- July 14, 2018
- Nail care
- Ksenia Stepanishcheva
When performing a manicure, various devices are used. A cuticle trimmer is a convenient tool that helps you take good care of your nail plates. It will make your nails look neat and healthy. After all, no manicure will turn out great without caring for the cuticle. The rules for using and choosing a tool are described in the article.
Why is the cuticle removed?
When starting cuticle removal and using this device, it is necessary to establish its purpose. The cuticle is the skin that surrounds the nail. With its help, the marigolds are protected from infection. The cuticle can grow on the nail, which prevents its normal growth and leads to the appearance of irregularities, burrs, and cracks.
Some cuticle cells die and therefore need to be removed. When using special devices, you should not get too carried away so as not to remove living cells. This can lead to infection on the base of the nail area due to reduced protective function.
Nail structure
Methods for removing cuticles
We call keratinized areas of skin that have a lamellar structure a nail. Its base is the nail plate. It protects sensitive fingertips from external influences.
A white crescent is visible at the base of the nail - this is the lunula, part of the nail root. Around the nail is a nail fold or U-shaped fold of skin. It connects to an important tissue for us - the cuticle.
The cuticle is a very thin layer of skin that is located at the base of the nail . It grows from the side of the back roller - the base of the nail. The cuticle covers the entire nail bend and a small part of the nail itself, creating a semicircle shape, preventing bacteria and dirt from penetrating under the nail.
Purpose of the device
A cuticle trimmer is a special device used to remove keratinized epidermis, cuticles and hangnails. It is also called a sharp tooth. The device received this name due to the presence of 2 teeth, looking slightly upward in the shape of the letter V.
Often, one end of the cuticle trimmer has a spatula for sliding the cuticle off the nail. Inside, the device is presented in the form of a machine. This could be a framer with attachments. Milling cutters are made from:
- diamond;
- silicone carbide;
- carbide;
- hard alloys.
Attachments rotating around an axis can remove cuticles and keratinized epidermis and polish nails. European options involve eliminating the cuticle using chemicals that dissolve it.
Types of removers and their differences from each other
There are three types of products based on texture:
- cream,
- liquid,
- gel.
Each type has its pros and cons. Remover in the form of a cream can be applied more accurately, since it will not spread over the nail, but the cream will take longer to rub in; the gel texture is easy to apply, but it’s easy to overdo it with a product in this format; The liquid texture spreads on its own, making application quick and simple, but the remover also easily flows onto the nail bed, soaking the nail.
According to the main components, removers are classified as follows:
- an alkaline product is the safest and most gentle, its action lasts for thirty minutes, but this composition will not damage the nail plate, softens the skin for its removal, and is excellent for home use;
- acid remover is the most common cosmetic product, it is used both at home and in salons, due to its action time of 10-20 seconds, the remover is popular among many girls, however, acids can thin the nail, cause allergies, itching, redness, irritation;
- oil products are the safest, they will not dissolve dry skin, but will simply soften it to such an extent that it can be easily pushed back and removed with an orange stick;
- There are also mineral-based removers - the rarest products that only have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and nails, without damaging them with an aggressive composition.
Thus, the best option for manicure is an oil-based remover; for pedicure, an acid remover is preferable, since the skin on the feet is rougher and harder.
It is worth noting that it is better to choose a remover with a special spout at the end of the jar, thanks to which you can distribute the product evenly. Regardless of the type of remover, it is worth paying attention to this. The option with a brush is considered even more convenient: it is economical, simple and convenient.
Terms of use
This device is used by many representatives of the fair sex. It's quite simple, and if you do this work carefully, the result will be excellent. How to use a cuticle trimmer? First you need to prepare the skin. To do this, you need to steam your hands in hot soapy water. You can add sea salt there. Keep your fingers in this solution for 20 minutes and then dry them dry. The cuticle trimmer is sterilized before use.
If there are inflammations on the fingers, then you first need to eliminate them, and then you can perform the procedure. When using a manicure trimmer, use a spatula to separate the cuticle from the nail and place the trimmer at the edge of the nail. The device is held parallel to the nail with the teeth facing up. Light pressure removes dead epidermis.
It is better to start working from the sides, and then move on to the nail arch. There is no need to push the device deeper or get too carried away with removing the cuticle. The procedure must be performed scrupulously and accurately, otherwise there is a risk of injury. For this reason, it is necessary to prepare yourself in advance for the fact that the work may take more than an hour.
After using any nail trimmer, the skin around them is treated with a nourishing cream. This procedure must be performed every 7 days. You shouldn’t be too zealous in very advanced situations. If you do this work regularly and correctly, the cuticle will take on the necessary shape and well-groomed appearance in a few months. With the skillful use of a trimmer, your manicure will be neat.
Cuticle removal using hardware
Hardware cuticle removal
The standard electric manicure set, equipped with special attachments, also includes an attachment for removing cuticles . As a rule, this is a ceramic cutter, which can have a very high degree of abrasiveness (if the cuticle is thin) and a diamond ball-shaped cutter with a low degree of abrasiveness (if it is thicker).
The second can cause minor damage to the nail plate. Therefore, for safety reasons, the operating speed of the device should be set to the lowest possible .
Do not steam your hands before a hardware manicure. They are simply treated with a disinfectant.
When processing cuticles with a machine, you need to avoid strong pressure . To begin with, by moving the nozzle in one direction, you fill the cuticle. Then, moving the cutter to the other side, you clean it. Next, look where else you need to level or clean the cuticle. At the end, the nails are lubricated with nourishing oil.
This is not the only method of hardware cuticle removal; most high-class masters have their own techniques and practices. The secrets of one of the professionals are presented in this master class:
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of a cuticle trimmer include such characteristics as ease of use and affordable price compared to other manicure devices. You just need to follow safety rules when working.
If you are not careful, there is a risk of injury. Usually injured by a new trimmer. It is also necessary to sharpen regularly, but due to the low cost, the device is easily replaced with a new one.
How to operate the trimmer?
As mentioned above, you should be very careful when using a trimmer to remove cuticles. First of all, you should make sure that the manicure tool is clean and well sharpened. Before use, the trimmer, like any other manicure instrument, should be disinfected.
Next, you need to smoothly and confidently move the trimmer blade along the nail bed (the cuticle should be located between the two “legs” of the tool). While working, you need to make sure that the edges of the tool do not go under the soft covering around the nail.
After using manicure cuticle scissors and a trimmer, apply a cream with a thick consistency to the already prepared nails. Professionals remind you that the cuticle is a natural barrier against the penetration of infections into soft tissues; it is for this reason that it is undesirable to completely get rid of it.
Choice
When choosing a trimmer, you should consider the material from which the working surface is made. Experts do not advise purchasing very cheap models. In this case, there is a risk of the tool becoming dull, which will make it quite difficult to remove unnecessary skin. Cheap trimmers contain low-quality materials that bend and fail due to strong pressure.
It is better to choose devices from high-quality materials that are sharp for a long time and do not corrode. The best option would be a trimmer with a working surface made of medical steel and a plastic handle.
Low-quality plastic will crack due to constant use and strong pressure, and this trimmer will have to be thrown away. The advantage of medical steel is that scratches are less likely to occur on its surface. The material also does not deteriorate due to corrosion.
Which scraper and trimmer to choose?
The scraper is a double-sided tool. Therefore, when choosing it, it is necessary to carefully study the purpose of each of the working surfaces. One of them - the spatula - should not be too sharp so as not to scratch the nail plate.
You can study the videos on the Internet about unsafe manicure at home: even such a simple tool can significantly damage the structure of your nails. It is better to choose not a square, but an oval edge of the scraper.
Its second end can be either a spatula for trimming the pterygium, or a hatchet for cleaning the surface of the nail. If there is a cutting part on the scraper, a trimmer is not required at all.
If you still decide to buy a trimmer separately from a pusher, pay attention to hand-sharpened options. The handle should be either plastic with an anti-slip effect or wooden.
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Analogs
There are many devices that remove cuticles. These devices with a trimmer must be present in the manicure set. Sticks are effective for removing cuticles. Orange sticks are used for European manicure. In this procedure, to remove the skin, a special product is applied to the nail to soften the skin, and then it is easily removed with a miracle stick.
Special scissors are also used. They can have straight or rounded edges. Which one to choose depends on your desire.
A spatula is used to push back the cuticle before cutting. Nowadays there are trimmers that have a point at one end for trimming the inner surface of the nail, and at the other end a stick for moving it away. This device is convenient because it easily performs 2 tasks. And the manicure device costs less compared to purchasing a trimmer and spatula separately.
A bar is a must have in every manicure set. This is a saw stone in the form of a bar made of compressed aluminum oxide and porcelain. This bar easily removes cuticles after treatment with a softening agent.
Thus, cuticle trimmers are necessary devices for performing a high-quality manicure. You just need to use them correctly, and then your nails will always look healthy and neat.
Selection of tools for home manicure
An inexperienced manicurist always seems to have too few nail care products in her cosmetic bag. Failure to understand the basic rules for choosing manicure tools and ignorance of what is needed for what often leads to manicure and pedicure “shopaholism.”
There are a lot of videos on the Internet about manicure at home, but for some reason there are none about the proper selection of files and nail clippers.
A manicure kit should not have too many tools. Why clutter your makeup bag with interchangeable devices? For example, both scissors and nail clippers do an equally good job of neatly cutting nails. All you have to do is choose the tool that you can handle better.
Those devices whose purpose and functions you can only guess about, it is better to shake them out of your cosmetic bag altogether. Leave a sufficient minimum: a file, tweezers and 2 types of scissors + additional devices, the choice of which we will discuss below. There are a lot of videos on the Internet about the features of using these tools and manicure at home.
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Benefits of hardware manicure
This manicure device is a very useful purchase. The cuticle is removed not only quickly, but also without pain and discomfort. The advantages of this procedure are as follows:
- No preliminary preparation is required. No baths, removers or anything else. Saving time, and that’s all!
- Now you can skip going to a specialist and do your manicure yourself, which is a significant saving of time and money.
- When cutting a manicure, the risk of injury is quite high, one awkward movement and that’s it. But with hardware, the risk of injury is minimal. Just choose the safest attachments, and it is also recommended not to set the rotation speed to high.
Such important advantages greatly simplify the work, and hardware manicure is becoming increasingly popular, because the most valuable resource these days is not money, it’s time. Therefore, saving it even in such a household activity as manicure is very important.
Review of brands
Remover Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover (Sally Hansen)
- a well-known gel for instant removal of cuticles and periungual ridges, which can be bought in specialized stores. It has a strong acidic composition, due to which it ensures the rapid removal of keratinized particles of the epidermis. Some girls even use this solution to get rid of calluses and cracked heels.
Sally Hansen Ingarden cuticle remover
- American product for unedged manicure. The alkaline composition allows you to use the product more than 2 times a month. In addition, it has a convenient solution form and low price.
Ingarden cuticle remover Remover from Blue Cross Cuticle Remove
– professional cuticle remover. Capable of dissolving even the roughest skin, and also provides growth retardation for fast-growing skin. Provides quick and gentle cleansing of problem skin, while minimally damaging the plate.
Blue Cross Smart Enamel
is a domestic company that produces various nail plate restorers. This drug contains mineral components. This product is known for its gentle action and effectiveness. Its analogue is Naomi.
Smart Enamel Another well-known mineral remover is Kodi Mineral Cuticle Remover
. This product is intended only for softening, and further removal of the skin is done using a pusher or sticks.
Kodi Mineral CND Cuticle Away Remover
– an alkaline remover with plant extracts that promote rapid healing of the cuticle. Helps get rid of hangnails and cracks, significantly improves the condition of the periungual space. Its cost is about $7 for 177 ml. A cheaper analogue is Domix Green. It is also enriched with plant extracts.
CND
Rules for performing a manicure with a device
If you take into account the following rules, then even your first experience will be successful:
- Do not perform the procedure at maximum speeds. 15,000-20,000 rpm is enough. This power is considered optimal for quickly and painlessly removing cuticles and dead skin layers. If you are wondering how to remove very stuck cuticles with the device, you will have to increase the number of revolutions, but this must be done very carefully.
- Do not stay in one area for more than 3-4 seconds, otherwise you may burn your skin.
- Under no circumstances should you press the cutter on the skin and nail plate, otherwise injury cannot be avoided.
- Remember to change the attachments and use the appropriate cutter for each area of the nail.
- Do not point the nozzle in the opposite direction of its movement. This technology removes dead skin cells as much as possible.
