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You only have to get on Instagram or TikTok to marvel at the wonders of long nails.

Cuticles are the skin that surrounds the very inside edge of your nails where your nail meets your fingers.

Woman with longer nails

Here’s what it’s crucial that you know.

Why are healthy cuticles important for longer nails?

As board-certified dermatologist Dana Stern toldByrdie,“The cuticle is the nail’s protective seal.

Pointing at cuticles

Your cuticles serve a key function of keeping infections away when new nail growth happens.

Unhealthy cuticles also make your nails look bad.

Have you ever noticed how washing your hands several times a day dries out your skin?

Hydrating the cuticle area promotes stronger and more flexible nails that won’t break off.

This way you won’t forget to do it.

Put on the cuticle oil when your skin is still moist so you might lock in more hydration.

Once a day won’t suffice.

For longer and stronger nails, spend a few seconds and massage the oil into your nail bed.