This is a type of manicure that uses a water soak to soften the cuticles and proximal nail fold. This is to make cuticle removal easy and the frame of skin at the base of the nail (the proximal nail fold) soft in order that it can be gently eased back.
It is important during this process that the seal in the area is not broken as pathogens can enter and reach the matrix.
This is a method that has been used for decades and is the one that has been taught since early in the 20th century. However, the main purpose is to allow for easy and safe cuticle removal. It did, however have an adverse effect of soaking the nail plate.
The nail plate is capable of soaking up a lot of water. This has the effect of swelling the nail plate and can break the bonds between the nail plate cells. It also changes it shape temporarily. The water will evaporate but applying a coating on a swollen nail plate is not ideal.
There are other alternatives.
