keeping your cuticles neat and moisturized.

Most cuticle remover liquids contain a mild acid, such as small amounts of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, that can gently dissolve the dead skin in your cuticle area. When used properly, the remover is a safe and easy way to neaten the appearance of your nails.

 

Pros and Cons of Using a Cuticle Remover

Cuticle remover is a safe and convenient manicure tool to use at home, but there are some pros and cons to consider before applying it to your cuticles.

Some of the benefits of using a cuticle remover include:

• It will clean off dead skin. Cuticle remover will dissolve the dead skin on your cuticle, making it an effective way to clean the skin around your nail.
• It can make your nails look longer. By removing dead skin and decreasing the size of your cuticles, remover will help give you a larger nail surface area to paint and decorate.

The main downside to cuticle remover is the irritation risk. The active ingredient in it is acidic, which can cause skin irritation and damage if you don’t follow the product instructions.

 

How To Use Cuticle Remover

Removing your cuticles yourself is easier than you might think. Here are the steps to safely remove your cuticles at home.

Gather Your Materials

Before you start, gather your tools so they’re easy to reach. To remove your cuticles, you’re going to need:

• A moist hand towel
• Cuticle remover tools
• Cuticle remover liquid
• Cuticle oil

 

Start With Clean Nails

Clean nails are the best blank canvas for starting a manicure. If you have nail polish or gel coating on your nails, remove it with a cotton ball dipped in acetone.

That will make it easier for the cuticle remover liquid to penetrate the nail. If you’re using acetone or nail polish remover, ensure the room is well-ventilated.

 

Apply Cuticle Remover Liquid

Use a generous amount of cuticle remover liquid around the base and sides of your nail where the cuticle meets the skin. It doesn’t need to get applied to the whole nail, only on the cuticle itself. Let the liquid soak into the nail for about 30 seconds.

 

Push and Wipe

After the cuticle remover liquid has soaked in, use the cuticle removal tool to push the cuticles back towards the base of the nail. They should lift and move with ease. If not, add a bit more remover liquid and wait another 30 seconds.

After all of your cuticles have been pushed back, wipe away the loose skin and cuticle with a moist towel.

 

Trim Cuticle

After all these steps there might be still some cuticle standing up. Use a cuticle nipper to trim the excess cuticle away from the nail beds.

Make sure you don’t cut the skin below or around the nail beds. That’s why you need to know how to cut your cuticles. The cuticle removal is done. Just one last step is remaining.

 

Moisturize and Protect

Finally, apply cuticle oil to the base of your nails. This oil nourishes your nails and skin and leaves them looking their best. You may continue with your manicure or leave them as-is for a healthy natural look.

 

What Are the Differences Between a Cuticle Pusher and Cuticle Remover?

There are several differences between a cuticle pusher and a cuticle remover. A cuticle pusher is a small tool that physically pushes the dead skin on your cuticle, whereas a remover is an acidic liquid that dissolves the dead skin.

Often, people use these items in tandem. The cuticle remover dissolves the dead skin and the cuticle pusher shapes the remaining skin.

If you have cuticles that are difficult to manage, both of these products will be necessary for your manicure arsenal.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

So you still have questions about your cuticles? Check out these frequently asked questions about removing your cuticles for more information.

Does cuticle grow back?

Yes, your cuticles will grow back. If you carefully trim and push them back, they’ll usually come back healthy.

However, over-trimming can cause infections and inflammation. In this care, they’ll take longer to grow back. Not to overdo it when it comes to taking care of your cuticles.

 

How often should you cut nail cuticles?

Your cuticles are continuously growing, so if you want to keep your nails looking great you’ll have to push them back every 4 to 7 days.  Any more than this can damage the cuticle’s base and ruin the nail’s integrity.

 

Can you remove cuticles without tools?

According to this YouTube tutorial, it is possible to remove your cuticles without tools. She recommends pushing your cuticles back with your fingernails after you get out of the shower while your cuticles are still soft.

 

Are cuticle removers safe?

Cuticle removal liquid and tools are generally safe to use, so long as you don’t overdo it. Use cuticle pushers to gently remove the excess dead skin rather than scraping your nail. Using these tools correctly will prevent irritation and injury to your nails.

 

When should you use cuticle remover?

Removing your cuticles is the first step in a manicure. It prepares your nails for polishing by creating a pleasant and smooth surface. Use cuticle remover whenever you need to push your cuticles back, whether for a manicure or routine self-care.

Experts recommend removing your cuticles at most once or twice weekly to prevent damage.

 

Can cuticle remover damage your nails?

Cuticle remover liquid can damage your nails if left on for too long. Liquid removers contain sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide that can dissolve the thick cuticles in about 30 seconds. If it’s left on for longer, it can start to dissolve your nail itself.

 

Removing your cuticles at home doesn’t have to be difficult. With knowledge and the right tools, you can remove your cuticles at home without spending lots of money at the salon.

Making sure your hands and tools are clean and sanitized will make the procedure safe. Putting in the work will leave you with healthy nails and hands that look and feel great.