Cuticle Care: A guide for nail professionals

Cuticle Care: A guide for nail professionals

Cuticle Care: A guide for nail professionals

Proper cuticle care is an essential part of every professional nail service. It supports healthy-looking nails, creates a clean surface for product application and helps achieve a neat, long-lasting finish.

The cuticle is a thin layer of non-living tissue attached to the nail plate. It forms part of the nail’s natural protective barrier, helping to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering the nail area. Cuticle preparation should therefore focus on carefully removing excess non-living tissue without damaging the surrounding living skin.

Every client’s nails and skin are different. Cuticle condition may be affected by:

  • Cold weather, heat and low humidity
  • Frequent handwashing and sanitising
  • Exposure to water or cleaning chemicals
  • Picking, biting or pulling the skin
  • Incorrect or overly aggressive nail preparation
  • Naturally dry or sensitive skin

Assessing the area before beginning will help you choose the correct tools, pressure and technique for each client.

Why gentle technique is important

Overworking or cutting living skin can cause sensitivity, inflammation, dryness and small breaks around the nail. These openings may increase the risk of irritation or infection. Repeated trauma near the base of the nail may also affect healthy nail growth. Professional cuticle care is about precision and control, not removing as much tissue as possible.

Cuticle Preparation

1. Assess

Check the nail plate and surrounding skin for dryness, sensitivity, excess tissue, damage or signs of irritation. Do not continue with the service if the area appears infected or unsafe to work on.

2. Apply Lola Lee Cuticle remover to the excess cuticle and allow it to soften the cuticles for 30-60 seconds before pushing it gently back. 

3. Gently push back

Use a cuticle pusher with light, controlled movements to expose the nail plate and loosen non-living tissue. Avoid unnecessary pressure and never force the tool into the surrounding skin.

4. Remove excess tissue

Carefully remove tissue attached to the nail plate while keeping the tool flat against the nail. Only trim loose, non-living skin when necessary, using clean, sanitised cuticle scissors or nippers.

5. Remove the Cuticle Remover

Using a nail Lola Lee Nail Wipe and Lola Lee Sani Liquid, throughly remove all of the Cuticle Remover.

6. Prepare the nail plate

Lightly buff the nail where required, taking care not to thin or damage the natural nail. Remove all dust and cleanse the surface using a Lola Lee Nail Wipe and Lola Lee Sani Liquid.

7. Hydrate with Lola Lee Cuticle Oil

Once the service is complete, apply Lola Lee Cuticle Oil to nourish the surrounding skin and help maintain its flexibility. Encourage clients to use it regularly between appointments for the best results. 

Every client should have a Lola Lee Cuticle Oil at home.


Cuticle Remover- 

Potassium Hydroxide is the active alkaline ingredient in Lola Lee Cuticle Remover. It quickly softens and loosens excess dead cuticle by breaking down keratin, allowing it to be gently pushed away in just 30–60 seconds without aggressive scraping or trimming. This makes nail preparation quicker and helps create a clean, refined nail contour while removing residue that may contribute to lifting or peeling.

Cuticle Oil - 

Grapeseed Oil is the hero ingredient in Lola Lee Cuticle Oil. This lightweight, fast-absorbing oil helps soften and condition dry cuticles and the skin surrounding the nails without leaving a heavy, greasy feel. Blended with Tocopherol and moisture-attracting Propylene Glycol, it supports softer, smoother and more nourished-looking cuticles with daily use.
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