The Truth About Cutting Your Cuticles Is It Harmful?

A fresh manicure can feel incredibly satisfying especially when your nail beds look sleek and polished. But to achieve that ultra-clean look, your manicurist might be cutting away your cuticles. While this may seem harmless, it can actually put your nails at risk for infections and long-term damage.

So, is it really that bad to cut your cuticles? Here’s what experts say about this common nail care habit.

What Are Cuticles, and Why Do They Matter?

Your cuticles are the thin layer of skin at the base of your nails that protect the nail bed and root from bacteria, dirt, and other harmful elements, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Essentially, they act as a natural barrier to prevent infections and support healthy nail growth.

Cutting your cuticles may make your nails look longer and more polished, but removing this protective layer can lead to problems beneath the surface.

Risks of Cutting Your Cuticles

1. Increased Risk of Infection

Trimming or cutting your cuticles removes the skin that shields your nail bed from bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. This can make your nails more vulnerable to infections, especially if you cut too deep and break the skin.

Since your hands touch countless surfaces throughout the day, the risk of introducing bacteria is relatively high. Infections can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and even pus formation around the nail.

2. Potential Nail Damage

Repeatedly cutting your cuticles can damage the nail bed, leading to:

• Brittle, cracked, or peeling nails

• Deformities in nail growth

• White spots or ridges on the nail surface

Severe infections can sometimes cause long-term nail irregularities, making it even harder to maintain strong, healthy nails.

Is It Better to Push Back Your Cuticles?

Some people opt to push their cuticles back instead of cutting them, but the AAD still advises against this practice. Even gently pushing cuticles back can expose the nail bed, increasing the risk of infection.

While it may be tempting to keep your nails looking neat, the safest option is to simply leave your cuticles alone.

How to Care for Your Cuticles the Right Way

1. Keep Them Moisturized

Dry cuticles can crack, peel, and become more prone to infection. Regularly applying hand lotion or cuticle oil helps maintain hydration and keeps your nails looking healthy.

2. Use Clean Nail Tools

Always disinfect nail tools before use to prevent the spread of bacteria. The AAD recommends cleaning personal nail clippers and scissors at least once a month with 70 to 90 percent isopropyl alcohol.

If you visit a nail salon, make sure your technician uses sterilized tools many salons now open sealed, sanitized kits in front of clients.

3. Avoid Acrylic Nails

While artificial nails may look beautiful, they can be damaging to both your natural nails and cuticles. The filing and buffing process often involves removing cuticles, leaving your nails exposed and vulnerable to infections. If you love the look of long nails, consider gel polish or nail-strengthening treatments instead.

Should You Stop Cutting Your Cuticles?

While trimming your cuticles once in a while such as before a special occasion probably won’t cause major harm, regularly cutting them isn’t the best practice for long-term nail health. Since cuticles serve a protective purpose, the healthiest choice is to leave them intact and focus on proper nail care instead.

If you found this article helpful, share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more expert tips.