Pushing back the cuticle isn’t just an “extra step” — it’s a crucial part of nail prep.💅🏼 Here’s why: When people hear “cuticle,” they usually think of the visible skin at the base of the nail. But in reality, there’s always a thin, almost invisible layer underneath called the pterygium. It’s made up of dead skin cells that stick to the nail plate and slowly grow over it if not removed. Why removing the pterygium is so important: – It prevents proper adhesion of gel, base coat, or polish. Even