If you've ever had a basic manicure (hands) or pedicure (feet) done, you may have noticed the nail technician proceeding to do multiple steps, one of which includes pushing back your cuticles. The process is more than just a meticulous beauty treatment - there are scientific reasons behind this practice that relate to nail health and the appearance of your nails.
While the beauty salon may have introduced the world to manicures and pedicures, caring for your cuticles at home with natural products is not a far-fetched reality. It may require some learning, practice and patience, but knowing that you can avoid harmful chemicals while keeping your nails and cuticles strong and protected is encouraging.
Today, we'll explore the importance of cuticle care, why pushing back cuticles is essential, and how you can incorporate all-natural products into your nail care routine from the comfort of your own home.
What Are Cuticles and Why Are They Important?
Cuticles are the thin layer of dead skin that sits along the bottom edge of your nail. The eponychium is the living skin at the base of the nail plate. Both of these structures contribute to nail health but serve slightly different functions. They work together as a protective barrier for the nail matrix, the area beneath the cuticle where new nail growth begins.
Proper care is essential to maintaining the integrity of this protective barrier.
Reasons to Look After Your Cuticles?
1. Aesthetic Improvement
Overgrown cuticles can make nails appear short and untidy. GENTLY pushing them back reveals more of the nail plate (what we see as the actual fingernail.) This makes nails look longer and cleaner.
2. Prevent Infections
Improper nail care or neglect of a consistent nail care routine can lead to torn cuticles, cracks, and inflammation in the surrounding skin. As a result, the protective function of cuticles is compromised, which can lead to infections such as paronychia, hangnails or other nail health issues. Regularly pushing back and moisturising cuticles helps preserve their protective barrier and supports the maintenance of strong, healthy nails.
All-Natural Products for Cuticle and Nail Care
While salons use various conventional products, you can achieve excellent results at home with natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals that nourish and protect your nails and cuticles. Here's a step-by-step guide to an all-natural nail care routine, otherwise known as our rendition of an at-home manicure and pedicure.
Step-by-Step All-Natural Cuticle and Nail Care Routine
Step 1: Soak Nails
Why: Soaking softens your cuticles, cleanses and nourishes your nails and prepares them for the next step.
How: We've covered nail soaks in a previous blog here.
Step 2: Exfoliate Gently
Why: Exfoliating removes dead skin and any product buildup around your nails. You can easily create a natural scrub at home to eliminate impurities and refresh your skin. Later in this blog, we'll share a recipe for a scrub that can be stored and used for hands, feet, and cuticles.
How: Apply a small amount of the scrub to your hands or feet, then gently massage in small circular motions for effective exfoliation.
Step 3: Push Back Cuticles Gently
Why: Pushing back cuticles creates a clean nail plate and helps prevent them from becoming overgrown, ragged or damaged.
How: After soaking and exfoliating, use a wooden or rubber cuticle pusher (or a soft washcloth) to gently, and we repeat, gently push back your cuticles. Avoid using metal tools, which can be too harsh and may cause damage.
Step 4: Moisturise Your Cuticles and Strengthen Nails with Natural Treatments
Why: Keeping your cuticles moisturised prevents dryness, cracking, and hangnails. Strengthening weak, brittle nails with natural treatments can reduce their susceptibility to breakage.
How: After pushing back the cuticles, massage a few drops of cuticle oil and apply a hand cream. Use a nail-strengthening serum before bed and allow it to absorb overnight. Explore some of our nourishing nail-focused recipes here. For a lovely hand cream recipe, read our recent blog here.
Step 5: Buff and Shape
Why: Buffing gives nails a natural shine and smooth surface while shaping prevents breakage.
How: Using a gentle nail buffer, buff the surface of your nails to smooth out ridges. Then, shape your nails with a glass or emery board nail file, filing in one direction to prevent splits or damage.
How Often Should You Do a Basic Manicure or Pedicure?
To keep your nails, cuticles and overall hands and feet healthy, consistency in your routine is key. A guideline is to keep it up weekly and adjust according to your needs and preferences. Always remember to apply cuticle oil and hand cream daily to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
Why use All-Natural Products in Your Manicure or Pedicure?
All-natural products are gentle on your nails and cuticles, avoiding the harsh chemicals often found in conventional nail products. Ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, and honey are rich in nutrients that promote healthy, strong nails. Furthermore, avoiding chemical-laden products reduces the risk of skin irritations, allergies, and nail weakening. Prolonged or repeated use of products containing harsh chemicals can damage the nails, making them brittle and more prone to breaking.
To help in your understanding of creating the recipe below, explore our article on percentages to "nail" your ingredient measurements for any size batch you're whipping up.
