How to Cut Cuticles for a Pedicure

Removing cuticles is one part of the pedicure process

Pedicures pamper your feet while improving their appearance. A nail technician performing a pedicure will cleanse the feet, make them soft, groom the nails, remove the cuticles and paint the nails, if you desire. Using a salon's tools to do things like remove cuticles can lead to nasty infections if the instruments are not properly cleansed. You can bring your own implements or remove your own cuticles at home to avoid the chance of infection.

Things You'll Need

• Cuticle remover
• Nail polish remover (if necessary)
• Plastic tub
• Milk
• Epsom Salts
• Orange stick
• Warm water
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Remove any nail polish from your toenails. Use a nail polish remover that is moisturizing, as most can dry out the nail bed and skin around it, including your cuticles.

2. Pour 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup Epsom salts and water into the plastic bin. There should be enough water to cover both your feet so that you can soak them.

3. Sit on a chair in front of the plastic bin and let both of your feet soak for at least 10 minutes. The longer you soak the softer your cuticles will become and the easier they will be to cut.

4. Remove your feet from the foot soak and dry with a towel.

5. Push the cuticles gently back using the orange stick. They should be soft because of the foot soak, so only a little bit of pressure is needed to push them back.

6. Nip the corner of the cuticle and slowly keep using the cuticle cutters to nip the rest of the cuticle all the way to the other end.

7. Repeat step five for all the remaining toes. Be careful, as cuticle cutters are sharp and can cause you to cut below the skin and bleed.

Tips & Warnings

• A few drops of essential oils can be added to your foot soak, if desired. This will give it a pleasant smell and provide you with an aromatherapy treatment at the same time.

• Epsom salts not only soften your feet, but they also help prevent the pruning of the skin from being in the water too long. They can be found at most grocery stores.

• Make sure your cuticle cutter is sterilized. Even your own at-home cutter can harbor dangerous bacteria if it has not been properly cleaned.

• If you cut yourself, stop removing the cuticles and treat the wound immediately to prevent infection.

References

• Everyday Health; Pedicure Safety Tips; Jan Sheehan