Cuticles and manicure: why a beautiful nail starts with clean cuticles + manicure styles

A beautiful manicure doesn't start with polish. It starts with the cuticles — the thin skin around the base of the nail. When the cuticles are neat, any colour sits cleaner, gel polish lasts longer and the hand looks cared for, even with a simple nude shade. This guide explains what cuticles are, how to look after them, and shows manicure styles done by our nail specialist Nata.

What cuticles are

The cuticle is the thin skin at the base of the nail. It has an important job: it protects the nail root from dirt and infection. That is why a good manicure does not "cut" the cuticles but tidies them: only the excess dead skin that has crept onto the nail is removed, and the living skin stays untouched.

Why it matters:

• Polish reaches the base — the colour goes all the way down and forms a clean, crisp line;
• Gel polish lasts longer — a coating laid over dead skin starts to lift sooner;
• The nail looks longer — a neat base makes the nail look longer and slimmer;
• The hand looks cared for — even without polish.

How to care for your cuticles at home

A salon manicure lasts much longer if you give it a little time at home too:

1. Oil every day — cuticle oil, or just a few drops of any nourishing oil before bed. It is the simplest and most effective habit;
2. Hand cream — especially after washing your hands and in cold weather, when skin dries out fast;
3. Don't pick — never tear lifted skin: it can leave a wound and inflammation. If it bothers you, trim it carefully or see a specialist;
4. Gloves for housework — dish soap and cleaning products dry the skin;
5. Regular manicure — about every 2–3 weeks, when it's also time to refresh the gel polish.

Manicure styles — Nata's work

All of these manicures share one thing: clean cuticles and a neat base line. That's what creates the "expensive" look.

French — the classic that never ages

A thin white tip on a natural base suits short square nails and long almond shapes alike. It's the most versatile everyday choice.

Milky and nude

A milky, slightly sheer or nude shade makes the hand look natural and clean. In this style cuticle care really shows — any unevenness is visible at once, so the base has to be perfect.

Colourful and bold

A pink "jelly" effect, a long pointed shape or a zebra French — for those who want more character. Extra design is priced separately: French from 20₾, nail art from 10₾.

Which manicure to choose

• Classic manicure — from 40₾: cuticle tidy-up, shape and regular polish;
• Gel polish — from 55₾: shine and durability for 2–3 weeks;
• Gel polish with strengthening — from 70₾: for thin, brittle nails;
• Extensions — from 90₾: the length and shape you want.

More on the difference: gel polish or classic manicure; design ideas are in our nail trends article.

Frequently asked questions