One of the tools that should be in every manicure kit is cuticle scissors. With them, your manicure will look neat, and your hands will be well-groomed.
What are cuticle scissors used for, and why do they need to be chosen carefully? We will tell you below.
What do the cuticle scissors look like
This product has a thin working canvas (blades), medium-sized rings, and a strong connection in the middle of the tool.
Manufacturers produce the tool in two formats:
- professional cuticle scissors: they are designed for manicurists. The tool usually has soft motion, high-quality material, and hand sharpening. Some models have a curved tip (“spout”) or handle at an angle. Such tricks are used to improve cuticle cutting and reduce pressure on the hand while working;
- non-professional scissors: they are also called a tool for a home manicure. This product is made of less expensive material, it has a wider working canvas.
The choice of the tool from the first or second group depends on the budget and personal requirements for the geometry of the scissors, the quality of the material, and the smoothness of motion.
Professional scissors are more expensive, but they are more convenient to work with and easier to care for. They can be sterilized both in a concentrated chemical solution and in a dry-heat apparatus (machine for heat treatment of metal products). You do not need to fear that they will change color or deform under the influence of high temperature.
How to handle the tool properly?
The main question that you need to deal with to make a beautiful manicure: is how to properly use cuticle scissors yourself.
There are a few tips:
- move to the tool after you have prepared the cuticle for the cut: “peel off” it with a special spatula from the nail plate and clean;
- cut the cuticle slowly and gently. If you choose a product for professional use, it is hand-sharpened. Working edges are sharp and thin. And they are easy to injure if you do not control the speed of the cut;
- hold the scissors at a 20 or 30-degree inclination: this gives you a good view of the sinus area (cuticle’s growth zone) and allows you to remove thin skin without leaving any residue;
- try to cut the cuticle with the tip of the scissors without pulling the tool away from the sinus area. This technique is less traumatic;
- cut the cuticle “at the root” to avoid cuts. Some girls and boys cut the cuticle in several steps: first, they cut in the middle and then very close to the edge of the sinus area, touching the blood vessels. This leads to bleeding wounds.
These are the basic recommendations on how to use cuticle scissors on yourself to avoid cuts during a manicure and the appearance of swelling and redness afterward.
Which is better: scissors or cuticle clippers
One popular “battle”: cuticle scissors vs. nippers (clippers). These two tools do a great job, but if you have to choose one, then evaluate:
- the aesthetics of the tool: the clippers are more massive. They have longer and thicker handles and working blades. They are heavier than scissors;
- ease of use: we have already described how to use cuticle scissors. With cuticle clippers, it is a similar story. Only you need to pay a little more attention to reviewing the sinus area, as their blades are thicker;
- tool geometry: clippers are available with or without a “heel” (additional support on the working area). The cuticle-cutting technique depends on the presence of this detail. Everything is easier with scissors. It is enough to adhere to the recommendations that we described above;
- care rules: it’s easier with scissors. You need to clean the blades of any remaining cuticle or skin from the lateral rollers and sterilize the tool. The clippers have many “pockets” where skin or nail particles can get clogged. This causes the tool to deteriorate. It also needs to be cleaned of manicure residue and bacteria to make the manicure safe.
And another criterion is a matter of personal preference. Some consumers choose scissors or cuticle clippers without explaining the selection criteria.
How to choose cuticle scissors
After you have learned how do you use cuticle scissors, we recommend knowing the main criteria for selecting a tool:
- material: the best option – is stainless steel. This material is resistant to aggressive chemical components and corrosion. With the only clarification – with proper care of the tool – compliance with all the prescriptions specified in the instructions for the tool sterilization solution or dry-heat;
- the size of the rings: there is small, medium, and large. Its choice depends on the thickness of the fingers. It is important that during cutting, the rings gently “hug” the finger, not squeeze it and not dangle;
- format of sharpening: there are manual and machine sharpening. The first one is considered to be of higher quality because the master controls the entire process. He makes sure that the tool is not left with nicks, scratches, and other defects. After sharpening, he checks the quality of the cut. During machine sharpening, all scissors are sharpened “in flow,” and there is a chance that some defects will remain on the working blades;
- blade length: options are 18, 21, 23 mm. The choice of the length of the working part depends on the size of the palm. Ideally, the tip of the index finger should be placed on the connecting bolt of the scissors. In this case, the work with the tool will be comfortable and coherent;
- design: there are models in the classic silver color, without patterns and ornaments. There are scissors in gold, blue, and pink shades. The choice of scissors design depends on personal preferences;
- the geometry of the tool: we are talking about the curved tip or rings. Not everyone is comfortable working with scissors that have curved parts. It is possible to find an alternative option.
Now you know what cuticle scissors are, and you will be able to choose a quality and stylish piece unmistakably.