Are you generally allowed to trim cuticles during a manicure? Explain.

• A. No; trimming living tissue increases infection risk; push back and soften cuticles instead
• B. Yes; trimming improves appearance
• C. Sometimes; depending on client
• D. Only if using sterile clippers

Answer: (A)

You generally do not trim cuticles during a manicure because the cuticle is living tissue that forms a protective barrier around the nail. Cutting it creates tiny wounds that can readily become entry points for bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of infection and delaying healing. The safer, standard approach is to push back and soften the cuticles, using proper tools to gently lift and tidy only loose, nonliving tissue. This keeps the seal intact while still presenting a neat appearance. Sterility of tools does not justify cutting living tissue, and trimming for appearance or client-specific reasons isn’t considered best practice when it involves potential tissue damage.