Anatomy
Cuticle
The thin layer of dead skin (technically the eponychium and cuticle) at the base of the nail that seals and protects the matrix.
In everyday salon language, 'cuticle' refers to the skin around the base of the nail. Technically, the true cuticle is the translucent dead tissue on the nail plate, while the living skin fold above it is the eponychium.
Proper cuticle prep — gently pushing back and removing dead tissue — is essential for clean enhancement application and to prevent lifting.
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