If you’re looking at the palm of your hand and you can see the underside of your nails extending past the tips of your fingers, you have what manicurists call a "free edge." It’s not bad or dangerous, so long as you make sure you’re washing and sanitizing in and around the underside and crevices of the nail edge. "Virus and bacteria can thrive in a warm and moist environment, like under your fingernails," says celebrity nail stylist Elle . "If you have long nails, the best practice is to use a proper scrub brush on the underside using soap and water, and sing the A-B-Cs while you're cleaning them to make sure you're taking your time to get rid of any dirt or bacteria."