After immersing the hand in hot oil, what should the manicurist apply?

After immersing the hand in hot oil, the appropriate action for the manicurist is to apply cuticle solvent. The hot oil treatment typically serves to soften the cuticles and nourish the skin, making it easier to manage the cuticle area. Applying cuticle solvent helps to further soften and dissolve any stubborn cuticle buildup, facilitating easier removal. This ensures that the cuticles are primed for trimming or pushing back, leading to a cleaner and more polished look for the nails.

Using lotion is beneficial for moisturizing but does not specifically target the cuticle area or aid in its preparation for grooming. Nail tips, which are artificial extensions glued to the natural nail, are not relevant immediately following an oil treatment as the focus is mainly on cuticle care and nail hygiene. Pumice powder is typically used for exfoliation and smoothening rough skin, but it is not appropriate following an oil soak, as the primary goal at that point is to care for and manage the softened cuticles. Therefore, cuticle solvent is the most suitable choice in this scenario.