They may just seem like excess skin you can cut away during a manicure, but that skin at the bottom of your nail bed serves an important function. Cuticles are the gatekeepers of the fingers, protecting the body from bacteria, fungus and other germs. So it's important to keep them healthy, and most of all, intact. Usually one of the first things a manicurist will do is apply cuticle softener to your nails. At this point, pay close attention to the next instrument she picks up. If it's clippers or scissors, stop her right there. Cuticles aren't meant to be cut off; they simply need hydration like most other parts of your skin. When cuticles are cut, they subject your nail bed to infection. Even when they're dry and hangnail-prone, they could be allowing in bacteria. That cuticle softener should be used simply to moisturize and ready cuticles to be pushed back, not removed.
Never use metal instruments on cuticles - orangewood sticks or even a dry, soft washcloth is effective in pushing back cuticles without damaging them. It's tempting to want to rip a hangnail off, especially if you don't have clippers handy, and it's getting caught on fabrics. Resist the temptation - use clippers to clip the excess skin close to your finger to prevent cuts and infection. If you can't clip, then put a bandage over your finger until you can. If they tend to be dry in winter, then keep a small bottle of olive oil in the shower. Apply a drop of warm oil to your nail bed when you get out of the shower. And moisturize your nails and cuticles as often as you apply lotion to your hands, preferably each time you wash. Treat your cuticles as well - or better than - the skin on your hands.