Best cuticle tools according to redditors

Let me start by saying this: I would have included a before pic but I was so ashamed that I never took any pictures when I was constantly biting my nails/cuticles. I am in my early 20s and I've been doing this to them since before I can remember (early childhood). I first tried to stop around 14, and have struggled since then. It is such an ingrained stress response/habit that it's taken me years to retrain myself. It was easier to stop biting my nails and I haven't done so at all in 6 months, but my cuticles/surrounding skin are another story. This is something I still struggle with as it's triggered by stress and I don't realize I've started until they're trashed. However, since January it's happened less and less, now maybe once a month or less.

What caused the change in me? Honestly, it was never one single thing. I have been building my ability to resist for years. I realize this is cliche but one important thing is to never give up. I've had too many backslides to count, from 1 day to even half a year at the most. What's helped me is NEVER accepting defeat, and always eventually trying again. One motivating factor was that I've always wanted to have nice nails for getting engaged/married. It was in January that that became an event occurring sooner rather than later, so I will definitely say that has helped me stay focused!

There was one part of stopping the habit that scared me after years of constantly damaging my nails and cuticles: would they ever properly heal and grow back 'normal'? As of yet I still do not have one straight answer. I will say that the strength in my nails has improved, although it is slow going. I am still on the lookout for products to help with this, although I think only time will help. I also tend to have some nails which are very ridged, but they've also continued to smooth out. Finally, there is one cuticle I have which was permanently damaged in a way that's difficult to explain. Basically, it grows in three separate sections, almost as if it's cut. I was absolutely AMAZED when it started to grow 'connected' again! I will say this it sometimes splits still, but it is definitely progress and I hope one day it's completely healed. So, if you're in the same boat and worried permanent damage has been done, I can't make any promises but I will say it's amazing how well they can bounce back - even if it takes months or years to reverse it.

​

What helped me:

• Homemade nail oil pens - all you need are empty containers and Jojoba oil
  
• Burt's Bees lemon cuticle cream - I use this as extra moisturization/to 'seal' in the jojoba oil
  
• Splitting/cracking nails? Use brush on nail glue - WAY more effective/simple than the tea bag technique for me personally!
  
• 24/7 painted nails - letting them 'breathe' may be generally good advice, but I promise you biting them is more damaging
  
• No nail clippers/glass files only - I cannot tell you how much this helped my nails to stay strong and not constantly crack/split
  
  There is honestly so much more I could say but this post would be a book! I'm just taking the time now to sit back and enjoy all of my progress.

Perhaps she will just buy a few cases of these. (orangewood sticks)

• http://www.amazon.com/DMtse-Cuticle-Remover-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B009WLX83Y
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Stick-Cuticle-Pusher-Manicure/dp/B000FKXSU4
  
• http://www.walmart.com/ip/Salon-Supply-Store-100-Pack-Short-4.5-Orange-Wood-Salon-Spa-Manicure-Cuticle-Pusher-Remover-Sticks/29700447
  
  
  

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E4YM6MW/

she would use something like this

Hi nail care/nail polish spaz here. Cuticles are indeed a specialized bit of skin on your nail. It sort of makes a barrier from the end of the skin on your finger to your nail bed. Oil up your nail area a couple times a day (morning and night? or just night time if you want). You can be fancy and get a nail oil pen or be basic with some vitamin E from Wal-Mart or even olive oil. It'll soften things up. GENTLY use an orange stick to push them back once a week. I don't really recommend metal tools cuz it's easier to do damage with them, or even introduce infection :( If you have the kind of cuticles that want to climb way up your nails, you can get stuff to dissolve the crust.

Be gentle and never ever cut your cuticles unless you have a hangnail snagging on things. Did I mention be gentle? I've seen so many grown out manicures where you can see the technician got too vigorous. I did it to myself once even, and the part I jacked up is still growing out 8 months later. You can see the travelling dent in the center of my thumb here

What I described up there is what I do to keep things nice because I abuse my cuticles with acetone pretty regularly for the love of polish!

The first thing I would recommend is to check out this video on how to properly paint your nails. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the technique down painting your nails will only take about five minutes total and look very clean and professional.

• Dotting tools. You can buy some from Amazon like these, or you can start out with things from around your house . I started out (before getting my tools) using bobby pins for large dots and toothpicks for smaller ones, and I'd snip the tip of the toothpick for medium. I've heard of girls using ball point pens and other things, too; they all work like a charm!
  
  
• A small angled [shader] brush (I recommend 1/4"). You can get them from any art store, or even use the little ones that come with creme/gel/etc. eyeliner. This is for cleanup. You paint your nails from start to finish, and then when you're done just dip the angled brush in acetone and swipe away any mistakes you may have. This is my number one "secret" for my nails looking really perfect. I'm not perfect at painting, I'm just really good at cleanup. ;)
  
  
• Pure acetone! I have both avetone nail polish remover and a bottle of pure acetone, and I suggest keeping both around. The pure acetone is perfect for cleanup because it picks up the polish immediately and dries just as fast. It's also the best for taking off glitter and other tough-to-remove polishes (use it with the foil method and voila!).
  
  
• Cuticle cream or oil. I love Lush's Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter; I bought it Christmas Eve and I've still got over half left, and I use it ever day. There are plenty of other products out there, but the point is to have one, use it regularly, and push your cuticles back every day. This way you don't have to cut them (which causes them to grow back all funky and can give you infections), but your cuticles and nails will look impeccably clean and taken care of.
  
  
• Hand lotion, because what's the point of having sexy nails if your hands look raggedy? I also suggest exfoliating, but I just do this with brown sugar and olive oil a few times a week. Easy peasy.
  
  
• Tweezerman Nipper Tool! This is to clip off any hangnails, etc., that you may have. This tool is seriously incredible; I've had three or four other brands of nipper tool and they all went dull on me within a month or two, but I've had this one for like two years now and it's still sharp as heck.
  
  
• A superfine glass or crystal nail file. NOT one of those cardboard/sandpaper deals, a glass or crystal file. Using this, and filing in only one direction, will keep your nails healthy and prevent them from splitting and peeling. That hard, back-and-forth sawing motion is what really damaged nails and makes them fall apart so easily. Also a buffer, but one that has a different coarseness on each side.
  
  
• A base coat, to prevent polish from staining your nails.
  
  
• A quick dry top coat. Seche Vite is the absolute best, IMO, but Poshe, Out The Door, and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri (in the red bottle) are all pretty popular, too. The most important thing is that it's quick dry, though; it's meant to be applied to wet polish where it will bond to the polish you've used and the two will dry at the same rate. Seche Vite is my favorite because it's the fastest (that I've experienced, anyway, and I have a 1.5y/o...), has the most incredible shine, and really makes your mani look smooth and perfect.
  
  
• Nail art brushes.
  
  And...well, if I think of anything else I will let you know. I can't wait to see what you get up to soon! :)

Nail scissors.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G666Q0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_JuzOCbPHDKFG7

I’ve had one removed by a doctor, and he used scissors like this. I’ve removed several myself later because paying my doctor $300 to do it just seems pointless after seeing that he does the exact same thing I can do at home.

Get one of these (you can find them much cheaper). It will change your life

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WHYBE2?pc_redir=1407224142&robot_redir=1

I highly recommend trying using Bazuka (link below) as it's much higher in salicylic acid concentration than most things found in pharmacy's. As most anyone in this sub will say, the biggest trick is being consistent with your chosen removal tool/cream and continually debrideing the affected area in order to maintain maximum contact with the infected area. Perpetually keep the area covered in something (ACV, duct tape, wart cream, etc). The process will take months and months. Also, I highly recommend purchasing some cuticle removal nippers. Example links below:

https://www.amazon.com/Bazuka-Extra-Strength-6G-x/dp/B0055E2TGE/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1541222200&sr=8-3&keywords=bazuka+wart+remover

^ highly recommend, as I personally use it semi-daily

https://www.amazon.com/Ejiubas-Professional-Stainless-Pedicure-Fingernails/dp/B078N8BN19/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1541222579&sr=1-4&keywords=cuticle%2Btrimmer&th=1

^ Example link of what type of tool you should be using to debride the affected area. IMPORTANT NOTE, make sure to keep whatever tool you use perpetually cleaned with rubbing alcohol, or you risk spreading the virus or causing a bacterial infection.

Disclaimer: (just in case) I'm not a doctor, but the son of a retired Podiatrist. Been through wart removal in ALL of it's forms. Laser, surgical removal, etc

> Should I apply jojoba oil on bare nails and act as a treatment for a few hours between polish changes? Even if nails are painted, is the jojoba oil still working or is this really more for the cuticles?

The benefit comes from consistent and regular use so you may do better using it right before bed (just for the sake of establishing it as part of your routine). You can apply jojoba whenever, it doesn't need to be in between polish. So yes, it will still work even if your nails are painted, because the benefit comes from it hydrating your cuticles, anyway. Jojoba will not penetrate all the layers of the nail plate whether it's bare of polish or not.

> Should I use my nail envy as a base coat? When I do that, my nails always peel. Can I put it on then use a base coat or is this too much??

I don't know anything about nail envy but I highly recommend duri rejuvacote 2 as both a treatment AND a base coat. When you say your nails are peeling, do you mean your nail polish chips off or that your actual nail is peeling?

> I’ve noticed some of my nails don’t even have “cuticles” to push back. Is this normal???

Yes, it's normal. The true cuticle can be naturally worn away. If your cuticles are extremely dry then they can also look as though they've vanished entirely. Example

> Similar to scalp massages, does massaging cuticles with oil help stimulate nail growth/health?

The "stimulation" is caused by increasing circulation in that area. More blood flow = more oxygen = healthier cells! I don't know that you really need to make a dedicated effort to massage your nails though, beyond what you do to apply jojoba or hand lotion.

> The dirt is so freaking annoying. Is there anything I can do to prefer the building up of dirt my nails tend to have or is it a waiting game for them to grow longer?

You can absolutely remove dirt, even from short nails, as long as you're not going to deep under your nail and you're not causing yourself any pain. I'd suggest using a nail brush, or an extra tooth brush, with warm soapy water, or perhaps an orange stick or a tool such as this, which can be sterilized.

> Speaking of dirt - WHY when my nails are growing out, polish free bare and I use oil/lotion they get dirty as hell?!?? It drives me MAD! WHAT IS THAT?!??

The joys of being a human!

> Is there such a thing as “ideal length”? Before when I got my nails barely past my finger tips (enough to make a tiny “tap” sound) they always broke. I LOVE that length, but they split and I go back to biting. Ugh.

An ideal length is whatever makes you happy (and, in my humble opinion, still allows you full use of your hands). Proper hydration will help allow your nails to grow strong AND flexible, which is key to preventing breaks. They need to be able to bend a little. Also, I'd highly recommend getting a glass file (as opposed to an emery board). It really helps to file down any catches/small rough parts of your nail tip so you can prevent larger splits/breaks.

Do you bite your nails? I ask because I used to bite mine really badly until about four years ago when I was finally able to quit for good and mine looked a lot like yours do now.

So the good news is that there are a few things that you can do to make them look better but the bad news is that it takes a really long time and you probably won't see much difference by the time you go to the wedding. For the short term, maybe consider press-ons? They've come a very long way since we were little and there are many out there that at first glance, look completely natural, even on less than perfect nails. Look for the ImPress brand (usually like $7-8 or so) and get ones that look pretty simple and natural like a french tip and unless someone is really staring at your fingers, I doubt they will notice!

For the long term, what I've done that's helped is to get into a nail care routine. Cuticle oil, nail file, orange sticks, and a cuticle trimmer or liquid remover are the tools you'll want. Two to three times a week (at least in the beginning, you can do it less frequently once they start to look like you want them to) take an orange stick and use the flat side to gently push back the skin around your nail. Some people oil them first to help soften them, I just usually do it after a shower while they're softer anyway. Then use the trimmer or liquid remover to get rid of the dead skin that's pushed back. I personally like this kind of trimmer but you have to be really careful that you don't accidentally cut the live skin. You're really just shaving away the dead skin with it. There's also this kind of nipper some people prefer and then there's the liquid stuff like this that dissolves the dead skin with no trimming required at all. It's all really just what you're comfortable with. Then oil them up when you're done, and if possible, oil them as many times a day as you can remember to. I try to do it at least once in the morning and once before I go to bed.

Then with regard to filing, let them grow out a bit more and like someone else suggested, file the sides down where they flare out, but only at the free edges. You should try to avoid cutting altogether. For rounder nail beds, a round shape tends to look better IMO.

So, forgive my awful MS paint skills but I drew on your pic a bit to help illustrate what I'm talking about. On your pointer finger, the spot that I circled is the area you're wanting to try to grow out and reattach to the nail bed. On the middle finger, I tried (I know, terribly lol) to illustrate how it would look after your cuticle line is pushed back over time and the nail bed reattaches along the sidewalls and then of course the white part is grown out and filed in a round shape. It all comes down to permanently pushing your cuticles back to expose more of the nail bed and allowing the sidewalls to reattach at the tips. Also, when you clean under your nails, be super gentle and don't push back the skin underneath - you want that to reattach to give you longer nail beds.

A lot of it just genetics and mine still don't look like nail blogger nails, but doing this has made a huge difference. I started really noticing results in about six months and now, you'd never know that they used to be super short. I still have some flaring on the sides, but I just file it away. I know this is like novel length, but mine used to look almost exactly like yours (except I had no white edge because I bit it all off lol) so I can totally relate to how you feel! I'd quit biting for a couple of months and then get so discouraged when they didn't look any better and just give up and bite again and it wasn't until I started really putting in the routine and effort that I was able to make it look better. I hope this helps! :)

Nail Buffer Use this weekly. It'll remove stains, get rid of ridges and shines. It's a 3 part process. Only do it once a week, any more and your nails will get too thin.

Vitamin E oil, they sell it at Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General. Rib a little on your cuticles before bed each night.

Cuticle Remover If you have an excess amount of cuticle growth. Rub this into your cuticles and let it set for several minutes. Then push back your cuticles carefully with these thingys.

Do you still have a base and a top coat? They're both really important to reduce staining and chipping, and to increase longevity of your manicure.

What's your budget like? Base your purchases off of how much you're willing to spend, and how big you want to go. I'm a college student, but I have no real bills and nails are my only money-consuming hobby, so I get mid to high tier polish.

Dotting tools, a cuticle pusher, and a buffing block are my top three supplies, aside from acetone, cotton balls and polish.

Have you tried a cuticle nipper like this one?

This video was super informative. I just ordered one of these.

The scoop-y side of these are great bc they are super gentle without a sharp edge. Just run it under your nail with the scoop part facing the inside of the nail. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UNMV3T2/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_20?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2M6WHJLCKM4RK

Polishes - Brands

• Essie
  
  
• OPI
  
  
• China Glaze
  
  
• Sally Hansen
  
  
• Sinful Colors (cheap, but good for colors she'll use a lot, like black and white)
  
  Polishes - Colors
  
  
• White
  
  
• Black
  
  
• Pink (get more than one)
  
  
• Nude/Cream
  
  
• Her favorite color
  
  Tools
  
  Don't worry too much about getting "the best tools" if she's just starting. As she starts painting, she'll realize what tools she likes and which tools she doesn't. Ebay/Etsy/Amazon $5 tools are fine to start out with.
  
  
• Dotting tools
  
  
• Brushes
  
  
• Sponges
  
  
• Stamping kit (if you're feeling fancy or advanced.)
  
  Misc
  
  
• Mani/Pedi Kit (its possible she may have these tools, in which case skip this one.)
  
  
• Nail File
  
  
• Orange sticks (again, she may have these. Skip it if she does. Also she probably won't ever need 100, just wanted you to see what they were.)
  
  
• Acetone or Nail Polish Remover (100% Acetone is much more concentrated than most polish remover, but it can be very drying on your skin. I use it for clean up, but if she's just starting out, nail polish remover should be fine.)
  
  
• Cotton balls
  
  
• Something to carry all this stuff in (I have a pink tool box, but a make-up box will work too)
  
  I've given you a lot of stuff to check out, but don't run out and buy everything at once. I would pick 3 or 4 things from this list and go from there. For a very basic "start kit" I'd go for two colors of polish, dotting tools or brushes, a mani/pedi kit, and something to carry it all in. You can always get her more, or she can add to her collection herself.
  
  Best of luck!
  

Seconding spinner rings! Also know as meditation or worry rings. And I would say keeping lotion and cuticle oil in several places (at your desk at work, in your bag, by your chair/couch, nightstand, etc is super helpful. My problem is more that I pick at hang nails until I make a bloody mess so I keep a set of angled nail clippers in a few places. As soon as I feel a hang nail I snip it and use some cuticle oil. Something like these are way better in my opinion for hang nails than regular clippers:

Cuticle Clipper by Premax. Made in Italy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CAZUD4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uf1WCbSMR07JB

Two suggestions:

1. Get a manicure. Doesn't matter what sex you are. You can get a basic one for $10, and just tell them you don't want any polish. The fact that you spent money on it will help deter you from messing it up.
   
2. Buy some cuticle clippers. This is what they use at the salon to trim those little pieces of skin. I used to use nail clippers, but they're not designed for skin, and often take off more skin than you intended and feeds the cycle. (I've used exacto blades too, but they also led to me destroying my fingers even more) I've been using cuticle clippers for years and they're perfection. I'll start picking and tear my skin, but once I use the cuticle slippers to trim it off, I having nothing left to pick at. And it's a clean cut, unlike exacto blades or clippers.

Hey im a nail technician and used to be a horrid nail biter. I've coached many through the habit! Everything these ppl said is true but im going to provide you with some links:

1- Nail file - you dont need a glass one obv but they last forever and are more sustainable.

2- Cuticle Nippers- I would, like u/deskais said, keep them with you all the time for a while and use that when you have a hang nail or rough cuticle you want to pick at. This one is a pretty inexpensive pair that comes with a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back with.

3- Disgustig nail polish - I've heard tales of people chewing through it but that is mind boggling to me. It tastes awful and will at the very least remind you if you are biting at them subconsciously. There is another brand called "stop the bite" but it wears off and isn't so bad. This one stays on until you remove it.

4- Cuticle Cream. This one is important and would be my #1 choice if you only picked one. Moisturize that shit every day. Keep it on your nightstand or in your car so you dont forget. If they aren't dry, there will be nothing to pick at and they will look so much better.

Id also get a professional manicure just to see how they do it and then that will help you learn how to do it yourself, and it will clean them up and then all you have to do is keep it up with at home care.

​

Good luck! Id love to see a followup post in a month if you remember.

Oh! I've been drooling over that color forever. Good choice! ;) Are you a big red fan?

If you have patience, Amazon is seriously a steal for building an arsenal! And if the answer to the patience question is yes... may I suggest...

• Guides for basic designs!
  
  
• If you want to organize your collection! These are super helpful when it starts growing and you want to be able to catalogue and match colors for manis. :)
  
  
  
• Striping tape, for all the lines!
  
  
  
• In case you want to up your cuticle care game :) or maybe this set instead?!
  
  
  
• Dotting tools are you best friend! And if you're into cleaning up your nails, this is a fantastic bundle!
  
  
  
• Gotta keep the nails healthy! and a different option if you'd like
  
  
  
  
• Makes removal so much faster!
  
  
  
  
• A trusty quick dry top coat
  
  
  
• Pair your top with a trust bottom coat!
  
  
  
• Maybe you want to try your hand at nail art?
  
  
  
  That's what I've got for now... Hmm.. What did I miss?

This please!

5 Awesome Facts:

• I have played the piano for 16 years
  
• My boob size is 38G
  
• I love to cook
  
• My addiction is spending money
  
• My favorite flower is the gardenia.

I wonder if this is an ADD thing. I do it with my fingernails. I cannot, for the absolute life of me, stop. Just like you, I find myself in the act, or already having done, without even realizing I was. I've tried everything. Nasty flavors, keeping them super trim and neat, that nail polish stuff..

The closest I got was with the upkeep approach. I tend to bite off the imperfections, so it made sense to me to try to keep them from existing. I had one of these cuticle clippers that I carried around all of the time. Would break it out any time I needed to bite.
Problem became that I couldn't stop fucking clipping them. All of the time, always. My coworkers were even making comments. My wife started hiding them from me... I gave up and went back to biting. (not only that, but I broke several of them over the maybe 4 months that I went on this binge. Got tired of replacing all of the time)

Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream + a nipper keep my crazy cuticles in check!

yes! I used to bite my nails, and now they're back to being long, strong, and elegant.

I personally used the "no bite" nail polish to quit. I find that, as long as my nails are painted and I take pride in them, I don't nibble anymore. However, I do have occasional relapses (midterms, finals, etc) and a week or so of "no-bite" helps me get back on track.

Once you've stopped biting and you have some growth, you may notice that you don't have the little "half-moon" white area at your cuticle. Everyday, soak your nails and gently push back your cuticles with either a wooden nail tool or your other nails.

Stopping nail-biting had a huuuugely positive effect on my self-confidence, and I wish you all the best with quitting!

These are a godsend.

Try cuticle cutters like these. They seem to be heavy duty enough but still have a small cutting edge.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NJE3M4?cache=5b31fa47fa20c11374d3d10c506e2d2c&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1405523555&sr=8-4#ref=mp_s_a_1_4

After a mild brushing of the head with Dawn or similar dishwashing liquid and a soft toothbrush I use a wooden cuticle pusher to remove any remaining scum hardened onto the head.

I tend to use a blade for 20-25 shaves and clean at least once or twice before actually changing the blade.

> cubical trimmers

cuticle trimmers my bad

https://www.amazon.com/Ejiubas-Professional-Stainless-Pedicure-Fingernails/dp/B078N8BN19/ref=pd_sbs_236_img_1/137-2530524-6169321?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07JJQ9S93&pd_rd_r=f920a379-f6fc-48b4-8db7-60476f74b7c0&pd_rd_w=Ur1Ev&pd_rd_wg=u6SWB&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=4TZK5HCPWX746W83X0AN&psc=1&refRID=4TZK5HCPWX746W83X0AN

Just a quick suggestion. I don't know if you're male or female, but if you keep clear nail polish on your nails, that might help deter you as it tastes god awful. I had a friend who stopped biting her nails by constantly keeping polish on them because she absolutely hated the taste. Also, keeping a pair of nail clippers and a file near you might help. I stopped biting my nails many years ago, but I still bite at the skin around them when I get nervous. I keep a pair of these on hand and will often just sit and snip away while watching tv. It really helps to snip it off because I would otherwise try to bite it off. Hope this helps!

Here's a list of things you should have:

• good sharp nail clippers
  
• a cuticle tool/trimmer or a pack of orange sticks for pushing back and trimming cuticles
  
• an emery board/nail file
  
• a 4-way buffer block
  
• a good hand cream (I recommend L'Occitane but go with what works)
  
  Trimming your nails regularly is a must (trimming cuticles reguarly is optional but recommended: push back cuticles with your stick and trim them off). After trimming, file away sharp edges with your emery board. Using your buffing block, buff each of your nails with each of the 4 sides in order (the sides will be numbered). Make sure you moisturize regularly. You can also use your cuticle stick to scrape dirt out from under your finger nails as needed.

Good day, sir, I hear you have trouble getting those pesky nail clippings in the waste bin! My goodness, I absolutely hate using toe nail clippers! Why would they create a product that gives you precision cuts with unpredictable projectiles!? Well, have I got a product for you!

<Disclaimer: Using first product found when searching "nail scissors">

The Tweezerman Stainless Steel Nail Scissors will happily cut your nails with total precision AND deliver those disgusting clippings straight to the trash bin! No mess, no fuss, no extra work! Enjoy your beautifully cut nails at the low price of $20.08!

^^^Assuming ^^^you ^^^have ^^^Amazon ^^^Prime ^^^and ^^^choose ^^^free ^^^2-day ^^^shipping.

When using tweezers for the tabs OR scissors for cutting you are using the muscles closer to the tips of your fingers. This can cause fatigue or soreness at your extremities.

​

Instead use cuticle clippers or nose pliers. These primarily use the muscles of your palm, or your grip strength. Much easier on your fingers and takes advantage of your grip strength which is far more than adequate.

Cuticle Clippers and Nose Pliers.

Cuticle clippers work very well.

My new favorite (extremely cheap!) tool is to use cuticle sticks. They work perfectly for smoothing small details and they feel natural to handle.

I also recently purchased some rubber tip clay tools that have really helped when smoothing/defining details. My only issue is that they are long-handled tools so I can't always reach the areas I need for refining.

Amazon links:

Cuticle sticks: http://www.amazon.com/DMtse-Cuticle-Remover-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B009WLX83Y

Rubber tip clay tools: http://www.amazon.com/COMI-Shapers-Sculpture-Polymer-Modeling/dp/B013WKV8JQ

These things are great.

I picked up a set very similar to this and, though I haven't used every tool in it, it was a worthwhile investment.

This is a 'proper' spudger, made of a plastic just a bit firmer than plaplate, used by folks servicing hardware (smartphones, laptops, etc) to push delicate parts around without breaking things: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Spudger/IF145-002-2

Here is an alternative that I use: small soft wood sticks, usually used for cleaning under/around nails: https://www.amazon.com/DMtse-Cuticle-Remover-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B009WLX83Y

The wood sticks don't have the most sturdy tip, but that's why you can get lots of them. I wouldn't use bare metal tools, they'd be too harsh.

<3 the nails! And cuticle care is my obsession! Check out this video on cuticle removal. I am firmly in the "no trim" camp, so I just push mine back regularly. I use some Sally Hansen cuticle removing gel and a pusher like that to remove the excess about once every couple of weeks. And while in the shower, I generally push them back with my nail about once a week. For moisture I use coconut oil right after manicures and this lotion for everyday.

You can get them from many shops where you would buy nail care products (I don't really know american stores but I think you have Boots & Sallys?) or Amazon.

They can be re-sharpened by dipping in boiling water, and cleaned/disinfected too so they're more hygenic and they are gentler on the nail. They will also get the edge feeling smoother.

Hangnails don't have to be a thing. You can knock it out painlessly in seconds.

Clip it off with cuticle nippers so it doesn't get tugged on. Nippers are designed well and make it very hard to cut living skin, just the hangnail. You could use nail clippers, but you tend to pinch sensitive skin with them.

If it's already sore from getting tugged on, after clipping it off, apply a dab of Neosporin plus pain relief. You will be pain free in less than a minute. Knock off brands work just as well, as long as they are labeled "pain relief." This stuff is great for small burns, paper cuts, and splinters, too. Eliminates the pain so you can get on with what you are doing without distraction.

Is it noticing the rough bits of skin that triggers you to bite? A friend of mine conquered a 30-year old habit by carrying a set of nippers around with him and snipping off any bits of dry skin he was tempted to bite immediately, and then using lotion to keep the skin soft. Took about a month of interrupting the cycle and eliminating the trigger before he completely lost the urge.

If you have never seen nippers, they nip off dry skin or cuticles cleanly without cutting healthy skin or leaving rough edges.

My habit is biting dry lips. I can't figure out how to trim dry skin on lips, so I'm just staying slathered with lip balm. Helps, but doesn't really get rid of my trigger.

whoops I thought I answered this? Obviously not. I just use blue cross cuticle remover and push back my cuticles with an orange stick and then I honestly moisturize cuticles with stuff I hate right now, but I tried my old roommates burt's bees cuticle creme and I LOVED it so I will probs get some soon. Hope that helps!!!

EDIT: I also heard amazing things about ELF's cuticle pen which I'm dying to try too!

Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/beauty/dp/B000WHYBE2 (well, maybe not that expensive one, but you get the idea)

Tears through wart hats like a beast. Then try the contact treatments.

This is my cheapest item.


Egoraptor

I use an orange stick or a reusable one. Also like /u/ToLovesEternalGlory said, keeping them polished or at least a french manicure on will help keep you from worrying about it and constantly digging under your nails.

I saw you're a cat person too!! I just got my kitty a crinkle tube and she looooves it!

If I win, I'd love to have this crystal nail file so I can file my nails into kitty claws ;)
You can't pick your friends nose

Nail care tool.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01E79ZI8I/

Maybe too late, but here's my setup:

I bought this light and it's amazing. Large enough for all fingers and very durable.

This cuticle pusher/gel polish scraper

Any type of nail dehydrator (just look for "Natural Nail Dehydrator", any brand is fine.


I'd also buy a topcoat and basecoat, and a couple basic colors. I'd recommend Gelish or CND. Let her choose additional colors if she wants.

Other necessities - which you may have around the house: Acetone (full-strength), cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, orange sticks, nail files.



I'd stay away from kits, as I found it's better to buy the best-quality stuff individually; inevitably a couple parts of the kit will be kinda crappy.

I'd also recommend putting it all into a bingo bag. Yeah, you can find lots of "nail kits" and "nail bags" but I swear I found this bingo bag on sale and it fits EVERYTHING perfectly. Like this one

Any other questions, please ask. I've been doing my own gel nails for a long time, and have worked with a lot of products and tried just about everything. :)

You also said:
>Woops, i meant to say before my nail, as in if you held your hand with your palm facing away from you its the part thats under the nail, pic related http://i39.tinypic.com/34s5feb.png mine always get little pieces of skin sticking out or they're red/dried up even if i put lotion they get moisturized but look bad

Just for future reference, the layer of skin at the base of your fingernail is called your cuticle. I'd advise investing in a cuticle clipper and maybe a cuticle pusher as well. Often, when I'm not taking care of my nails, my cuticles will grow long and hang out on my fingers where they can get painfully snagged and ripped real easily.

With the tools, it's just a matter of pushing your long cuticles back every once in a while, then using the clipper to trim them. The cuticle clipper also works as a fantastic hangnail clipper--far better, in my opinion, than normal nail clippers, since it's sharper and more maneuverable.

Incidentally, you can also use most cuticle pushers as fingernail cleaners, so that also helps a bit with your "gunk under the nails" problem.

And just for good measure, if you have any bad habits that involve your fingers--picking, biting, whatever--you should make a concerted effort to stop. They only make your hands look worse.

Do you use a cuticle remover to soften them up? I also recommend a metal spoon-shaped pusher like this one.

Keep them moisturized and tidy them up carefully with some sharp nippers.

Yes! I always measure the "sticker" before. I use this tool to make little dents to find my the right shape to cut out. If you need any more tips, PM me!

1 - my day went well. i hope yours went well, too. not a lot of traffic. i have the house to myself now so i'm kinda chilling.
2 - this week i really want to finish my laundry and complete this book i'm reading for my final project. It's for my Master's degree.
3 - I'm going to go to therapy... lol. Um, try a new look everyday, and get enough rest!
4- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PHKE0O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3JIHYYSXELMHH&coliid=I13UMJKEV6RQFB

I don't know how to link!

THANK YOU FOR BEING A SWEET MONKEYBUTT
<3333

These are the products I used, thanks to this sub for guiding me -

-Lagunamoon Gel Nail Polish Set UV... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NL57T9H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

-Nail Lamp 60W UV LED Nail Dryer,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4B8MF2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

• MelodySusie Portable Electric... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H05EDK0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
  -Manicure Set, ESARORA 18 In 1... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JCCGB8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
  -Tweezerman Neon Hot 4-In-1 File,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YRBWOWU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
  -TOODOO Cuticle Peeler Scraper... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07998KWCW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
  No, I’m not getting paid per click for those links...I wish!

you need one of these!

Like nail scissors? Please note this is a serious reply.

CUTICLE CLIPPER for your feet and fingernails, and a Steel Cuticle Cutter and Cleaner sound like its a manicure set

To address all your points:

I have the worst habit of not washing off nail polish remover and I never thought about the effects it could be having on my nails. I'll force this into the front of my mind!

I've heard about the electric toothbrush + shea butter method before so now seems to be the best time to give it a go!

...now realizing it's been forever and a day since I've taken my vitamins.

I've gotten a lot better with picking hangnails ever since I noticed how weak my nails are. It's a blessing and a curse I suppose. I'll keep them nice and trimmed just in case!

I definitely know what you mean about the "against the grain" part, but what does it mean to be filing "from the outside in"? Is it just the direction you file in so it's not against the grain?

I've heard a lot about these orange wood sticks but I have literally no clue what they are lol. I suppose that would be these but what exactly do you do with them? How far back would you push the cuticles?

I've never heard of the Mavala product, I will definitely pick some up this month. It sounds amazing and easy to use!

I feel the exact same way about wearing polish!! My confidence has increased so much since I quit biting but i still feel self-conscious without polish on.

Im a guy, and I used my friends nail file, It was the best nail file Ive ever used! Try it!

If I win i would choose to win the file :)

my tool of choice, hopefully already in your household

Welcome! I know these girls will be more then willing to help!! Ill start with a few things.

Nail care, invest in a good crystal file its not as damaging on your nails something like this
A good base coat around here people love Orly rubberized bonder great for under polish or something to help strengthen your nails is OPI nail envy (not cheap but works great)
oils or lotion are your friends use it often.

now the fun part polish around here we dont give a shit about skin color more polish color if you like it ROCK IT! great place to start for polish is sinful colors there cheap but pretty good qulity can try things out before spending tons of money. many times you can catch them at walgreens for .99 each.

if you have any questions please ask.

I've found that using only a pumice stone doesn't work for my callouses. I use a cuticle nipper for my hands and sometimes my feet. Basic one on amazon here. Once I've nipped off the nasty stuff, I use a pumice stone to smooth it out.

It's definitely a cuticle clipper: https://www.amazon.com/Cuticle-Clipper-Premax-Made-Italy/dp/B001CAZUD4

Dont rip it off. Use the right tool for the job. You need a cuticle trimmer. Soak your hands in warm water, or do this right out I'd the shower. Then gently nip the hangnail off while the skin is soft. Be gentle and don't go too deep or you'll cause bleeding.

Hint: push back and trim the cuticle (here's a tool for it: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Cuticle-Clipper-Stainless-Springs/dp/B01G6Y376W/) - this keeps the polish from glomming onto your skin. On your toes, especially, don't overlap the edge of the skin - this "seals" the nail, making them much harder to dry out and making it easy to get a fungal breakout (which looks really unsexy). There are anti-fungal polishes that you can use as a base for your toes.

Paint your toenails only for special occasions to avoid messing them up. If you want your fingernails to look good, practice keeping them nice, and use a clear nail polish like a strengthening polish - if you get "caught" you just say you like your nails to look nice and this protects them.

If you get "caught" with a very pretty color, your only excuse is that you're a femboy, so just own it in that case. :)

Was thinking of this one I found on Amazon.

i'd recommend getting a well-made crystal nail file like this: https://www.amazon.com/OPI-FI031-Crystal-Nail-File/dp/B000PHKE0O

using a nail oil a few times a day will keep your nails healthy and flexible, which prevents breaking or snapping. i like to use the oils from this etsy shop called VibrantVinylsShop (so many scents to choose from! and the cuticle oil is great to massage into your nails as well.)

as for shaping, from the photo your thumb, index and middle finger nails are round while the ring finger is rounded at the tip but has sharp corners on the sides and your pinky finger is square with sharp corners. these sharp corners are the reason for the breakage. squoval is meant to have a flat tip. a rounded tip isn't squoval, even with squared edges.

here are 5 common nail shapes: click here for pic as you can see, even the square shape has somewhat rounded corners while still retaining the shape.

i would recommend gently filing the sharp corners, just enough that they aren't super sharp, then let your nails grow out a bit before trying to re-shape them. my hands are similar to yours and, before i took up guitar, my nails were round/oval. https://imgur.com/T2Jfw4R the way i filed my nails, with my crystal nail file, is with gentle pressure in one direction in the shape of a "U" around the nail tip.

so yeah, give your nails a rest from the filing for now. soften up the sharp corners on your pinky and ring finger nails. let your nails grow out so the tips are above your fingertip, then (gently) re-shape them to the length and shape you want. :3 try squoval first if you wish. if you truly don't like the flat tip, it'd be easy enough to simply file corners to make them round. :D

This happens to me if i don't push back my cuticles. I find that leaving them be causes them to creep up my nails as they grow. Eventually they rip, bleed, and look gnarly.

Get some of these. Keep your cuticles pushed back into your nail bed. Then use lotion and don't chew at your fingers like a barbarian. Get some of this and put it on your fingers if you lack discipline.

> nail scissors

https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Stainless-Scissors-Solingen-Germany/dp/B003HKVRDY