How to Use a Cuticle Cutter

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

Cuticles are essential for your nail's health and safety, but they can sometimes build up dead skin. A cuticle cutter is a handy device you can use to snip unwanted dead skin off your cuticles. To use a cuticle cutter, sanitize the cutter first and then soften your nails. Gently pull away any dead skin and then moisturize your nail bed.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Ensuring a Clean and Easy Clipping

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Wash your cuticle clipper. Use warm water and antibacterial soap to gently swab down your cuticle clipper. You can apply the soap with your hands or use something like a cotton ball to the clean the clipper.^{[1]
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- If you use your hands to clean the clipper, wash them thoroughly first.
2
Sanitize the tips of the clipper. Use rubbing alcohol or an iodine solution on the tips. Either dip the tips in the solution or dab it on using a cotton swab. Sanitizing the tips helps prevent your nails from becoming infected.^{[2]
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Soak your hands or feet in warm water. Fill a bowl with warm water and submerge your fingertips or toes. This will soften your nails so the cuticles will clip off easier.^{[3]
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Research source} There is no precise amount of time you need to soak your nails, but about 10 to 15 minutes is probably enough.
- You can also simply clip your cuticles after getting out of the shower.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Pushing and Cutting Your Cuticles

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Push your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher. In addition to a cuticle clipper, you need a cuticle pusher. This is a small device you use to push your cuticles back into the nail bed. This will raise the cuticles slightly, making them easier to clip.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kristin Pulaski
Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}
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Start with tiny snips. Focus on the dead skin on the end of the cuticle. Face the tip of the blades towards your nails and make tiny snips across the cuticle.^{[5]
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Pull away dead skin. Gently pull upward after making your snips. This will pull any dead skin away from the cuticle. Keep pulling away the dead skin until you've trimmed the full cuticle.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kristin Pulaski
Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}
4
Apply a moisturizer. The skin under the cuticle and near the nail bed may become irritated as you remove the cuticle. To counteract this, dab on some hydrating lotion or cuticle oil near the nail bed and the surrounding skin. This should soothe your skin, reducing the likelihood of complications from cutting your cuticles.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kristin Pulaski
Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking Safety Precautions

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Avoid clipping your cuticles if you have diabetes or other health issues. Diabetes can make finger and toenails more subject to infection. If you have diabetes, or a health condition that decreases your immune system, refrain from cutting your cuticles. Cuticles are there to protect your fingernails and skin.^{[8]
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Clip your cuticles in moderation. Cuticle clipping is not something you should do every day. Most experts recommend clipping your cuticles in moderation. Stick to clipping your cuticles once every couple of weeks to prevent infections, and soreness near your nail bed.^{[9]
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Leave some of the cuticle intact. Do not clip off your entire cuticle. The cuticle is a necessary component of the nails that protects them from germs. Only clip off the tips of the cuticles that are comprised of dead skin. Leave the rest intact.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I trim my cuticles without nippers?

Kristin Pulaski
Salon Owner & Nail Specialist
Kristin Pulaski is a Professional Nail Artist and the Founder of Paintbucket, a self-owned and operated nail salon based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has over five years of experience running Paintbucket and is licensed as a nail technician. Paintbucket offers nail art manicures, pedicures, and soft gel extensions along with customized packages for wedding and bridal parties. She holds a BA in Managerial Science from Manhattan College.

Kristin Pulaski

Salon Owner & Nail Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can manage your cuticles by pushing them up towards the skin of the finger and then removing the cuticle. Afterward, make sure to apply a moisturizer or cuticle oil to keep the area hydrated and healthy.