First push back the cuticle, then use scissors to trim dead skin. When trimming cuticles or cutting hangnails use caution. Points are very sharp. Maintenance free. If the Scissors ever stick, put a drop of oil in the joint and work back and forth to loosen. * Taking proper, regular care of nails and the skin around them is important (infections can start if the skin is tattered or broken). If you are a nail biter, keeping hands well maintained will naturally make your nails look better, no matter how they ended up short.