1. Prep the Nails
• Soak your hands: Soften your cuticles by soaking your hands in warm water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Push back the cuticles: Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently push back dead skin and reveal the excess cuticle around the proximal nail plate.
• Dry thoroughly: Pat your hands dry so you have a clear, non-slippery view of the translucent dead skin.
2. Engage the Side Spring
• Flip or pivot the side spring (metal arm) into its working position so it pushes the handles apart and creates tension for smooth, spring-loaded clipping.
3. Position and Clip
• Hold the tool: Grip the handles firmly, keeping your index finger near the joint for balance and to act as a guard so you don't cut too deep.
• Target dead skin only: Use only the upper 1/3 of the jaw blades to precision-cut dead, hanging skin or dry cuticle edges. Never cut live, pink skin.
• Make small snips: Cut in tiny, controlled sections (about 2–3 mm at a time) following the natural curve of the nail. Do not pull or rip the skin. Release the blades after each snip.
4. Clean and Care
• Wipe the nail area with a damp cotton pad or gauze to remove debris.
• Wash your hands and apply cuticle oil or hand lotion to rehydrate the skin.
• Disinfect your side-spring clippers with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic wipe after every use