How to Push Cuticles Back for a French Manicure

Removing excess cuticles, the skin that grows over your nails at the base and on the sides, is one of the major steps to give yourself a professional looking French manicure. Follow these steps to push back cuticles for a French manicure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dishwashing liquid
• Orange stick (wrapped in cotton)
• Oil (optional)

1. Fill a small bowl with soapy warm water prepared with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Soak each hand in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes. This will make your cuticles soft. If you don't have time to soak your hands, push back your cuticles after your bath or shower because they will still be soft and easy to remove.

2. Rub your cuticles with oil if they are very dry. Almond oil or vitamin E works best.

3. Take a cotton-wrapped orange stick and gently begin pushing back your cuticles at the base of your nail and on the sides. Be gentle, especially at the base of your nails, since this is where nail growth begins.

4. The excess skin on your nails will begin to come off. Rinse your hands and move on to the next step in your manicure.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use cuticle removers. These often contain harsh chemicals that can harm your cuticles and affect nail growth.
• Don't cut your cuticles unless you have to, because cutting can also cause damage. However, there are times when you will have to cut a stubborn cuticle or hangnail.