The Truth: Many salon-goers who’ve been conditioned by nail techs to expect their cuticles to be trimmed with nippers at every appointment. When they’re not, those clients request it, as if that “essential” part of the service is an absolute necessity. But our cuticles serve a purpose: They act as a protective seal between your nail and skin, keeping out bacteria and preventing infection. Cutting them too aggressively or too often can lead to irritation and even damage. Moreover, nipping creates a never-ending cycle; the more you nip, the more the cuticles and surrounding skin will grow back ragged, requiring nipping again. Over time, this can cause the skin around the nails to thicken. While a highly trained professional can safely remove cuticles, there is a better approach: Gently push them back and use a cuticle remover if needed. This will help prevent skin overgrowth and keep your cuticles soft, pliable, and healthy instead.

The Truth: It’s not uncommon for nails to be weak and damaged after removal, and many believe that it’s the chemicals in acrylic enhancements (or gels) that are causing this. But get this: It’s not the acrylic; it’s the misuse. Damage usually comes from over-filing during nail prep or aggressive removal (like picking or prying off enhancements). When applied and removed correctly by a trained professional, acrylics are completely safe and don’t harm the natural nail underneath. In fact, they can actually act as a protective coating particularly for nails that are pliable and prone to breakage.

The Truth: Many of our mothers told us that those tiny white spots we occasionally see on our nails are the result of a calcium deficiency. And while logical, those spots (called leukonychia) are usually the result of minor trauma to the nail matrix—not a vitamin deficiency. The matrix is found just under the base of your cuticle, and that’s where the nail grows. The real culprit is often a result of accidentally bumping or aggressively pressing that part of your finger, affecting the way the nail grows out from the matrix.

The Truth: Not always! Technological advancements in gels have led to product that can adhere to nails for longer than a couple of weeks. So when it comes to removal, you don’t necessarily have to remove it and start fresh anew. As long as the gel isn’t lifting and the nail is healthy, a fill or structured gel overlay can be maintained without completely removing the gel. Improper removal—scraping, prying and overfilling to remove gel—is actually more damaging than working over a solid foundation with proper technique.

Bottom line? Beautiful nails are built on science, skill and solid information. Whether you’re a DIYer or a licensed tech, understanding the why behind nail care helps you make smarter choices—and ditch the outdated myths for good.