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Push or Cut Cuticles?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A popular questions is should you push or cut your cuticles? I say definitely don’t cut your own cuticles, leave it to the professionals. Your cuticles are there to help prevent bacteria growth around the nails so be careful about cutting them. I say push your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher and if you are absolutely in need of cutting them, the next time you get a mani-pedi the salon should ask you and just say if needed cut them. What do you think though, cut or push your cuticles?
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jacksann51387 wrote:
1) 12/15/2009 11:17:09 AM
I always push my cuticles. I have really dry cuticles to begin with, and whenever I go to get a manicure done professionally they always end up being to aggressive when cutting my cuticles. I generally end up bleeding every time =( So because of this I stopped getting my nails done and I just do them myself, and I always just push my cuticles.
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winnyp wrote:
2) 12/15/2009 11:47:01 AM
I've always wondered which method was better. It seems like a manicure will always cut... sometimes push just for shape, but it never dawned on me that personal experience may be different.
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Sharonah wrote:
3) 12/15/2009 11:59:44 AM
I definitely do not think that you should cut your cuticles...I mean, they're there for a reason! But I suppose if you think they're getting out of control then it's okay...
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taci wrote:
4) 12/15/2009 12:18:36 PM
I like pushing them. If they are cut (when I get a mani)I think they look worse. And my hands stick and poke me (or maybe they just did a bad job) (has this happened to anyone?) So I stoped getting manacures, and just push them back
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Madkhat wrote:
5) 12/15/2009 2:15:07 PM
I push my cuticles, you definitely shouldn't cut your cuticles! Like another commenter said, they can get jagged, cause irritation and bleeding, as well as letting bacteria in. No one likes nail fungus!
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susies1955 wrote:
6) 12/15/2009 3:41:26 PM
I'm pretty new to polish and I push. I am placing an order now for more nail polish. :) Susie
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loverofgloss wrote:
7) 12/15/2009 4:08:59 PM
I push my cuticles. Unless I'm getting my nails done professionally then I'll let the experts do it but at home its just me.
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susies1955 wrote:
8) 12/15/2009 4:56:05 PM
I was wondering if you will be getting any metallic polishes in? :) Thanks, Susie
1 Reply | Reply to this | Open Thread
neat-o wrote:
9) 12/15/2009 5:04:43 PM
push 'em. if you were to do your own nails, its easier after you had a shower as cuticles are softer and easier to work with.
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dhsieh9 wrote:
10) 12/15/2009 6:36:24 PM
I know you're not supposed to cut your cuticles but sometimes I don't have the self-control to stop :( Pushing it definitely helps though!
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Angel330 wrote:
11) 12/15/2009 6:41:07 PM
push, or have professionals cut them
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*tasha* wrote:
12) 12/15/2009 8:42:09 PM
I have been cutting my cuticles for 30 years and my nails are in perfect condition. But I would never trust anybody else to do this work. No salons or any professionals for me! I have my own manicure tools, I disinfect them and take very good care of the tools.
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KewlJewel wrote:
13) 12/15/2009 10:49:16 PM
I feel pushing back your cuticles will be the better option, just because cutting them makes them harder which isn't good. I feel that cutting them is pointless, since they will grow back, so I push them back.
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jarzi wrote:
14) 12/15/2009 11:11:39 PM
i just push my cuticles back. I think my nails look worse when I cut the cuticles off.
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cindyloo123456 wrote:
15) 12/15/2009 11:57:52 PM
I agree, I wouldn't trust myself cutting my own cuticles
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XxoticDiva wrote:
16) 12/16/2009 12:13:42 AM
I think it is safer to push your cuticles back instead of cutting them. Which is the main reason alot of people end under with fungus on there hand and also feet. Please the equipment have to be sterile, so def leave it to the professionals. Plus nails look alot healthier with your cuticles.
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Tami wrote:
17) 12/16/2009 12:28:49 AM
I definitely think its best to push back your cuticles. After letting salons cut mine a few times, I definitely noticed the terrible shape they were put in... its best to just push them and keep them moisturized! I do have a cuticle nipper, but I use it on my thumb where I am having a cuticle growth spurt... likely cause I let a salon cut it too low and now I'm paying for it!
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SVM wrote:
18) 12/16/2009 1:03:51 AM
I hate the idea o doing anything with my cuticles. I've had some bad experiences with inflammed cuticles after spa manicures. My husband LOVES to push his back. The thoughts just makes me wince now!
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youaskedme wrote:
19) 12/16/2009 1:35:53 AM
I agree, pushing back is best especially if you are doing your own nails at home. Getting them done at the salon is also risky for infection or injury if tools are not sanitized properly. If you opt for pro cutting, better safe than sorry and bring your own clippers, period.
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Chrissy1414 wrote:
20) 12/16/2009 1:59:19 AM
Thanks for sharing this! I always like cutting my cuticles, but now I'll only let the professionals do it!
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xm3ph15t0x wrote:
21) 12/16/2009 2:38:27 AM
Push! ....definitely the better option for us less graceful types in between professional manicures! :)
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R26 wrote:
22) 12/16/2009 4:02:07 AM
I agree that cuticles are there to prevent bacteria growth under the nails and should only be pushed back but I believe its ok to cut them if they are dry. Thanks for the interesting post!
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crdavis2001 wrote:
23) 12/16/2009 7:24:33 AM
personally, cut AND push is needed. if you continously psuh only, you will have long dead cuticle...not cute. and you can just cut either because you will not be getting the entire cuticle.
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mIGHTYgRACE wrote:
24) 12/16/2009 9:43:12 AM
I say push. Thats what I've always been taught to do.
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JoannaBanana wrote:
25) 12/16/2009 1:16:03 PM
I've heard from several sources that you shouldn't cut your cuticles!!! Just push them. Besides whenever I go to the salon they cut them and they bleed and end up looking worse than before.
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meyaya wrote:
26) 12/16/2009 2:50:00 PM
I say push not cut. Cutting hurts and causes bleading as well as bacteria.
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Vintage Diva wrote:
27) 12/16/2009 4:53:24 PM
I totally agree. I tried to cut my cuticles and took off way too skin and had to walk around with raw fingers for a week and a half. Also I burned so bad when I had to take off my nail polish.
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buzin wrote:
28) 12/16/2009 5:48:55 PM
im not going to cut my cuticles
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Midori wrote:
29) 12/16/2009 5:55:46 PM
I think the safest thing is to probably push your cuticles and it just seems less painful to me. The last time I went to a nail salon, the "professional" ended up making me bleed while cutting my cuticles. After that experience, I'm sticking to just pushing them for sure.
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aerogirl225 wrote:
30) 12/16/2009 6:00:49 PM
i dont think i will cut or push my cuticle now
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Sea-air-ahh2011 wrote:
31) 12/16/2009 6:54:39 PM
I have to say push my cuticles, i just find it much easier and quicker for a teenager who doesnt always have time to get my cuticles cut when they need too.
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eyecandy007 wrote:
32) 12/16/2009 8:09:38 PM
i get them professionally done .. doing this solo you can get infections becareful!!!
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MakeupGirl101 wrote:
33) 12/16/2009 9:35:17 PM
I think its fine to do your own!
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Stephanie L. wrote:
34) 12/16/2009 10:05:32 PM
I push my cuticles first then cut them. I usually use a cuticle cutter from Revlon or another "trusted" brand. It may seem scary for some people who are doing it for the first time, but it works very well. Just be careful you don't cut too deep and it'll also save you money and a visit to the nail shop.
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jv911 wrote:
35) 12/17/2009 12:46:06 AM
What better way to give yourself an excuse for a mani/pedi!
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Princess Missy wrote:
36) 12/17/2009 3:02:00 AM
I prefer to push my cuticles instead of cutting them. I find that my nails grow faster that way and it is less painful. If they absolutely need to be cut, then I only have a professional do it (^_^).
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reenz717 wrote:
37) 12/17/2009 9:32:50 AM
I have always wondered how safe it was to cut cuticles or just have them pushed back. Be careful where you go for your mani pedis; make sure the place is spotless and clean. No risk of infection is worth a cheapy mani pedi salon.
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Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler wrote:
38) 12/17/2009 9:36:41 AM
I use a cuticle dissolving liquid that was passed on to me by my mom. I find that's the easiest way to make sure I don't do anything stupid.
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aleigh wrote:
39) 12/17/2009 10:41:28 AM
I agree with you... pushing them back is better than cutting them off. They are there to protect from germs getting in and causing an infection!
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Soulsurfer514 wrote:
40) 12/17/2009 1:25:21 PM
I definitely think pushing is better. I've seen many a cutting go horribly wrong.
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Princessval76 wrote:
41) 12/17/2009 2:02:27 PM
I never cut my own cuticles. I'm too worried about infection. I usually just use the cuticle pusher.
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shootinstr wrote:
42) 12/17/2009 2:05:19 PM
as tempted to cut, definitely push
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Haibai wrote:
43) 12/17/2009 3:47:04 PM
I've been wondering about this and thinking to cut my cuticles. Guess I'll stick to the push method! Good to know! Thanks!!
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KatieSue wrote:
44) 12/17/2009 6:23:06 PM
A really nice and gentle way of doing your own cuticles is to put some heavy hand cream on the cuticle areas to get them soft and then just gently push them in! Any dead cuticle should easily come off without the need to cut it.
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Phinal wrote:
45) 12/17/2009 8:21:12 PM
I definitely don't cut my own cuticle that gets done during pedi and mani session!
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Ardra wrote:
46) 12/17/2009 8:25:03 PM
Personally I would only have my cuticles pushed, even at the salon. They seem to stay nice and healthy looking that way. :-)
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sawapuss2000 wrote:
47) 12/17/2009 8:28:25 PM
Definitely push back those cuticles unless you have a hang nail or something
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AgentX wrote:
48) 12/17/2009 9:41:54 PM
Definitely push the cuticles!
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roxyritzrocks wrote:
49) 12/18/2009 1:13:12 AM
Push my cuticles...Its easier and safer for me to push my cuticles than to cut it...
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yesi wrote:
50) 12/18/2009 6:01:55 AM
i used to cut my cuticle because i thought that is what you were suppose to do,lol,hey i was like 10 years old so i had no clue! but now when i do my nails i push them back i just make sure i soak them in water and soap so it gets soft so it wont hurt.
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LeeLee wrote:
51) 12/18/2009 11:03:40 AM
I always push my cuticles on my fingers.My toes are a different story, I push and cut those suckers. I've never had a mishap,and it makes me feel better about my "Flintstones" feet. =)
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Jaszy wrote:
52) 12/18/2009 12:22:03 PM
i have short nails. so i noticed that if i push my cuticles back more often, when i cut them a lil my nails look a little bit longer. anything helps =]
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brittnie wrote:
53) 12/18/2009 12:27:04 PM
My cuticles get so bulky sometimes- thats when i cut them... otherwise its push:)
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belle8 wrote:
54) 12/18/2009 3:34:06 PM
i would definitely say push..
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Reenie wrote:
55) 12/18/2009 6:50:25 PM
I always cut my cuticles with a nice little cuticle shaver. I've never had any problems with it, and it prevents them from getting all ragged, especially during the winter.
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kittyhawk wrote:
56) 12/18/2009 8:29:02 PM
I actually spoke with someone the other day, and I was told you should never push your cuticles back because it opens the doors to possible infections. He suggested that I bye some cuticle serum which helps to soften the cuticle and make it less noticeable... So far it's been a lot less stomach turning then pushing them back and has worked out pretty well. :)
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Nuria wrote:
57) 12/19/2009 5:26:20 AM
I usually push my cuticles back....and leave the rest to the professionals.
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bonjourbea wrote:
58) 12/19/2009 4:26:20 PM
Push back cuticles, if you're going to mess with them at all. Personally I just use a cuticle remover oil and massage. But no cutting.
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alliewithlove wrote:
59) 12/19/2009 10:31:35 PM
i agree, most of the time i just push them or leave them alone i never cut them. my fingers feel and look weird if i cut them
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MrsO wrote:
60) 12/20/2009 12:46:58 AM
I find that if I push back my cuticles it makes my nail beds look so long. Since I already have long nail beds it just looks awful. I prefer to have my cuticles cut when I get them filled.
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mimi243 wrote:
61) 12/20/2009 3:54:36 AM
push 'em. cutting them hurts anyway, plus you can damge them. and pushing is way easier, I just use my fingers sometimes!
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mimi243 wrote:
62) 12/20/2009 4:10:14 AM
push 'em. its so much easier and plus its less risky. you could damage your cuticles by cutting them, pushing them is safer. sometimes i just use my finger with my cuticles, because if youre gentle it gives the same effect without a cuticle stick!
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Rainyy wrote:
63) 12/20/2009 7:28:22 PM
I'd say push. Cutting seems too risky.
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makeuplover47 wrote:
64) 12/20/2009 11:27:23 PM
I always push my cuticles!
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Pinky wrote:
65) 12/21/2009 2:38:52 PM
I guess it depends on the situation. If I'm doing an at home mani, more times than not I'll just push them back. Although there are times when I will cut them. If I'm getting a professional mani then of course I'd like the pro to cut them. I just think my nails look so much nicer when they get cut :)
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Laurenpw wrote:
66) 12/21/2009 9:12:52 PM
I have a special type of clipper that allows me to cut my own cuticles without any problem.
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bluekoala wrote:
67) 12/21/2009 9:30:40 PM
I think you should push cuticles instead of cutting them. If you don't have the correct schooling to cut cuticles, you may end up hurting your finger if you make a wrong cut.Pushing cuticles is a lot easier as well. Also, I found this solution at the store that you put on your cuticles for 15-30 seconds and it gets rid of dry cuticles. I haven't tried it yet, but I believe it works well.
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Eddie wrote:
68) 12/22/2009 2:18:07 PM
I push my cuticles because I don't want to risk getting an infection which looks totally gross and I rarely have the time to stop by and get it does by a professional so it's usually me while I'm multi-tasking~
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luvchelly222 wrote:
69) 12/22/2009 2:34:07 PM
I LOVE these clippers... they work for so many purposes, toenails... fingernails.. and of course cuticles! they make getting to those hard to reach places, so much easier!
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livinchillinLOVE wrote:
70) 12/22/2009 6:01:06 PM
i feel like if i cut them they will grow back faster... i say push but if i get my nails professionally done then i definitely let them cut my cuticles....
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LexiLove wrote:
71) 12/22/2009 6:35:08 PM
I think push. Cuting is too dangerous.
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Hess wrote:
72) 12/22/2009 7:32:52 PM
I push back my cuticles and only cut them when there is a large amount of skin that bothers me.
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keychain83 wrote:
73) 12/23/2009 3:50:22 AM
As a cosmetology student, amongst many other things I have or am still studying (*LoL*), you need only to cut cuticles that are still present after pushing them back, but we must first soak our clients' fingers (or feet) in warm water before applying cuticle lotion and proceeding to push your cuticles. I hope that makes sense.
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JulsJunque wrote:
74) 12/23/2009 10:42:15 AM
As Achelle said, cuticles are to protect your nails. I was always told to use a cuticle cream/oil to condition them,gently push them back and use a cuticle remover product to keep them looking ok.
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sunshinegirl707 wrote:
75) 12/23/2009 1:42:40 PM
My cuticles are really gross but I definitly would not cut them. I push them some and I am trying to make them more healthy with the E.L.F. nourishing cuticle pen. It is really working so I don't think I would need to cut them. Plus that would be kind of painful right?
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Sugarbear wrote:
76) 12/23/2009 2:07:03 PM
I'm a former licensed manicurist and I wouldn't suggest cutting your own cuticles at home. I went to school to learn how to do nails the right way and I still end up cutting myself when I trim my cuticles. If you must cut them, leave it to the professionals in the salon.
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mami2chula wrote:
77) 12/23/2009 6:29:01 PM
I push back my cuticles. If anything leave it to the professionals when u go for a manicure.
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MelaBella wrote:
78) 12/23/2009 6:37:25 PM
I prefer pushing them (even though its uncomfortable!) because It sort of scares me to be cutting your skin :)
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Janicew9 wrote:
79) 12/23/2009 7:58:10 PM
I always push my cuticles back when doing home mani-pedis. cutting them weirds me out! I think my mom got me the ELF Cuticle pen for christmas, but shhh i didnt see it!
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ADB wrote:
80) 12/24/2009 12:17:33 AM
I always thought u cut them yourself on feet..but 4rm here on out i'll push them back.lol
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beauty justice wrote:
81) 12/24/2009 12:15:02 PM
Hi as a beauty therapist i would say some therapists do this but eventually the cuticles grow back thicker!! Much better to soften them with cuticle cream and gently push them back.Using your towel after a shower is good as skin is warm gently push them back. I would say the best thing to use cuticle nippers for is hangnails which are the annoying bits of cuticle which randomly stick out.Best to cut those naughties off before they pull and get really sore!! =)
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simplegirl wrote:
82) 12/24/2009 7:28:29 PM
When I read the title, some how it sounds kinda funny. But I push it and then cut it. lol
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crazyazn4eva wrote:
83) 12/25/2009 1:55:13 PM
push and THEN cut?
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*#1 beauty wrote:
84) 12/26/2009 1:53:53 PM
I say push back always. Every time I or even a professional cuts my cuticles, they always peal back and hurt really bad. So if you don't want hurt push back your cuticles!
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Angelall wrote:
85) 12/26/2009 7:07:23 PM
Cut, I don't know why but it's not as satisfying pushing my cuticles. So cutting it actually makes me feel better. Go figure.
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Melodious wrote:
86) 12/28/2009 12:40:34 AM
Push your cuticles.
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queegeeg wrote:
87) 12/29/2009 3:08:24 PM
Pushing your cuticles is the best, but make sure they are soft and moisturized when you do it. I always push the cuticles very gently back off the nail plate and then cut anything left hanging (i.e. hang nails)
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LULU12 wrote:
88) 12/29/2009 5:33:11 PM
i have NEVER cut my cuticles...just the thought of it scares me, so i would definetly say push =)
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bellazmom wrote:
89) 12/29/2009 6:51:55 PM
It may sounds weird, but I like pushing back my cuticles! I have a cuticle pusher on my night stand, in my desk drawer, in my briefcase. You get the idea. And, I love that the ones from e.l.f. are a $1! I can lose one and not be a bit botehred! I love them!
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lifesepitome wrote:
90) 12/30/2009 12:52:35 PM
If you have the tools (cuticle nipper) then you should definitely cut them. As long as you make sure to moisturize your cuticles by leaving them in warm water or using a moisturizer it should be fine. Just don't cut them to closely, just enough to clean it up. You can always push them but I feel like sometimes if you push them it goes back to it's regular state.
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beautyblogger wrote:
91) 12/30/2009 11:51:29 PM
i push mine too, i also have dry cuticles.
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beautyblogger wrote:
92) 12/30/2009 11:53:02 PM
Push, cutting spreads bacteria & i have dry cuticles :(
1 Reply | Reply to this | Open Thread
Mary406 wrote:
93) 1/3/2010 1:00:19 AM
Hmm, I just push my cuticles back..they don't really get in the way on all my nails, lol. Weird. I'll definitely buy the e.l.f. cuticle pusher though anyway. :)
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Rina wrote:
94) 1/3/2010 6:49:37 PM
i think pushing is better
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Maddielouu<33 wrote:
95) 1/3/2010 11:03:29 PM
I think you should push because cutting them can resault in pain or permanate Jacked up cuticles(:& Maybe blood.. So remember, Push don't cut,Like talk don't yell. -Maddielouu<33
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girlygirlll wrote:
96) 1/4/2010 3:32:06 PM
i actually cut and push my cuticles but sometimes, i start bleeding since i cut too much. so i stopped cutting them and im now only pushing them
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morena wrote:
97) 1/4/2010 3:45:49 PM
i always push my cuticles ... they say it bad when you cut them. Plus when i go to some salons they try not to cut them they always push them back.
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push wrote:
98) 1/6/2010 8:15:31 PM
i always push my nail because if you cut them bacteria gets inside and it could get infected
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mgirl wrote:
99) 1/16/2010 9:49:28 PM
i push mine at home
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Theresa T wrote:
100) 12/19/2010 1:37:05 AM
I have this obsession with cutting my cuticles, its horrible. Elf needs to make a cuticle oil ;)
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