Wouldn’t life have it that one of the most under appreciated areas of your body is also one that if not taken care of can actually have huge effects on your overall health? Guys, meet your cuticles. They’re that thin little layer of what seems like dead skin all along the base of your nail beds. It’s been proven that if you don’t properly give the care your cuticles deserve, your nails just won’t start to look abysmal; you could also end up in a world of pain. Luckily, keeping your cuticles up to par doesn’t have to get ugly. When it comes to cuticle care:
1. DO NOT PICK.
This is cardinal rule number one. I know it can be beyond tempting to pick away at your cuticles, but don’t do it; they’re there for a reason. If the buildup becomes too much even for you, use a men’s cuticle tool like a cuticle remover or cuticle pusher to push back the skin – gently. It’s best to do this after a shower, as the skin is much softer and easier to work with.
2. Shorter isn’t better.
Cutting your nails too short is a huge no-no. Right off the bat, if you go clipper-happy and cut too far down, the results can be extremely painful. Second, trimming them excessively short increases the risk of you getting a hangnail. As a general rule of thumb, cutting them just above where the nail starts turning pink is a good line to follow.
3. Use the right tools.
You can’t just use just any old pair of scissors to trim your nails. Using the right nail tools helps reduce the risk of problems like ingrown nails and accidental cuts. Because the skin is so thin and sensitive around your nails, you want to do everything in your power to avoid a painful situation. Trust me. And whatever you do, DON’T BITE YOUR NAILS.
4. Drying is dying.
Dried out cuticles is a leading cause of unsightly hangnails. By moisturizing your hands regularly, you can keep your hands and nails hydrated and strong. Moisturizing also wards off ageing signs like fine lines and wrinkles, so make sure you’re applying some sort of deep moisturizing lotion at least once daily.
5. Elementary protection.
As we are all regularly reminded of, you have no control over the weather, so make sure your hands are prepared to take on any harsh temperatures thrown their way. Slather on some sunblock, SPF 30 should do, if you plan to hit the beach or be out in the sun for more than an hour. When the cold days strike again, bundle up and use gloves to keep hands from totally drying out.
With the proper care, you can avoid all the problems that neglecting your cuticles can cause. They may not seem like much, but they’re just as important as maintaining the rest of your body. Don’t skimp on the small stuff.
Check back here every other Tuesday for more reviews and tips on how guys are Nailing It when it comes to their grooming.
