A cuticle nipper is a long-handled device with a sharp blade on the end that is used to trim dead skin from cuticles or to trim nails. One can be used by manicurists or anyone who likes to take care of their nails.
A person with a hanging nail, which can be cut with a cuticle nipper.
Some manicurists prefer cuticle scissors to a trimmer because scissors require a little less precision. Both tools are quite sharp and should never be used on skin that is still alive. In fact, the trimmer should only be used when extra nails or dead skin is causing the nail cuticles to look uneven.
A person must use absolutely precise movements with a cuticle clipper. It may help if the individual wears a large magnifying glass on the hand so as not to accidentally cut through living skin. A quick slide can cause a very severe cut, since the tip of the blade is very sharp.
With the help of a cuticle nipper, nails can look fresh and clean after a manicure or pedicure.
Generally, the tip of the cuticle trimmer blade should be directly toward the nail, rather than the cuticle. Excess skin should be trimmed in an upward motion to avoid cutting the finger. When cutting your nails, the cut should be away from the rest of the finger and not towards it. However, users should be careful not to sweep too quickly and run the blade across the finger next to the one being trimmed.
Manicures often use cuticle nippers.
Some people confuse the cuticle nipper with a cuticle pusher. A cuticle pusher is usually made of wood or plastic and is used to push the skin below the cuticle for a more even appearance. By pushing the skin down, it also reveals more of the crescent shape on the bottom of the fingers or toes.
Some people should avoid using a cuticle nipper on their feet. People with diabetes are extremely vulnerable to foot infections, so they should never use a cutting tool without first consulting a medical professional about the safety issues involved.
People vulnerable to skin infections may also want to avoid using sharp tools on their hands or feet. Also, if the nails or cuticles appear to be filled with pus, they should be examined by a medical professional.