Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive
PRO Q&A
Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive?
Discover the cuticle basics that every nail tech should know.
Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023
Cuticle is a thin layer of colorless dead tissue between the proximal nail fold, eponychium and the nail plate. Together they form a seal to keep pathogens from infecting the matrix area. To avoid product lifting in this area, best practice is to remove all cuticle that is directly attached to the nail plate, so polish and other nail products can adhere directly to the nail and not atop the cuticle. To gently detach cuticle from the nail plate, dip a 2×2 gauze square in cuticle remover and gently scrub the nail plate in a circular motion up to the eponychium. Trim excess cuticle or hangnails with a sharp cuticle nipper.
