In addition, during the procedure there is a possibility of damaging the base of the nail. Considering these nuances, unedged manicure is becoming increasingly popular. You don’t have to go to a salon to tidy up your cuticles: you can deal with them yourself without scissors.
We offer three simple home methods for removing cuticles. They will make your hands perfect.
Don’t cut the cuticle, learn to deal with it in other ways (Photo: timeshola.ru)
Modern means
Cuticles on your nails make your hands unkempt and untidy. It is very difficult to use cutters or scissors to cut it yourself. In addition, such a procedure is traumatic. A poorly treated wound can turn into an abscess and a source of infection. Therefore, recently women prefer unedged manicure. It is done much faster and does not have unpleasant consequences.
Which cuticle remover is best for home use? Global cosmetic brands are trying to solve this issue by producing oils, gels, and removers that allow you to painlessly, quickly and efficiently remove excess skin.
The essence of cuticle removal products without cutting is that, under the influence of the chemical composition, the rough areas of skin around the nails are softened. After this, it is removed using a spatula.
Of course, if you wish, you can prepare such a composition yourself, but not all ladies decide to undertake such experiments. Moreover, purchasing a ready-made product is not at all difficult. The advantage of an unedged manicure is the speed and ease of execution. There is no need to pre-do hot baths. In addition, after treating the cuticle with compounds, it grows much slower.
Combined manicure
After a couple of weeks of such regular manipulations, you need to go for a combined manicure. Although the cuticle will become softer and thinner, it will not stop growing completely. It is important to warn the specialist that you do not want to cut it. As a last resort, you can remove small dry pieces. For 2 months I visited the salon once every 2 weeks to remove small growths. Gradually the skin became much thinner and neater. Then I completely switched to dry European unedged manicure.
Now I don't need to visit the salon every two weeks. My cuticles have become soft, pliable, and my hands always look like they were done by a professional. It is important not to forget and not to be lazy to take care of your fingers every day: use a nail file, a wooden stick, oil, and visit a good master from time to time.
Rules for using funds
Any professional nail cuticle remover (or remover) has instructions for use. Following simple rules will allow you to get the desired result. Before purchasing a product, check its expiration dates. It contains very active substances that, if stored improperly, can cause skin burns.
Before using the products you must:
- Remove any remaining nail polish.
- Give your nails the desired shape.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap. If desired, you can make strengthening baths with salt.
- Check out the new product. To do this, apply it to only one finger. This will help identify allergies. The substance can be used only if there is no reaction on the skin.
- The product is applied to dry cuticles using a brush or applicator.
- You should not take breaks between applying the substance to different fingers.
- The substance must be kept on your hands for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
- Use a pusher to push back the softened cuticle.
- Use a napkin to remove any remaining product.
- Wash your hands well.
- Treat the cuticle with vitamin oil and apply moisturizer to your hands.
Cosmetic products for unedged manicure can be used no more than once a week. If you have sensitive skin, then you can use toxic substances no more than once every two weeks.
Transition
There are many opinions on how to switch from a trimmed manicure to an unedged one. This process, in any case, requires quite a lot of patience. In addition, for quite a long time, your plates will look completely imperfect. Therefore, it is better to make the transition on vacation or during the holidays, that is, when the perfection of a manicure is less important to you. The most appropriate transition would be according to the following scheme.
Now to perform a manicure you will only need orange sticks, a file, cuticle oil and a cuticle remover. You will only need the remover for the first time; in the future you can refuse it. It is also important to remember that the basis of an unedged manicure is care, and therefore you need to regularly do hand baths, light hand massage and moisturize your hands with a nourishing cream. It is also good to use cuticle oil, which will moisturize and make it softer, and also slow down growth. At first, manicure should be performed according to the following scheme:
- Processing the free edge, sawing it off;
- Applying remover;
- Elimination of cuticle residues.
https://youtu.be/0Z3db6eyUWw
At the very beginning of the transition, you may not even need orange sticks, since you can handle it with just a cuticle remover. It is better to apply it before removing the manicure polish. This will help protect the plate from the aggressive effects of the acids included in its composition. If the cuticle is too thick and the use of the product does not bring noticeable results, then it can be moved. It will look less neat.
After some time, the cuticle will wean itself from mechanical action and removal with scissors. After this, it will significantly slow down its growth, since its accelerated regeneration is caused by the activation of the defense mechanism. In combination with the fact that you systematically nourish and moisturize it, it will become thinner and you can refuse to use a remover.
Cuticle remover gels
Many women ask the question: “Which cuticle remover is best to use at home?” Modern cosmetology offers removers, oil and gel. Most often, users choose all kinds of cuticle gels because they are quite effective, easy to use and fast-acting. Once applied to the skin, they begin to work quickly. After just a few minutes, the cuticle can be removed completely painlessly, and the remaining substance can be removed with napkins or by washing your hands. It is worth noting that gels can be selected depending on skin type. They can have a strong or medium effect. Also, different cosmetic products require different holding times on your hands.
There are a variety of cuticle removers available on the market today. Which gel is better to use? It is very difficult to give a definite answer to this question. After trying several products, you can evaluate the effectiveness of each of them, choosing the best option for you. Among the most popular products are products from the brands Domix, Milv Goodbye, Sally Hansen.
Functions of the cuticle
The cuticle is the thin skin that frames the plate in the area of the nail bed.
It consists of two parts. Directly next to the nail is the eponychium , which plays a large role in the process of protecting the nail from external influences.
The visible part of the cuticle is called the pterygium . It is a keratinized layer of cells that can no longer perform a protective function.
It is this part of the cuticle that is removed, because it can cause hangnails and damage to the skin.
In addition, this “extra” skin does not look very aesthetically pleasing and can make you look unkempt.
Why is a cuticle necessary:
- Prevents the penetration of spores of fungal infections.
- Protects the nail from foreign objects getting inside.
- Prevents the penetration of harmful microorganisms.
If the dead edge of the cuticle is not trimmed in time, its beneficial functions become rather doubtful. Overgrown skin can be easily damaged even during everyday activities, and inflammation may occur at the site of cracks.
That is why it is necessary to carefully care for this area by regularly performing hygienic manicures.
Find out from our article about the causes of brittle nails.
Chapped lips, read this article about what to do at home.
Watch a video about the effects of shellac on nails https://ilcosmetic.ru/uhod-za-nogtyami/laki/belye-pyatna-posle-shellaka.html
Sally Hansen
If you don't know how to remove cuticles, it's better to use Sally Hansen. It differs from others in its composition. The gel contains anti-inflammatory components, alkalis and moisturizing ingredients. The product is fast-acting.
It should be kept on the skin for no more than a minute. The gel of this brand is most often chosen by owners of hard and dry cuticles, which were previously removed only by cutting. The product begins to act within 15 seconds after application. Therefore, at this moment you can begin to push back the cuticle. Afterwards, the product is washed off under warm running water, and hands are lubricated with nourishing cream.
Tools and supplies needed for European manicure
Tools and products for unedged manicure can be found both in specialized salons and in large perfume supermarkets. You will need:
1. Manicure scissors (to give the required length to nails)
2. File
3. Orange wood stick
4. Cuticle remover
5. Polishing block
6. Hand cream
7. Cuticle oil
If this is your first time doing an unedged manicure on your own, reviews on the Internet will help you choose the most suitable products. For example, a popular remover in the mass market price segment is a product from Sally Hansen, one of the best budget products is the Eveline express cuticle remover, and among professional brands, buyers highlight products from the brands Masura, Orly and Anny.
Milv Goodbye Cuticles
How to remove cuticles for those with sensitive skin? In this case, we can recommend using the cosmetic product Milv Goodbye Cuticles. The hypoallergenic product quickly softens and dissolves dead skin. The gel simultaneously moisturizes and softens the skin, so the cuticle can be pushed back in just twenty seconds.
This product has a gel-like form. It is completely odorless and has a water base with the addition of glycerin. The composition contains antiseptic substances. After the procedure is completed, the remaining gel is removed with a napkin, after which the hands are washed in running water and lubricated with nourishing cream.
Removers
If you don't know how to cut cuticles yourself, don't experiment. Better use a remover. This is the most popular and widespread way to get rid of dead skin. Its main advantage is simplicity.
How to use the remover:
- Hands are pre-cleaned, after which remover is applied to the area of the side rollers and cuticle. Next, we wait for the time indicated in the instructions. Depending on the brand, the exposure time varies from 30 seconds to several minutes.
- During the specified time, the cuticle softens, after which it can be easily removed without resorting to cutting. To work, you need to use a pusher or an orange stick. With the help of these instruments, the cuticle is pushed back, taking care not to disturb living areas of tissue.
- Hands are washed in running water, completely removing any remaining product.
- Afterwards, a special product is applied to the side rollers and cuticle, which will soften the skin and slow down the growth of the cuticle.
With the help of a remover you can make your hands attractive in a matter of minutes. Using modern tools, you will forget about how to trim the cuticle with scissors and tweezers.
The effect of gels and removers is almost the same. By the way, sometimes the gel can act as a remover.
Ways to remove cuticle
There are several options for cuticle removal, the choice of which depends on individual preferences and the availability of special materials and tools.
Classic method
The classic method is the most dangerous type of manicure, because in the process you can cut yourself or damage the skin. Improper cutting of the cuticle leads to disruption of its growth and layering of the nail plate. Due to the risk of infection, sterile instruments are used and treated with an antiseptic before the session. The peel is trimmed using a special trimmer, tweezers, scissors or pliers made of medical steel.
The tools must be sharp, otherwise the cuticle will tear. Such a procedure will do more harm than good. For manicure you will need a nail file made of any material other than metal, which disrupts the structure of the plate. Shaping and filing are carried out on a dry nail. After this, take a bath, steaming the skin.
Subsequently, the cuticle is pushed back with an orange wood stick, and the dead cells are cut off with a tool, moving laterally and in an arc. In this case, the skin is cut off, rather than pinched or torn off. When cuts appear, they are treated with Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. After the procedure, apply oil to the treated areas.
Orange stick
An orange stick is a tool with a flat end on one side and a sharp end on the other. It is used to clean and decorate nails, as well as to remove cuticles. It differs from iron tools in the absence of the possibility of damage and antiseptic properties, which make it possible to destroy various infections that can be introduced during the pruning procedure. The stick has a thickness of 3-5 cm and a length of 9-18 cm.
After softening the stratum corneum, it is moved towards the plate. The cuticle is removed carefully, lifting it with the flat end. The orange tree stick is a disposable instrument, so after the procedure it is disposed of and a new one is used in the future.
Using a remover
If a special product is chosen for a manicure, the session will be held using the following materials:
- silicone pusher or orange stick;
- cotton pad;
- antiseptic;
- remover.
First, the hands are treated with an antiseptic, a drop of the substance is applied to the center of the nail and distributed over the entire surface with the pad of the finger. Then wait 2 minutes and use a pusher to move the softened skin to the base of the plate. Dead cells are removed with massaging movements. When after the procedure there are rollers left on the side, they are removed with pliers.
Hardware removal
The advantage of hardware cuticle removal is the elimination of the hardest areas of the periungual plate. The device allows you to remove dead skin cells around sensitive and thin nails. When performing a manicure, take into account the number of the cutter and the angle of inclination. Hands are not subject to additional processing. Antiseptic is used in moderation, since wet skin will lead to clogging of the instrument.
To process a natural nail, use a soft corundum nozzle. The area is processed counterclockwise, carrying out manipulations so that the leathery roller moves away and rises from the plate. A soft cutter will not cut through the nail or damage the dermis, but it must be kept parallel to the surface of the nail.
The remaining areas are treated with a thin diamond nozzle. The actions are carried out in the same way and at the same angle. A diamond ball-shaped cutter is designed to remove skin residues in the periungual space. Using a corundum ball, grinding is done, sealing thin areas and burrs.
Using pumice
Pumice for manicure is a file with an abrasive in the form of a honeycomb. It can be used by people with a thin keratinized layer of skin. For the procedure you will need:
- oil;
- lint-free wipes;
- file;
- moisturizing cream.
The rough skin is removed without steaming on a dry surface. If necessary, use a manicure tool to push the skin to the base. Pumice is placed parallel to the dermis. Thanks to the design of the tool, it is possible to carry out rubbing movements along the cuticle and side ridges. When all the nails have been treated, wash your hands with soap, apply oil to prevent dryness and peeling of the epidermis, and cream.
Special pencil
The components of a special pencil are vitamins, fruit acids or alkalis and oils. The advantages of this method include ease of use, efficiency and safety. In appearance, it resembles a felt-tip pen with an elastic tip, which allows you to evenly distribute the substance onto the cuticle. The supply of the product is dosed, and the end of the cap has a beveled shape to push away dead cells.
Before the procedure, you must wash your hands with soap and wait until they dry. The substance is distributed over the cuticle on all nails. When the composition begins to act, remove the skin and wash off the product with running water. After this, nourishing cream is applied to your hands.
Which remover should you choose?
The choice of funds on the market is quite wide. Good removers are produced by the brands “Smart Enamel” and Be Natural.
“Wine enamel” differs from other products in that it destroys dead skin at the molecular level. The rapid action of the product is explained by the presence of sodium hydroxide in it. This brand of remover is good for gentle removal. However, it will not work if you have dry and rough cuticles.
Be Natural is a very effective remedy that quickly copes with even the most advanced cases. The substance is enough to act for only 45 seconds. The advantage of the remover is that it does not harm the nails, despite the serious chemical composition. Moreover, the product has nourishing and moisturizing properties.
Types of removers
Based on their composition, removers are divided into:
- Acidic - break down keratinized areas of the epithelium using fruit, lactic or other acids.
- Alkaline - used for treating rough areas. The exposure time depends on the concentration of active substances.
- Mineral - used to maintain previously treated cuticle in good condition. The product has a delicate effect.
- Oil remover not only softens, but also nourishes and moisturizes the skin, making your hands look well-groomed.
Removers are not as harmless as they may seem. They contain very aggressive substances. Initially, removers were used to remove acrylic nails and gel polishes. During the work, their softening properties were discovered. Therefore, cosmetologists began to use them for manicures. This is how the first removers appeared, which had a more gentle composition for the cuticle. By the way, the consistency of such products may be different. Manufacturers produce removers in the form of liquids, gels and even creams.
Important rules for caring for cuticles
Cuticle care takes a little time, and I am sure that any woman can treat it beautifully on her own. Follow simple rules:
- Don't let the handles get dirty, take care of them regularly, and complex manipulations won't be required.
- Apply caring oil daily.
- Do not pull or tear the burrs. I always carry tweezers and a small bottle of alcohol solution in my cosmetic bag to remove a hangnail as soon as it appears, and I advise you to do the same.
- Do not neglect the rules of disinfection!
- It's always better to underdo it. Do not apply excessive force or cut deep.
The choice of manicure type depends on personal preferences. I like the skin to be completely cut off, but when processing at home I prefer to just peel it off. Which option do you prefer? Do you agree that all the beauty of a manicure rests on a neat cuticle?
Removers: advantages and disadvantages
Gently removing cuticles using an orange stick and remover has a number of advantages:
- There is no need to pre-steam the skin.
- At minimal cost you can get a high-quality manicure in a short time.
- There is no risk of skin damage, burr formation, inflammation or infection.
Despite the ease of implementation of the technique and convenience, there are also disadvantages. The fact is that removers contain fruit acids that can cause allergies. Therefore, it is necessary to test the product on one area of the skin before starting the procedure. Removers do not always cope with rough skin.
Basic recommendations
Removing the cuticle is a very important moment, regardless of where the manicure is performed, on the hands or feet. Therefore, always try to follow this procedure correctly. And for this I will once again remind you of the simple rules.
- When doing a trim manicure, try not to get hurt.
- When using the gel for the first time, try it on one finger to rule out an allergic reaction.
- Try to buy gels with fruit acids and AHA labeling. Since their composition is enriched with vitamins A and E.
- Use two fingers at a time for processing.
- If the cuticle is very overgrown, first do a classic manicure, and then gradually switch to a European one.
- When using the gel, consider your skin type. The soft cuticle will disappear on its own. But you will have to work hard on the hard one, removing the remainder with an orange stick.
- When working with tweezers, scissors or a trimmer, try to be extremely careful to prevent infection from entering the skin.
- Try to trim the cuticle as evenly as possible so that its partial remains cannot develop into painful hangnails.
Now, it seems, that’s all I wanted to talk about.
Happy manicure! See you!
Oils for unedged manicure
Cuticle oil is another effective remedy in the arsenal of modern women. With their help you can easily get rid of cuticles. The advantages of this product include the fact that it can be used for microcracks and inflammation around the nail. Oils not only nourish but also protect our hands. When using them, the skin is very easily removed, after which its growth slows down. The skin becomes more elastic and elastic, thereby preventing the appearance of hangnails.
Which cuticle oil should you choose? We suggest you pay attention to the following products:
1. Jess nail Cyticul oil. The oil softens rough skin while delivering nutrients to it. With regular use, after a while the skin becomes more tender and well-groomed, and the nail plate becomes stronger. Apply the oil with massage movements that increase blood flow. You should not use such products more than twice a month.
2. ORLY Cuticle oil. Many women leave good comments about this product. It contains cherry extract and orange flowers. All this allows you to saturate the skin with useful microelements and vitamins, as a result of which it becomes tender and soft. The use of this oil allows you to eliminate the appearance of hangnails and slow down the growth of the cuticle. In addition, the composition of the product has a beneficial effect on the nail plate, due to which it becomes stronger and grows faster.
3. Inki is another wonderful product that has a natural composition. It contains olive and castor oils, as well as propolis. Thanks to this, the skin becomes softer and the cuticle grows much slower. The product has a positive effect on the nail plate, strengthening it.
How to switch to an unedged manicure, and why does everyone love it so much?
Why do many people switch to unedged manicure, and what do you need to know if you suddenly want to too?
Our experts:
- Ekaterina Kirillina is a manicurist and pedicurist, co-founder of the Beauty Insider & KA2 salon.
- Yulia Tarapatova is a trainer in atraumatic manicure techniques, a trainer at Authentica for the brands Christina Fitzgerald, LaRic, Smith & Cult.
Why switch to unedged manicure at all? How is it better than classic and hardware?
For unedged manicure:
- The cuticle grows slower and looks well-groomed longer . You apply the cream and your hands look as if a manicure has just been done, even if 10 days have passed.
- Over time, hangnails stop appearing.
- The surface of the nail plate is not damaged , as sometimes happens with hardware.
- Less risk of cuts and infections . This is not to say that it is completely absent, since in any manicure, including unedged ones, clippers are occasionally necessary. But they are used locally, where there is absolutely no way without them.
Is it true that I can get my nails done less often?
Definitely no less often. It will just look fresh longer.
Yulia Tarapatova: “For hygiene purposes, manicures - any kind - are recommended to be done once every two weeks. When they say “lasts longer” or “prolonged effect,” they mean that during these two weeks its appearance will be better.”
I decided to switch to an unedged manicure. What do I need to know and what should I be prepared for?
There are two types of unedged manicure: European (using a remover and an orange stick) and atraumatic manicure with files (hereinafter we will call it file, although this is not entirely correct).
European manicure:
- Relatively easy to perform, you can do it yourself at home. (However, it is better to switch to it with a master - more on that below.)
- The cuticle is not removed, only pushed back.
But:
- Not suitable for everyone. Depends on the characteristics of the cuticle.
- It needs to be done more often than other types of manicure. And also take care of the cuticle little by little, but every day.
- The cuticle prevents you from painting the nail end to end. After a week, it is noticeable that the coating has grown back. “That’s why those who do European manicures often use regular rather than gel polish,” Ekaterina Kirillina.
Atraumatic manicure with files:
- Suitable for everyone.
- The cuticle is partially removed, or rather, sanded with files.
- The coating can be applied under the cuticle (though not as deep as with a hardware manicure).
- You can use both gel polish and regular polish.
But:
- The technique is complex, such a manicure is best done in a salon. (Here we showed the process step by step.) You need to constantly hold the file at a certain angle and observe other nuances.
What else is worth knowing in advance?
If you often wash dishes, hand wash delicate fabrics, etc., an unedged manicure will most likely not make sense. Gloves do not completely protect the skin from household chemicals. The cuticle dries out, breaks, and you can’t do it without cuticle cuticles.
Why should you “switch to an unedged manicure”? I did it twice - haven’t I moved on yet?
Most likely, two times will not be enough. To prevent the cuticle from having to be trimmed, it should:
- Get used to not being injured anymore and build up more slowly. “The cuticle protects the nail matrix. When it is completely removed, the body tries to restore this protection as quickly as possible. If you remove it partially or just move it away, the cuticle will begin to grow back as usual, not in an accelerated manner,” Ekaterina Kirillina.
- Be hydrated and elastic . Dry cuticles begin to fray. You need to make sure that it does not dry out and use hand cream every day.
- The cuticle should lie in a solid roller along the nail hole .
If you follow the previous two points, she can handle it herself.
