Cuticle scissors are small scissors used for trimming the dead skin around the base of the nail bed, the cuticle. They are necessary for proper skin care and to prevent infection if a hangnail develops. A hangnail is a torn strip of skin near the nail that can be very painful and can easily become infected. Cuticle scissors, also known as cuticle trimmers, have extra sharp, curved blades to better fit the area around the nail. They are often used during manicures or pedicures once the cuticle has been gently pushed back with a cuticle stick, also called an orange stick.