Best Cuticle Nippers for a Professional Manicure 2024
If you want your nails to look like you went to the salon, it takes more than nail polish and a steady hand. A flawless finish also includes tidy cuticles. You can push the skin back, but sometimes the excess needs to be trimmed. That's when the best cuticle nippers for a professional manicure come in handy.
But before discussing this essential manicure tool, we should warn you. Frequent trimming may cause the cuticles to grow back thicker and more rigid. If you must cut them, use sharp, sanitized nippers and be careful to avoid injuring the skin. Only remove the dead parts after you've pushed back the cuticles. Alternatively, try liquid cuticle remover first.
Now, let’s talk about the different types of cuticle nippers to help you decide which ones are best for your needs.
How to Choose the Best Cuticle Nippers
Nippers come in different sizes and styles with regard to the blades, the joints, and the handles. Moreover, acrylic nippers look very similar to cuticle nippers but serve a different purpose.
Here is a brief explanation to help you pick the best manicure tools for your situation.
Cuticle Nipper Sizes
As you shop for cuticle nippers, first consider the size. The most common are small, medium, and large, but they go by different names. Small is called "quarter jaw," the medium is "half jaw," and large is “full jaw.”
The small or quarter jaw size is about 3mm, the half jaw is 5mm, and the full jaw is 7mm. Which one should you pick?
Well, the medium size is the most popular. It’s ideal for trimming cuticles around most adult fingernails and toenails. Nevertheless, the smaller the jaw, the better the control you’ll have using the nippers.
Next, check the handle length to ensure the nippers fit in your hand and feel comfortable. Again, the most common size is 4 inches long.
Therefore, if you went with the 4-inch-long nippers with a half jaw (5mm), you’d have the most popular size to work with. Here’s an example:
Cheri Cuticle Nipper T01-14
These stainless steel cuticle nippers are made to last. Notice the sturdy box joint and the streamlined construction.
The rust-resistant metal can be cleaned and sanitized again and again. Soak them in 70% rubbing alcohol for 5 to 10 minutes. Then let them dry completely before storing them in the included protective case for the tip.
The sharp blades are designed to snip off excess skin without snagging or tearing. What’s more, the handle was designed for either left or right-handed users.
If you look closely at the handle, you'll see the spring stores on one side. Rotate it and click it into place on the other side to get spring action for effortless trimming. Not only does it make the nippers easier to control, but it also makes them more powerful.
These are half-jaw or 5mm nippers, the most common blade size used by pros and home manicurists worldwide.
Cuticle Nipper Joints and Springs
Occasionally, you’ll find cuticle nippers with double springs or a lap joint. If there are 2 springs, the cuticle nipper may be more difficult to squeeze closed. And a lap joint, which is similar to what scissors have, is less durable than a box joint. Furthermore, a box joint is superior for precision trimming because it doesn't allow the blades to shift or slide unexpectedly.
T&N Cuticle Nipper D-01
Why would you choose a full jaw nipper instead of something smaller? The average person doing occasional manicures or pedicures at home might not want large nippers like these. But professional manicures might choose them because they can work faster with them.
How to Use Cuticle Nippers Correctly
If you struggle to manage overgrown cuticles, nippers can save the day. They instantly get rid of the problem once the cuticles are pushed back. Here’s how to get the most out of your new cuticle nippers.
- Soak the hands in warm water with soap for 5 minutes. Then check to see if the skin is soft enough to be pushed back.
- Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently nudge the skin off the nail plate.
- If you’re struggling to push back the cuticles, use cuticle remover to soften them further.
- If at least 1mm of excess skin surrounds the nail plate, use the nippers to trim it.
- Also, use the nippers to trim hangnails.
- Never cut so close that it causes bleeding.
- When the manicure is finished, apply cuticle oil to keep the skin soft and healthy.
If the cuticles or hangnails bleed, wash them with cool water and soap, then apply liquid styptic or direct pressure with clean gauze to staunch the bleeding.
Alternatives to Using Cuticle Nippers
If you feel hesitant about using nippers because you’ve heard so many dire warnings, don’t worry. You have other options for achieving a professional manicure.
It’s accurate that frequent cuticle cutting can make the skin around your nails even tougher. But it’s also true that you can soften the skin and resolve the problem without trimming it.
Cuticle remover is an effective option for softening and clearing away dead tissue. This product typically features an alkaline ingredient like caustic potash to rapidly dissolve dead skin. But most formulas also have moisturizers like lanolin and natural oils to protect your fingertips.
If you don't have cuticle remover, try baking soda paste. But even soaking your fingers in warm water for a few minutes can make a big difference. Plus, applying cuticle oil day and night will work wonders in a matter of days.
Every time you shower, gently push back the cuticles with your fingernails. Then massage cuticle oil into the fingers and toes. You won't have to worry about unruly cuticles within a week or two.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you find cuticle nippers for a flawless finish on every manicure.
We’re glad you dropped by. Be sure to take advantage of our deals to upgrade your manicure tools as needed. You might also enjoy seeing our new arrivals for the latest trends in the nail world. Happily, we offer free delivery for shipments over $100!
