✦ Nail glossary
Cuticle, Explained
Quick definition
The thin layer of dead skin sealing the nail plate to the finger at the base.
Technically the eponychium's shed edge, the true cuticle is meant to be gently pushed back and removed — never cut living skin, which invites infection and ragged healing.
Well-maintained cuticles visually lengthen the nail bed, which is why Russian manis make nails look bigger without any extension.
See it in action
Related terms
FAQs
What does "Cuticle" mean in nails?
The thin layer of dead skin sealing the nail plate to the finger at the base.
Is cuticle hard to do at home?
Most versions are beginner-friendly with the right prep — start with our step-by-step guides linked above.
How long does cuticle last?
Longevity tracks your prep quality more than the product: dehydrated, capped, sealed sets outlast rushed ones by double.