What is the primary purpose of a hand soak in a manicure?

The primary purpose of a hand soak in a manicure is to soften the cuticles. Soaking the hands in warm water, often with added ingredients like mild soap or oils, helps to loosen the skin around the nails and ensures that the cuticles are more pliable. This makes it easier for the manicurist to trim or push back the cuticles without causing damage or discomfort to the client. Softening the cuticles is a crucial step in the manicure process, as it aids in achieving a neat and polished appearance.

While moisturizing is a beneficial effect of a hand soak, the main goal is specifically to prepare the cuticles for further grooming. Exfoliation, while important in some nail treatments, is not the focus of a standard hand soak. Removing polish is usually done prior to beginning the manicure, rather than being a purpose of the soak itself. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the most important function of the soaking process in a manicure.