The “Russian Manicure” Debate: To Cut or Not to Cut Your Cuticles?

A perfectly neat nail line. Colour applied close to the base. That freshly manicured finish you can’t stop looking at.

It’s easy to understand the appeal of a Russian manicure. But behind those close-up videos is a question worth asking: should your cuticles be removed to achieve the look?

Before your next salon appointment, here’s what to know and how to care for the skin around your nails between visits.

What is a Russian manicure?

A Russian manicure typically uses an electric file with small attachments to work around the nail and cuticle area, usually without soaking first. Some services also involve scissors or nippers to remove skin around the nail.

The appeal is a precise finish, with polish placed very close to the nail’s base to make regrowth less noticeable. However, removing the protective cuticle barrier is what raises concerns among dermatologists.

Salon terminology and techniques can vary, so ask what the service involves before booking.

Why do we have cuticles?

The cuticle helps seal the space where the nail meets the surrounding skin. That seal helps keep germs out.

Cutting or damaging it can weaken this protection and allow infection to develop. In other words, the skin around your nails deserves care even when it doesn’t fit the perfectly smooth look you see online.

So, should you cut your cuticles?

For routine nail care, the recommendation is to leave them intact.

There’s an important distinction between cutting around the base of the nail and dealing with a loose hangnail. If a hangnail catches on clothing, don’t pull or bite it. It's advised to clip it with a clean, sanitised nail trimmer. This doesn’t mean trimming away the surrounding attached skin.

What if your cuticles look dry or rough?

Start with regular moisturising rather than reaching straight for the nippers.It is recommended to moisturise the nails, particularly after polish removal, which can leave them dry.

For everyday cosmetic care, Cuccio Cuticle Oil is designed to help soften dry cuticles with an easy roll-on application.

On intact skin, roll along the cuticle area and gently massage. Its compact size makes it convenient to keep beside your laptop or in your bag, so a quick cuticle-care moment can fit into your day.

Cuticle oil helps with moisture and softness. It does not treat an infection or make aggressive cuticle removal safe.

A little care between appointments

Our approach at Cuccio Singapore is simple: enjoy your manicure, ask questions about the technique, and make daily care part of the routine.

Give dry cuticles a little everyday attention with Cuccio Cuticle Oil.