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The Surprising Reason Your Nails Look Like Crap

Here's a hint: It all comes down to cuticles

by Melanie Rud Chadwick  |  COMMENT

PHOTO 2/10
Drop the Scissors
Drop the Scissors Repeat after us: Though. Shall. Not. Cut. Cuticles. "The cuticle is a protective layer that prevents water and bacteria from entering the nail," explains Ruth Kallens, founder and partner of Van Court Studio in New York City. Cut them -- or let them be cut -- and you risk both infection and water damaging the nail plate and creating unsightly ridges. It's a golden rule for hand models: "I've walked out of many a salon as soon as they pull out the cuticle clippers," says Covington. "Cutting down your cuticles can make your manicure look pretty for the moment, but it destroys the nail in the long run." Parts model Jay Wen seconds these sentiments. "I never cut my cuticles. When they start to grow out it looks even worse than if you don't touch them," she says. The only thing that is OK to snip is excessive hang nails, says Holford, though cutting should be limited just to that little piece of dead skin.

Image via Getty

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