Cuticle pushers

When using a cuticle pusher, work gingerly. You don't want to shove the cuticle so far back that it disappears into the nail fold. You also don't want to remove the cuticle completely. Your aim is to clear any bit of skin that has crept onto the nail plate. Do this by gently nudging cuticles back towards the area where the nail fold and nail plate meet.

Avoid anything labeled cuticle remover, cuticle solvent, or alkaline cuticle solution.

These contain an aggressive alkaline ingredient called potassium hydroxide, which works to dissolve the cuticle. First of all, dissolving your cuticle is not a good idea - you need this layer of skin to keep out invading microorganisms. Secondly, when ingested (and this could happen, for example, if you put your finger in your mouth), potassium hydroxide can cause mouth pains, breathing difficulties, intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, and collapse. If potassium hydroxide gets in the eyes or nasal membranes, it can cause burning and tissue damage. If in doubt about a product's ingredients, read the label.

A surprising fact about nail polish: The nail polish we use today is a refined version of car paint.

Tips for Cuticle pushers

Rub a cuticle oil or cream around your nails before you manicure. This will soften your skin and make your cuticles easier to manipulate.

Remember one thing: Do not buy or use metal cuticle pushers! Metal cuticle pushers can damage cuticles and lead to infection! Instead, go with orangewood or Birchwood sticks, which are gentler. You can find these wood sticks in chemists or nail salons.

Ingrown Toenails

Fungal Nail

Cuticle massage

Nail-loving nutrients

Nail files

Nail varnish remover

Cuticle cream

Cuticle pushers

Nail brushes

Buffers for nail

Nail clippers

Nail masks