To continue with the manicure treatment would only risk ingredients from various products getting into the open wound. The liability risk to the nail technician and the spa is too high. Should the client develop an infection, any multitude of situations could occur. In the worst case scenario, the client could lose all or a portion of their finger depending on how bad the infection gets. Open wounds also create an opportunity to pass on Hepatitis or HIV. This is why proper sanitation is important. Keeping metal implements sanitized, or even sterilized, would ensure that any nicks would not pass anything
from one client to the next.

It is common for the client to urge you to continue with the treatment. It is important to explain to them that you have just created an open wound, and, for their own protection, you will treat the wound, cover it up, and refrain from continuing any treatments on that cuticle. A nice way to soften this blow would be to offer a complimentary service. Simple treatments, such as an extended massage or hydrating hand treatment can show the client that you are trying to meet their expectations while still keeping their treatment sanitized.
It is important to avoid these mistakes in the future. Excessive nipping is not even necessary. The cuticle is made of dead skin that has released from the underside of the proximal nail fold. This is the skin that nail technicians scrape off the nail plate. What is typically nipped is the eponychium, a rim of dead skin attached to living tissue. The eponychium has a tendency to stick to the nail. If not released, it takes a ride on the nail as it grows and stretches. The best way to prevent this stretching is to perform a manicure and release it or push it away from the nail. Then instruct your client to gently push this surrounding skin back each day. I recommend that they do this after stepping out of the shower as they are drying off. Just a finger wrapped in the towel keeping that skin loose followed with some lotion or cuticle oil is all they need to do. In my personal experience, those clients that followed my orders no longer needed nipping. They were more than happy to follow this regimen because the reward was no more
uncomfortable nipping.

Driven by her unique talent as an award-winning nail technician for more than 19 years, Elaine Watson wears many hats for Cuccio, including vice president of marketing and sales, global education director, and creative innovator of new nail products and gadgets. Her nail art creations have appeared in countless beauty magazines and notable publications and her position allows her to travel the world, spreading her innovative nail designs techniques as well as income building secrets to professionals on every level.