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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 3/10
Push 'Em Back
Push 'Em Back So if cutting them is (most definitely) not an option, how do you ensure your cuticles don't grow out and start to cover your entire nail? Push them back, and do so daily. The best time is post-shower, when skin is soft and damp and cuticles are still pliable, notes Holford. You can do so with the tip of your towel, lightly rubbing the base of the nail in circular motions, she says. Alternately, you can use an orange stick (metal cuticle pushers are too harsh), like Tweezerman Manicure/Pedicure Sticks, $4.49. Still, be careful about how much pressure you apply and be supergentle, cautions Kallens. "Pushing too hard can damage the nail and create ridges and valleys in the nail plate, deforming the shape," she says. Work slowly and carefully, adding cuticle oil as you go to help keep the skin soft.

Image via Getty

SEE NEXT PAGE: Reach for Cuticle Remover
 

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Nails Inc Vitamin E Cuticle Oil Pen

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Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover Maximum Strength

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Clarisonic Mia 2

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Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap

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Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

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Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm

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