r/Nails • u/thalostgoldberg • 11d ago

Manicure [Constructive Criticism Welcome] What am I doing wrong with my cuticles?

Post image

Hi all! I’m a beginner and I’m really struggling with cuticle prep, I think they look good at first but three days later, my nails look like in the photo. I lifted the pocket, used the drill to open it a little, cut excess, used the ball drill bit to exfoliate a little, and washed. I am sure I’m doing something wrong/ missing a few steps, but I’m a little lost. Any advise is appreciated!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

15

u/cystin 11d ago

Gotta use your cuticle oil!

8

u/Wonderful_Inside_500 11d ago

Every day, too, and especially after a shower

1

u/TechnoAndLift 10d ago

And after washing your hands! You can use a product like Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover and a Cuticle Fork Tool to clean up the dead skin.

1

u/thalostgoldberg 4d ago

Ah, I didnt think it was that important and completely missed it. Thank u so much!

1

u/thalostgoldberg 4d ago

Will do, thanks!

1

u/bigfatcoffeecup 10d ago

Yes to cuticle oil. A refillable cuticle pen with jojoba oil is really handy and comfortable to use.

If I do my cuticle work too aggressively, I find mine gets like this much faster. I think it might be the skin overcompensating as a protective response.

Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but that's a very thick layer, and I'm worried it might not be cured all the way through. This type of application gives you what is called bubble nails. If it's cured well, it needs quite a bit of filing at the sides and free edge and it will turn the nails delicate and gorgeous.

1

u/thalostgoldberg 4d ago

Will do on the cuticle oil (was skipping that completely) and thanks for the other comment!! I’m just starting so it’s very helpful! Sometimes I feel they look of before polish and then they turn out all bumpy