8 Best DIY Cuticle Remover Methods to Try at Home
Whether you are applying nail polish, acrylics, dip powder, or press-on nails, tending to your cuticles is one of the most important steps in doing your manicure. Here we’ll discuss 8
Pushing back and removing excess cuticle tissue allows your manicure to look smoother, last longer, and feel smoother by making your natural nails look more uniform.
Hence, in this article, we will show you some easy DIY cuticle remover homemade methods to remove your cuticles without pain.
How to Manage Cuticles without Cutting Them
When it comes to cuticles, a lot of people make the mistake of cutting and removing them all.
A cuticle seals off and protects the nail matrix, which is the part of the nail that grows deeper into the cuticle. Citation
When working with your cuticle, you need to soften it first, then push it back instead of cutting it. Scroll down to see exactly how to do it. I’ll leave a video for you.
The process of pushing the cuticle back also removes some of the transparent cuticle tissue on the nail plate. This will make your nails look more uniform while also protecting your inner nail matrix at the same time.
1- Use a Cuticle Remover
Cuticle removers are specialized solutions applied to your cuticles to make them easier to remove.
A cuticle treatment at home is one of the most popular and effective ways to take care of your cuticles.
How Does a Cuticle Remover Work
Different brands of cuticle remover work differently and contain different ingredients.
It is best to use cuticle removers that contain Potassium Hydroxide or Sodium Hydroxide. The chemicals dissolve the dead cuticle tissue on the nails. Citation.
These are generally harsher on your skin and nails. Because of this, I recommend using a moisturizer along with them or a brand that contains one.
There are now milder and less harsh cuticle removers containing exfoliants similar to those found in facial and skin washes.
They work by breaking down the bonds between the cuticle skin cells, which makes them easier to remove. A variety of chemicals are present, including glycolic acid and lactic acid.
In most cases, cuticle removers are safe to use since they have been thoroughly tested before being sold.
How to Use a Cuticle Remover
Different brands would be applied and used differently. Therefore, you should follow the instructions for using that brand of cuticle remover.
Blue Cross is the brand I personally use and recommend. They are very effective and do not cause cuticle or nail damage.
The potassium hydroxide in Blue Cross helps break down dead cuticle skin cells, making them easier to remove. Lanolin oil is also included in Blue Cross to moisturize your skin and reduce potassium hydroxide’s potency.
How To Apply
- To begin with, apply the lotion to your cuticles and around them using the applicator that comes with it.
- After applying the lotion, you can use a cuticle stick to push your cuticles backward.
- Last but not least, you can use a cuticle clipper to remove any pieces of cuticles that are sticking out, since they are usually dead skin cells.
- I found a great video that walks you through step by step, you can watch it below.
Where to Get a Cuticle Remover?
Blue Cross Cuticle Remover is available on Amazon. This product comes with its own applicator, which is a nail polish bottle and brush.
You can also use a glass cuticle stick to push back your cuticles. They look really professional and are very hygienic since they can be washed, so they are very effective at pushing back your cuticles.
DIY Cuticle Remover Tool
If there is any excess cuticle that stands out, I usually trim them with a cuticle trimmer.
Click here to see the price and what it looks like on Amazon. Since it is stainless steel, it would stay sharp for a very long time.
2- Lemon and Oil
Citric acid in lemons can be used to weaken the cuticle skin cells, making them easier to remove.
To neaten your cuticles, push your nails into the lemon and let them soak for 30 seconds, then apply some oil and use a cuticle pusher.
3- Use Oil, Soap and Water
If you are not interested in using store-bought cuticle removers, you can soften your cuticles by mixing oil with soap and water.
- First, wash your cuticles and nails with soap and warm water and do not dry them. Instead, apply some oil to them.
- Most of the time, I recommend cuticle oil, but almost any oil can be used as a moisturizer
- Once you have applied the oil, use your cuticle pusher to gently push and neaten up your cuticles.
- To finish, scrub your nails with a nail brush or a new washing sponge.
4- Use an Exfoliant (Face Wash)
Exfoliants are chemicals that remove dead skin cells from the skin. These ingredients are found in acne treatment products, face washes, and other skin care products.
Exfoliants work by either:
- The alpha hydroxy acids in this product weaken the glue binding the skin cells together, thus making it easier to remove and push back
- The dead cuticle skin cells are sanded off using an abrasive material like microbeads.
It is now possible to use either type of exfoliant.
So, if your acne face wash contains Salicylic acid, apply some to your cuticles and let it soak for 30 seconds, then vigorously wash it with your hands. Lastly, use your cuticle pusher to shape your cuticles after applying some oil.
If you have an abrasive exfoliant, you can do the same, but you would have to wash more vigorously.
5- Apple Cider Vinegar
If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use apple cider vinegar instead. Additionally, it contains acetic acid, which weakens the cuticle skin for easier removal.
You should soak your cuticles in apple cider vinegar for 30 seconds. After applying oil, gently shape your cuticles by pushing and squeezing.
Aside from killing any bacteria or microbes on your cuticles, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can also prevent infections.
6- Baking Soda and Honey
To soften your cuticles and make them easier to remove, use baking soda as an exfoliant. Citation.
Baking soda will also dry out your cuticles, so I recommend using it in combination with honey as a moisturizer. However, baking soda can be used on its own. Citation.
Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 tablespoon honey. Apply the paste to your cuticles and let it sit for 30 seconds. Next, push and shape your cuticles using a cuticle remover.
Alternatively, you can make a paste of baking soda and water, and I usually add a little oil to moisturize your cuticles.
7- Try a Cuticle Oil With Jojoba and Almond Oils
Using a blend of jojoba and almond oil can help you push back your cuticles, according to Anne Tyler.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Vitamin D, vitamin E, and various minerals are found in almond oil, making it an excellent hydrator. As a result, it soothes irritation and protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
You’ll need:
- Sweet almond oil, 2 ml
- Jojoba oil, 2 ml
- Rice bran oil, 1 ml
- Two drops of vitamin E oil
- One drop of lavender essential oil
- Roman chamomile essential oil, 1 drop
Instructions:
In a glass dropper bottle, combine all ingredients according to Anne Tyler’s instructions. Shake well and use as you wish. It is best to wait a few minutes after applying the oil before pushing your cuticles back.
8- Use a Buffer to Remove Unruly Cuticles
Anne Tyler recommends buffing your cuticles if dissolving them doesn’t work. She recommends gently buffing away excess cuticles with a nail buffer on dry skin. To remove dry skin and smooth things out, gently glide the buffer cube along the edge of the cuticle.
Thank you for your help