Abstract: This invention is directed to a nail shielding device for use in applying a formaldehyde-containing liquid nail-hardening composition to human nails while protecting the cuticle and surrounding soft skin tissue from contact with said liquid compositions. The shielding device consists of an integral device having a forward end which is placed under the white tip of the nail, side and bottom portions which cover skin adjacent to the side edges of the nail and the bottom portion of the finger, a rear portion to cover the cuticle and skin to the rear of the cuticle, and two transverse apertures between the forward and rearward edges.